Devine Scripture

John 12:7

What does John 12:7 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:7 means

Jesus intervenes to protect Mary’s act and to interpret it: her keeping and using the perfume aligns with the day of His burial. He affirms that what seems wasteful is, in God’s plan, fitting preparation for His death. The anointing thus becomes a prophetic gesture—beauty spent before the ugliness of the cross. Jesus receives it as appropriate to the unique moment at hand. He redirects the conversation from cost to calling, from ledgers to the looming grave. In honoring Mary’s devotion, He also hints that the shadow of burial lies close, and His followers must read events in light of that approaching hour.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Jesus therefore said, Suffer her to keep it against the day of my burying.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Jesus therefore said, Suffer her to keep it against the day of my burying.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Jesus said, Let her be. Let her keep what she has for the day of my death.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Jesus, therefore, said, `Suffer her; for the day of my embalming she hath kept it,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Jesus therefore said: Let her alone, that she may keep it against the day of my burial.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Jesus therefore said, Suffer her to have kept this for the day of my preparation for burial;

Context

With Judas’s motive exposed, Jesus addresses the criticism and shields Mary from shame. He links her anointing to His burial, bringing the theme of His impending death into the center of the gathering. The next verse will balance concern for the poor with the irreplaceable opportunity of Jesus’ bodily presence. Soon the narrative will widen to the crowds drawn by Jesus and Lazarus, increasing the leaders’ hostility and setting the stage for the triumphal entry.

v.6Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein.

v.7This passage

v.8For the poor ye have always with you; but me ye have not always.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 26:12

    For in that she poured this ointment upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

  • John 19:38

    And after these things Joseph of Arimathæa, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took away his body.

  • Zechariah 3:2

    And Jehovah said unto Satan, Jehovah rebuke thee, O Satan; yea, Jehovah that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

  • Luke 23:50

    And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a councillor, a good and righteous man

  • Mark 14:6

    But Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

  • Matthew 26:10

    But Jesus perceiving it said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

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