Mark 14:3
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
Mark 14:3 · King James Version
Meaning
At Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman approached Jesus during a meal and poured an expensive ointment of spikenard on his head. This act of anointing was a gesture of deep respect and honor toward Jesus. The woman's actions symbolize her love and devotion to Jesus, as well as her recognition of his significance. The ointment she used was of high value, showing that she was willing to give her best for him. By breaking the alabaster box and pouring it on Jesus, she demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice her most treasured possession for him. This selfless act of devotion serves as a reminder of the importance of expressing gratitude and love towards others, especially towards those who hold a special place in our hearts. Through this act, the woman exemplified the kind of pure, selfless love that Jesus preached during his time on earth.
Theological Overview
In this particular verse, the theological interpretation focuses on the act of the woman anointing Jesus with a costly ointment. The gesture of the woman breaking the alabaster box and pouring out the ointment on Jesus' head symbolizes an extravagant display of love, devotion, and humility towards him. The use of the word "ointment of spikenard very precious" highlights the value of the gift the woman brought to Jesus, emphasizing her deep reverence for him as the Messiah. This act of anointing can also be seen as a prophetic gesture, preparing Jesus for his upcoming crucifixion and burial, foreshadowing his sacrificial death for the sins of humanity. The location of the event, in the house of Simon the leper, adds another layer of meaning, showcasing Jesus' compassion for all, including those considered outcasts or marginalized in society.
Mark 14:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; [and] she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head.
World English Bible
While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard—very costly. She broke the jar, and poured it over his head.
Douay-Rheims
And when he was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, and was at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of precious spikenard. And breaking the alabaster box, she poured it out upon his head.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when hee was in Bethania in the house of Simon the leper, as he sate at table, there came a woman hauing a boxe of oyntment of spikenarde, very costly, and shee brake the boxe, and powred it on his head.