Matthew 26:6-7
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What's easy to miss is that Simon, the host, was likely a leper whom Jesus had healed. This detail highlights Jesus's ongoing mission to love and restore, even those society excluded, by including him in this significant moment.
Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just days before his crucifixion, Jesus is gathered with his disciples in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper. This intimate setting, where Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary are also present, quickly becomes the backdrop for a profound act of devotion that foreshadows Jesus' death. The scene is set against the backdrop of the chief priests plotting to kill Jesus, making this moment a stark contrast between betrayal and selfless love.
Why would Jesus dine in the home of a known leper? This setting immediately raises questions and highlights Jesus' radical inclusion.
Simon the Leper
Jesus is at Bethany, a village just outside Jerusalem. The house belongs to a man named Simon, who is identified as 'the leper.' This detail is significant.
A woman breaks a precious jar, anointing Jesus. The disciples are furious, but Jesus sees something far deeper.
A Costly Act of Love
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The central event here is a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. The disciples' reaction is immediate and sharp – they call it a 'waste.'
Jesus declares that this woman's act will be remembered forever. What makes an action worthy of eternal proclamation?
The Gospel's Enduring Testimony
Jesus' words about this anointing are striking: 'Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in remembrance of her.'
Understand the original words
Iēsous · Greek Noun
A title meaning "the Lord is salvation," given to the son of Mary, the incarnate Son of God and Savior of the world who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah.
lepros · Greek Adjective
A skin disease or condition in the ancient Near East that rendered one ritually unclean; it was often viewed as a divine judgment or a state of social exclusion.
alabastron · Greek Noun
A container made of a translucent stone often used for costly perfumes or ointments; it symbolizes high value and honor in an act of devotion.
myron · Greek Noun
A substance used for medicinal, aromatic, or ritual purposes (like anointing for burial); in Scripture, it often symbolizes an act of extravagant worship or preparation for death.
This event occurs shortly before Jesus' crucifixion, amidst rising tensions and a specific plot against Him. The intimate setting in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, highlights the contrast between divine purpose and human plotting, and the deep devotion of some followers amidst betrayal.
c. AD 30, early spring
Jesus heals Lazarus
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany. This miracle draws significant attention and likely contributes to the plot against Jesus.
c. AD 30, March
Plot against Jesus intensifies
The chief priests and scribes, alarmed by Jesus' popularity and the raising of Lazarus, meet to plan His arrest and execution, though they want to avoid a public disturbance during Passover.
c. AD 30, March— this verse
Supper at Simon the leper's house
Jesus attends a dinner in Bethany. He is hosted by Simon, who may have been healed of leprosy by Jesus. Lazarus is present, and his sister Martha serves.
c. AD 30, March
Woman anoints Jesus
A woman, likely Mary of Bethany, anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume. This act is seen by some disciples as wasteful, sparking a debate.
c. AD 30, March
Judas' betrayal initiated
Disturbed by the perceived waste of the ointment, Judas Iscariot's anger intensifies, and he agrees to betray Jesus to the authorities for silver.
c. AD 30, March
Jesus predicts His death
Jesus interprets the anointing as preparation for His burial and foretells His impending death and resurrection, emphasizing His willing sacrifice.
This passage describes the same event of Jesus being anointed in Bethany, providing the identity of the woman (Mary) and clarifying that the host was likely Lazarus' family, adding detail to the setting.
Luke 7:36-38This parallel account describes a woman anointing Jesus' feet with tears and perfume, highlighting a similar act of devotion and Jesus' acceptance, though with different circumstances and interpretations.
Isaiah 53:10This Old Testament prophecy foreshadows the suffering servant's death as a 'guilt offering,' which resonates with the costly anointing as a symbolic preparation for Jesus' atoning sacrifice.
John 11:2This verse identifies Mary and Martha as the sisters of Lazarus in Bethany, directly connecting to the household where Jesus is being hosted, and hinting at the significance of Lazarus' recent resurrection.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4Paul speaks about not being judged by others but by the Lord, which echoes Jesus' defense of the woman against the disciples' criticism, emphasizing that true value is determined by God's approval, not human opinion.
calvinMatthew 26:1-13: "And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,"
- 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 called Caiaphas, 4. And entered into consultation how they would take Jesus b…
barnesMatthew 26:6: "Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,"
In Bethany - See the notes at Matthew 21:1 . Simon the leper - Simon, who had been a leper. Leper - See the notes at Matthew 8:1. It was unlawful to eat with persons that had the leprosy, and it is more than probable, therefore, that this Simon had been healed - perhaps by our Lord himself. John Joh 12:1 says that this was the house where Lazarus was, who had been raised from the dead. Probably Lazarus was a relativ…
What's easy to miss is that Simon, the host, was likely a leper whom Jesus had healed. This detail highlights Jesus's ongoing mission to love and restore, even those society excluded, by including him in this significant moment.
Just days before his crucifixion, Jesus is gathered with his disciples in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper. This intimate setting, where Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary are also present, quickly becomes the backdrop for a profound act of devotion that foreshadows Jesus' death. The scene is set against the backdrop of the chief priests plotting to kill Jesus, making this moment a stark contrast between betrayal and selfless love.
Just days before his crucifixion, Jesus is gathered with his disciples in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper. This intimate setting, where Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary are also present, quickly becomes the backdrop for a profound act of devotion that foreshadows Jesus' death. The scene is set against the backdrop of the chief priests plotting to kill Jesus, making this moment a stark contrast between betrayal and selfless love.
"Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table." — What's easy to miss is that Simon, the host, was likely a leper whom Jesus had healed. This detail highlights Jesus's ongoing mission to love and restore, even those society excluded, by including hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
