FocusBurial and costly devotion
Connection to the wholeMary's act is interpreted in relation to Jesus' burial, while hostility extends even to Lazarus because of his witness.
interpretation John 12:3
KJVThen took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Read it in context
Anointing at Bethany
Start reading at John 12:1 (John 12:1 to John 12:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Mary's act is interpreted in relation to Jesus' burial, while hostility extends even to Lazarus because of his witness.
- 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
- 12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
- 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
- 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
- 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
- 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
- 12:7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
- 12:8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
- 12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
- 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
- 12:11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 12:1–12:50): Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Judas, and other guests appear at Bethany. Crowds greet Jesus in Jerusalem; Greeks seek Him through Philip, and Jesus addresses those gathered. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Anointing at Bethany. Read John 12:1 through John 12:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Mary's act is interpreted in relation to Jesus' burial, while hostility extends even to Lazarus because of his witness. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Anointing at Bethany (John 12:1 to John 12:11). Start reading at John 12:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 12:1, John 12:11, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- took John 11:2,28,32 Matt 26:6-13 Mark 14:3-9 Luke 10:38-39
- ointment Ps 132:2 Song 1:12 Song 4:10,13-14
- anointed Mark 14:3 Luke 7:37-38,46
- filled Song 1:3
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 12
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The entry into Jerusalem
John 12:12–19FocusThe king and the witnesses
Connection to the wholeThe crowd's welcome and testimony about Lazarus intensify the leaders' concern and lead toward the arrival of Greek visitors.
interpretation The hour has come
John 12:20–36FocusDeath, fruit, and following
Connection to the wholeJesus uses the grain of wheat and speaks of being lifted up, linking His approaching death with fruitful life and the path of His servants.
interpretation The response to Jesus' ministry
John 12:37–50FocusBelief, confession, and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe chapter gathers the problem of unbelief and fearful concealment, ending with Jesus' declaration about receiving His word and the Father who sent Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.