King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:13 Mean?

Matthew 26:13 in the King James Version says “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this wo... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

Matthew 26:13 · KJV


Context

11

For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

12

For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

13

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

14

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

15

And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verily I say unto you—The solemn formula amen lego humin (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν) introduces authoritative pronouncement. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world—Jesus prophesies global evangelization (en holo to kosmo, ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ, 'in the whole world'). Before His death, He envisions worldwide proclamation of the euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), the 'good news' of His redemptive work.

There shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her—Mary's devotion receives Christ's ultimate commendation: eternal remembrance wherever the gospel spreads. Her name becomes inseparable from gospel proclamation itself. While Judas's name means 'betrayer,' Mary's deed exemplifies abandoned worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

When Jesus spoke this, Christianity didn't exist as a movement. His prediction of global gospel proclamation was audacious—yet fulfilled. For 2,000 years, Mary's anointing has been recounted in every language and culture, immortalizing her worship in Scripture itself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's promise to memorialize Mary's worship demonstrate that God values our devotion more than our achievements?
  2. What acts of devotion to Christ might seem 'wasteful' to the world but will receive eternal commendation from Jesus?

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

ἐὰν5 of 21
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

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

ἐν10 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὅλῳ11 of 21

the whole

G3650

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

τῷ12 of 21
G3588

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

κόσμῳ13 of 21

world

G2889

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

λαληθήσεται14 of 21

be told

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

καὶ15 of 21

there shall also

G2532

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

16 of 21
G3739

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

ἐποίησεν17 of 21

hath done

G4160

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

αὐτῆς18 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

εἰς19 of 21

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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 26:13 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 Matthew 26:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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