Devine Scripture

Mark 14:8

What does Mark 14:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:8 means

Jesus interprets the woman’s act: she did what she could, anointing His body ahead of time for burial. He receives her devotion as a prophetic act that aligns with God’s plan. “She hath done what she could” commends wholehearted service within one’s means and moment. The anointing anticipates that His death will come swiftly, leaving little time for customary rites. By connecting her action to His burial, Jesus makes His approaching death central and inevitable. Her love does not prevent His death; it dignifies it. She honors the Suffering Servant, recognizing—perhaps more than the others—that the cross is near.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

She hath done what she could; she hath anointed my body beforehand for the burying.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

She hath done what she could; she hath anointed my body beforehand for the burying.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

She has done what she was able: she has put oil on my body to make it ready for its last resting-place.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

what she could she did, she anticipated to anoint my body for the embalming.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

She hath done what she could: she is come beforehand to anoint my body for the burial.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

What she could she has done. She has beforehand anointed my body for the burial.

Context

After defending the woman, Jesus now explains her action’s meaning. This is the interpretive key for the anointing scene and for the chapter ahead. The burial note points forward to Jesus’ death after the Last Supper and His hasty entombment. It teaches the disciples to read events theologically, not merely economically. Next, Jesus will declare that her deed will be remembered wherever the gospel goes, placing it within the wider mission. This high commendation will be followed abruptly by Judas’ decision to betray, heightening the contrast between devotion and treachery.

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

v.8This passage

v.9And verily I say unto you, Wheresoever the gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1

    Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

  • John 19:32

    The soldiers therefore came, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:12

    For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:1

    And David the king said unto all the assembly, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great; for the palace is not for man, but for Jehovah God.

  • Luke 23:53

    And he took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was hewn in stone, where never man had yet lain.

  • 2 Chronicles 31:20

    And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah; and he wrought that which was good and right and faithful before Jehovah his God.

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