Mark 14:4-5

Mark 14:4-5

[4] And  some  that had indignation  within  themselves,  Why  this  waste  of the ointment  made?  [5] For  might  have been sold  for more than  three hundred  pence,  and  have been given  to the poor.  And  they murmured against  her. 

What does Mark 14:4-5 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Apparently Judas Iscariot voiced the disciples" violent objection (Gr. embrimaomai, cf. Mark 10:14) to Mary"s act of loving sacrifice ( Matthew 26:8; John 12:4-5). Customarily Jews gave gifts to the poor the evening of Passover. [1] Mary"s gift to Jesus was worth a year"s wages. The disciples could see no reason for this "waste" because they did not understand that Jesus" death was imminent. Their concern for the poor contrasts with her concern for Jesus.