Devine Scripture

Mark 14:6

What does Mark 14:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:6 means

Jesus intervenes to defend the woman: “Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.” He identifies her act as beautiful and appropriate. He does not dismiss concern for the poor, but He insists that honoring Him, in this unique hour, is fitting. Jesus reads motives better than those who criticize. By calling it a good work “on me,” He reveals that proper worship centers on His person. He protects the vulnerable worshiper from shame, affirming that heartfelt sacrifice, done out of love for Him, is never wasted.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus said, Let her be; why are you troubling her? she has done a kind act to me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus said, `Let her alone; why are ye giving her trouble? a good work she wrought on me;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus said: Let her alone. Why do You molest her? She hath wrought a good work upon me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus said, Let her alone; why do ye trouble her? she has wrought a good work as to me;

Context

The critics’ scolding reaches its peak, and Jesus answers decisively. His defense reframes the event, preparing the reader to see the anointing as preparation for burial in the next verse. His words also teach the disciples how to evaluate acts of devotion—by their relation to Him, not by human measures alone. This defense stands between murmured indignation and the solemn declaration about the poor and Jesus’ impending absence. The scene is moving toward Jesus’ prophetic interpretation and memorial promise, even as betrayal plans are brewing offstage.

v.5For this ointment might have been sold for above three hundred shillings, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

v.6This passage

v.7For ye have the poor always with you, and whensoever ye will ye can do them good: but me ye have not always.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  • Acts 9:36

    Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

  • 1 Timothy 6:18

    that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

  • 2 Corinthians 9:8

    And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:

  • Titus 3:8

    Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:

  • 2 Timothy 3:17

    that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

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