John 12:3

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - John 12:3

3. spikenard—or pure nard, a celebrated aromatic (Song of Solomon 1:12). anointed the feet of Jesus—and "poured it on His head" (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3). The only use of this was to refresh and exhilarate—a grateful compliment in the East, amidst the closeness of a heated atmosphere, with many guests at a feast. Such was the form in which Mary's love to Christ, at so much cost to herself, poured itself out. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - John 12:1-8

3. Mary’s anointing of Jesus 12:1-8 (cf. Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9)In contrast to the hatred that the religious leaders manifested stands the love that Mary demonstrated toward the One she had come to believe in. Her act of sacrificial devotion is a model for all true disciples. This is the climax of belief in this section of the Gospel that records Jesus’ public ministry (John 1:19 to John 12:50). Chapter 12 records Jesus’ last teaching before the general public. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - John 12:3

Mary anointed Jesus with a litre of ointment. The Greek litre equaled about 11 ounces and was a lavish amount to pour out on someone. Its quantity indicates Mary’s great love and high regard for Jesus. The ointment was nard or spikenard, an Indian oil that came from the roots (i.e., spikes, therefore "spikenard") of the nard plant. [Note: Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, s.v. "Spikenard," by W. E. Shewell-Cooper, 5:502.] It was pure ointment and therefore of a high quality as well... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - John 12:3

12:3 pure (b-10) Or 'liquid;' a word difficult of interpretation, but most likely 'pure.' see Note, Mark 14:3 . read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:1-50

The Triumphal Entry. Close of the Public Ministry1-11. Supper at Bethany (see on Matthew 26:6 and Mark 14:3, which record the same incident). The event in Luke 7:36. is different. The supper was at the house of Simon the leper, a near relation, perhaps the father, of Lazarus and the sisters. St. John alone mentions the name of the woman who anointed Jesus, the quantity of the unguent (1 litre = 12 oz.), and the author of the mean speech, ’Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - John 12:3

(3) Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard.—Here, again, St. John alone gives the name of her whom St. Matthew and St. Mark call “a woman,” and here, too, she is true to the earlier character as we have it drawn in St. Luke (Luke 10:40; Luke 10:42). From this passage also we know that it was a “pound” of ointment which she took. The other accounts tell us that it was an “alabaster box.” This pound was the Greek litra, the Latin “libra,” the pound of twelve ounces.For the “ointment of... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - John 12:1-50

Mixed Motives John 12:9 These words may be read with marked and suggestive differences of emphasis. 'Not for Jesus' sake only 'would seem to be the natural emphasis; 'Not for Jesus' sake only ' would seem to convey another suggestion and meaning. I. Take the words thus: 'Not for Jesus' sake only,' though that might be the principal reason, but also for another reason, namely, that they might see the man whom Jesus Christ had raised from the dead. They did not want to exclude Jesus, but they... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - John 12:1-11

I. THE ANOINTING OF JESUS."Jesus therefore six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead. So they made Him a supper there: and Martha served; but Lazarus was one of them that sat at meat with Him. Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, which should... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - John 12:1-50

CHAPTER 12 1. The Feast at Bethany. (John 12:1-8 .) 2. The Entrance into Jerusalem. (John 12:9-19 .) 3. The Inquiring Greeks and His Answer. (John 12:20-33 .) 4. His Final Words. (John 12:34-50 .) From the close of the previous chapter we learn that the Lord had gone with His disciples to a city called Ephraim. Six days before the Passover He came to Bethany again. They made Him a feast. Lazarus is especially mentioned as well as Martha, who served; Mary also was present with others who were... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:1-50

A SUPPER FOR HIM AT BETHANY (vs.1-8) Six days before the Passover He returned to the area of Jerusalem, coming by way of Jericho, as Luke shows us (Luke 19:1-28). These days He spent in ministering mainly in the temple (Luke 21:37); yet the enmity of the Jews could do nothing until God's appointed Passover Day. At Bethany a supper is made for Him (in the house of Simon the leper -- Matthew 26:6), for there has been much affection awakened toward Him in this village. We may be sure He valued... read more