Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:10

What does Matthew 26:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:10 means

Jesus defends the woman, asking why they trouble her and calling what she did 'a good work.' He recognizes the spiritual value of her deed and rebukes the disciples’ criticism. Jesus’ question exposes their misplaced priorities and invites them to honor genuine worship. By labeling the act 'good,' he elevates personal devotion above their practical objections and highlights the woman's discernment of his impending suffering. The verse shows Jesus’ sensitivity to sincere acts of love and his willingness to honor them despite popular or practical objections.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus, seeing it, said to them, Why are you troubling the woman? she has done a kind act to me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having known, said to them, `Why do ye give trouble to the woman? for a good work she wrought for me;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus knowing it, said to them: Why do you trouble this woman? For she hath wrought a good work upon me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus knowing [it] said to them, Why do ye trouble the woman? for she has wrought a good work toward me.

Context

Placed immediately after the disciples’ complaint, Jesus’ defense reframes the narrative. It transitions the scene from conflict to instruction, and prepares the explanation that follows about burial. The verse underscores the theme of true worship and loyalty versus misguided piety and sets the stage for Jesus’ theological claim that this act anticipates his death.

v.9For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

v.10This passage

v.11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 13:21

    make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Galatians 6:17

    Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.

  • 2 Timothy 2:21

    If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master’s use, prepared unto every good work.

  • Job 13:7

    Will ye speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him?

  • 1 Timothy 5:10

    well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.

  • Titus 1:16

    They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

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