Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:11

What does Matthew 26:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:11 means

Jesus notes that the poor are always present and can be helped, but he will not be with them indefinitely. He does not dismiss the moral duty to aid the poor; rather, he emphasizes the unique opportunity to honor him now. The statement underscores the urgency and singularity of the moment: anointing him is an act fitting for someone soon to die. Jesus points to the temporal nature of his earthly presence and the special significance of current devotion toward him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the poor you have ever with you, but me you have not for ever.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the poor always ye have with you, and me ye have not always;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For the poor you have always with you: but me you have not always.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always.

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ defense and explains the priority of the woman’s action. It balances social responsibility with recognition of an extraordinary occasion. The timing is crucial: Jesus is nearing his death, so this is a moment to honor him directly. The reader sees a pastoral correction: charity is ongoing, but honoring Christ at this hour has a meaning that transcends regular expectations.

v.10But Jesus perceiving it said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

v.11This passage

v.12For in that she poured this ointment upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

Cross references

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

  • John 13:33

    Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say unto you.

  • Matthew 28:20

    teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

  • John 17:11

    And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are.

  • Acts 3:21

    whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old.

  • Galatians 2:10

    only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.

  • 1 John 3:17

    But whoso hath the world’s goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him?

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