Mark - 14:5



5 For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." They grumbled against her.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Mark 14:5.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
For this ointment might have been sold for above three hundred shillings, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
for this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor. And they spoke very angrily at her.
For this ointment might have been sold for above three hundred pence, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
for this could have been sold for more than three hundred denaries, and given to the poor;' and they were murmuring at her.
For that ointment might have been sold for fifteen pounds or more, and the money have been given to the poor." And they were exceedingly angry with her.
We might have got more than three hundred pence for it, and given the money to the poor. And they said things against her among themselves.
For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and been given to the poor." And they murmured against her.
This perfume could have been sold for more than a year's wages, and the money given to the poor."

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Three hundred pence - About forty dollars (or 9 British pounds). See the notes at Matthew 26:7.

It might have been sold - το μυρον, This ointment, is added by ABCDKL, thirty-five others, Ethiopic, Armenian, Gothic, all the Itala except one. Griesbach has received it into the text. The sum mentioned here would amount to nearly 10 sterling.

For it might have been sold for more than (a) three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
(a) Which is about six English pounds.

For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence,.... Which, was to the value of our money nine pounds, seven shillings, and sixpence:
and given to the poor; which was thought to be a better way of expending it, than by pouring it on the head of Christ:
and they murmured against her: that she should lavish so much money away in such an imprudent manner; they reproved her for it, expressed much resentment at it, and were very angry with, her upon the account of it; See Gill on Matthew 26:8, Matthew 26:9.

For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence--between nine and ten pounds sterling.
and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her--"This he said," remarks John (John 12:6), and the remark is of exceeding importance, "not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and had the bag"--the scrip or treasure chest--"and bare what was put therein"--not "bare it off" by theft, as some understand it. It is true that he did this; but the expression means simply that he had charge of it and its contents, or was treasurer to Jesus and the Twelve. What a remarkable arrangement was this, by which an avaricious and dishonest person was not only taken into the number of the Twelve, but entrusted with the custody of their little property! The purposes which this served are obvious enough; but it is further noticeable, that the remotest hint was never given to the Eleven of his true character, nor did the disciples most favored with the intimacy of Jesus ever suspect him, till a few minutes before he voluntarily separated himself from their company--for ever!

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