She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just accept her loving act; he reframes it, explaining to his critics that she's not merely showing devotion, but prophetically preparing his body for burial. This insight transforms a gesture of affection into a profound, unintended prophecy, highlighting the spiritual discernment she possessed beyond the disciples' understanding.
She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While religious leaders are plotting Jesus' death and the Passover feast is approaching, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. His disciples, particularly Judas, criticize this as a waste, but Jesus defends her actions, stating she has prepared his body for burial. He also declares that her act will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
Ever feel like your best isn't good enough? Jesus introduces a powerful idea about our offerings to Him.
Jesus’ words, 'She has done what she could,' are a profound affirmation. This isn't just about the quantity or quality of the gift, but the intention and effort behind it.
Acknowledging the Heart
An act of devotion seems to miss the mark, but Jesus reveals its stunning prophetic significance.
The disciples saw a waste of expensive perfume. Jesus saw a profound, Spirit-led act of preparation for His impending death.
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Anointing for the Grave
Understand the original words
aleiphō · Greek Verb
The act of smearing oil on someone or something, often symbolizing setting apart for a special purpose, divine favor, or, as in this context, preparation for burial. In the OT, it is associated with consecration, such as for kings or priests.
c. AD 30, about six days before Passover
Jesus arrives in Bethany
Jesus arrives in Bethany, likely staying with his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This event precedes the Passover feast and the final events leading to his crucifixion.
c. AD 30, about five days before Passover— this verse
Woman anoints Jesus
A woman, identified as Mary (sister of Lazarus), anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume. Some disciples, notably Judas, protest this act as wasteful, but Jesus defends her, stating she has anointed his body in preparation for his burial.
c. AD 30, two days before Passover
Jewish leaders plot Jesus' death
The chief priests and scribes meet to conspire how to arrest and kill Jesus, deciding to postpone the action until after the Passover feast to avoid public unrest.
c. AD 30, Thursday of Passover week
The Last Supper
Jesus shares the final Passover meal with his disciples, during which he institutes the Lord's Supper and predicts his betrayal and denial.
c. AD 30, Friday of Passover week
Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus is crucified and then buried, fulfilling the prophecy implied by Mary's anointing and aligning with the Passover symbolism.
This passage clarifies Mary's intention was to prepare Jesus for burial, echoing Mark's emphasis on this action's prophetic significance.
Matthew 26:10-12Jesus' response here, similar to Mark, defends the woman's action and highlights the immediate contrast between serving Him and serving the poor.
Exodus 30:22-33This Old Testament passage describes the anointing oil used for consecrating priests and sacred objects, showing a parallel in the sacred use of precious oils, though here applied to the ultimate sacrifice.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse shows God's perspective, that He looks at the heart, which parallels Jesus seeing beyond the disciples' criticism to the woman's true devotion and intent.
2 Corinthians 8:12Paul's teaching on cheerful giving, 'if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have,' strongly echoes Jesus' praise of the woman, 'She has done what she could.'
calvinMark 14:1-9: "After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death."
- And it happened when Jesus had finished all these discourses, he said to his disciples, 2. You know that after two days is the passover; and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. 3. Then were assembled the chief priests, and scribes, and elders of the people, in the palace of the high priest, who was c…
pulpitMark 14:8: "She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying."
Verse 8. - She hath done what she could. She seized the opportunity, which might not occur again, of doing honor to her Lord by anointing him with her very best. Our Lord might have excused this action, and have praised it as a practical evidence of her gratitude, her humility, and her love for him. But instead of dwelling on these things, he said, She hath anointed my body aforehand for the buryi…
Jesus doesn't just accept her loving act; he reframes it, explaining to his critics that she's not merely showing devotion, but prophetically preparing his body for burial. This insight transforms a gesture of affection into a profound, unintended prophecy, highlighting the spiritual discernment she possessed beyond the disciples' understanding.
While religious leaders are plotting Jesus' death and the Passover feast is approaching, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. His disciples, particularly Judas, criticize this as a waste, but Jesus defends her actions, stating she has prepared his body for burial. He also declares that her act will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
While religious leaders are plotting Jesus' death and the Passover feast is approaching, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. His disciples, particularly Judas, criticize this as a waste, but Jesus defends her actions, stating she has prepared his body for burial. He also declares that her act will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
"She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial." — Jesus doesn't just accept her loving act; he reframes it, explaining to his critics that she's not merely showing devotion, but prophetically preparing his body for burial. This insight transforms a…
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Last reviewed October 2026