Devine Scripture

Mark 14:9

What does Mark 14:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:9 means

Jesus promises that wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be told in memory of her. He ties her act to the proclamation of His death and resurrection, giving her a place in the story of salvation. The good news draws out and celebrates such devotion. Her love becomes a model not of extravagance for its own sake but of discerning, timely honor to Jesus. A nameless woman is memorialized globally, while famous leaders plot in the shadows. Jesus values faith-filled acts and ensures they are woven into the witness about Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And truly I say to you, Wherever the good news goes out through all the earth, what this woman has done will be talked of in memory of her.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Verily I say to you, wherever this good news may be proclaimed in the whole world, what also this woman did shall be spoken of--for a memorial of her.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Amen, I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which she hath done shall be told for a memorial of her.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And verily I say unto you, Wheresoever these glad tidings may be preached in the whole world, what this [woman] has done shall be also spoken of for a memorial of her.

Context

Having explained the burial significance, Jesus now expands the scope: the woman’s deed will accompany the gospel’s spread. This climactic commendation concludes the Bethany scene. The narrative will pivot from love to betrayal as Judas goes to the chief priests. The juxtaposition serves Mark’s purpose: the heart that esteems Jesus above cost stands beside the heart that will sell Him for a price. The worldwide note anticipates mission after Jesus’ resurrection, while the next verses plunge into the dark mechanics of the conspiracy to hand Him over.

v.8She hath done what she could; she hath anointed my body beforehand for the burying.

v.9This passage

v.10And Judas Iscariot, he that was one of the twelve, went away unto the chief priests, that he might deliver him unto them.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 26:12

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

  • Psalms 112:6

    For he shall never be moved; The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.

  • Zechariah 6:14

    And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of Jehovah.

  • Mark 16:15

    And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

  • Matthew 24:14

    And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come.

  • Numbers 31:54

    And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tent of meeting, for a memorial for the children of Israel before Jehovah.

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