King James Version

What Does Mark 14:9 Mean?

Mark 14:9 in the King James Version says “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath don... — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Mark 14:9 · KJV


Context

7

For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

8

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

9

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

10

And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.

11

And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world (ὅπου ἐὰν κηρυχθῇ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, hopou ean kērychthē to euangelion)—Jesus prophesies the global spread of the gospel message with divine certainty. The verb κηρυχθῇ (kērychthē) means "proclaimed" or "heralded," the same term used for royal announcements. This also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her (μνημόσυνον, mnēmosynon) eternally honors this woman's sacrificial devotion.

Jesus grants her act immortality in the gospel narrative itself—her unnamed deed (anointing Jesus for burial) outlasts the named deeds of kings and emperors. The memorial (mnēmosynon) isn't a monument of stone but living proclamation. While Judas sought monetary gain (v. 11), she gave extravagantly. While religious leaders plotted death (v. 1), she prepared Jesus for burial. Her act models wholehearted worship that sees Christ's worth and gives accordingly, foreshadowing the worldwide church's worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy, spoken in a small Palestinian village around AD 30, has been literally fulfilled—for nearly 2,000 years, this woman's act has been "spoken of" wherever Mark's Gospel is read. Her anonymity (Mark doesn't name her, though John 12:3 identifies her as Mary of Bethany) makes her a model for all disciples—fame isn't the goal; faithful devotion is. The phrase "throughout the whole world" (ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ) was staggering in first-century Palestine, where the gospel was known only in Judea. Jesus' prophetic certainty revealed divine foreknowledge and the gospel's unstoppable advance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' eternal memorializing of this woman's devotion challenge worldly pursuits of fame and recognition?
  2. What acts of costly devotion to Christ might seem "wasteful" to pragmatic observers but precious to Jesus?
  3. How does the contrast between this woman's worship and Judas's betrayal expose the heart's true treasure?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἀμὴν1 of 21

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω2 of 21

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν3 of 21

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅπου4 of 21

Wheresoever

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἂν5 of 21
G302

whatsoever

κηρυχθῇ6 of 21

shall be preached

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

τὸ7 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγέλιον8 of 21

gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦτο9 of 21

this

G5124

that thing

εἰς10 of 21

of for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὅλον11 of 21

the whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὸν12 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμον13 of 21

world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

καὶ14 of 21

this also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

15 of 21
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐποίησεν16 of 21

hath done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὕτη17 of 21

that she

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

λαληθήσεται18 of 21

shall be spoken

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

εἰς19 of 21

of for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

μνημόσυνον20 of 21

a memorial

G3422

a reminder (memorandum), i.e., record

αὐτῆς21 of 21

of her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 14:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 14:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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