Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:6

What does Matthew 26:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:6 means

Jesus is in Bethany at Simon the leper’s house, showing his connection with marginalized people and close friends. Bethany is a place of hospitality and intimacy in Jesus’ ministry. Simon the leper’s home serves as a setting for a significant, devotional act that follows. The reference to Simon locates the scene concretely and points to Jesus’ habit of entering homes where the socially outcast or humble gathered—a sign of his identification with the lowly and his engagement in personal relationships right before the public crisis.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having been in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus being in Bethany, in Simon the leper's house,

Context

This verse moves the scene from plotting leaders to a private, tender moment in Bethany. It transitions the narrative to an anointing event which contrasts devotion with conspiracy. The setting in Simon’s house frames the following story of a woman anointing Jesus—an act of worship that anticipates his burial. The reader should note the juxtaposition: while opponents scheme, friends honor Jesus.

v.5But they said, Not during the feast, lest a tumult arise among the people.

v.6This passage

v.7there came unto him a woman having an alabaster cruse of exceeding precious ointment, and she poured it upon his head, as he sat at meat.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 21:17

    And he left them, and went forth out of the city to Bethany, and lodged there.

  • Luke 7:37

    And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment,

  • John 11:1

    Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

  • Mark 11:12

    And on the morrow, when they were come out from Bethany, he hungered.

  • John 12:1

    Jesus therefore six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead.

  • Mark 14:3

    And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head.

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