John 12:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:3

A sister's expression of gratitude. What a remarkable company was here gathered together! 1. Jesus, within about a week of his death, and distinctly apprehending what was before him. 2. His host, Simon the leper, not mentioned here, but mentioned by Matthew and Mark—a man who, in all probability, had his own occasion of gratitude to Jesus. 3. Lazarus, just brought back from the grave, and in company with Jesus, who was going down to it. 4. Martha and Mary. 5. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:3-8

The immortal box of ointment. We have here— I. THE OFFERING OF LOVE . "Then took Mary," etc. 1. This offering of love is made to its Object . Jesus was the Object of Mary's supreme love, and him she now anoints. We may look at her act as: 2. This offering of love somewhat corresponds with the love it expresses . Think of this ointment, the offering of Mary's love. 3. This offering of love was made in a very suitable and interesting manner . II. THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:4

But Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples £ , who was about to betray him, said. The speaker here is singled out by name. Matthew refers the speech to the disciples generally, in whom the suggestion of Judas had stirred up (without guile or blame on their part) a not unnatural inquiry. Mark says "some" murmured to themselves, "Why this waste?" (loss, destruction). John (without the malice which Renan has attributed to the writer) mentions the source of the suggestion, "Judas Iscariot,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:5-6

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? Sinful motive often hides itself under the mask of reverence for another virtue. In Mark's Gospel the same price was put upon the pound of pure nard as that which is mentioned here—about f10 of our money. Christ had given emphatic advice about generosity to the poor, and even during this very week ( John 13:29 ) it is clear that his words were not forgotten, and in his great discourse, probably also delivered... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:7

The two readings of the text must here be compared with one another and with the synoptic narrative. The T.R. reads, Let her alone: £ unto the day of the preparation for my burial she has carefully guarded this precious perfume . This is, in one sense, that very day, and she has found out the solemn fact in a way in which the disciples had as yet failed to do. With this agrees the language of the synoptists," Why trouble ye the woman? she hath wrought a good work on me;… she hath... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 12:1

Then Jesus came to Bethany - This was near to Jerusalem, and it was from this place that he made his triumphant entry into the city. See the notes at Matthew 21:1. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 12:2-8

See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 26:3-16.John 12:2A supper - At the house of Simon the leper, Matthew 26:6.Lazarus was ... - The names of Martha and Lazarus are mentioned because it was not in their own house, but in that of Simon. Lazarus is particularly mentioned, since it was so remarkable that one who had been once dead should be enjoying again the endearments of friendship. This shows, also, that his resurrection was no illusion - that he was really restored to the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 12:1-2

John 12:1-2. Six days before the passover Namely, on the sabbath; that which was called by the Jews, The great sabbath. This whole week was anciently termed, The great and holy week; Jesus came From Ephraim, whither he had retired with his disciples, to preserve his life for a time from the murderous designs of the Jewish rulers; to Bethany The village where he had lately (Calmet thinks about two months before) raised Lazarus from the dead. There they made him a supper In testimony... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 12:3-8

John 12:3-8. Then took Mary a pound of ointment, &c. See notes on Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:1-9. She did what is here related in token of the warm sense she had of the many favours Christ had conferred on her and her relations, but especially for the wonderful kindness he had lately shown to her brother Lazarus. Then saith Judas, Why was not this ointment sold, &c. Judas was angry because his Master had not taken the ointment with a view to sell it, pretending that the price... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - John 12:1-11

118. Jesus returns to Bethany (John 12:1-11)Before going on to Jerusalem, Jesus returned to Bethany, where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. Mary, believing this was probably the last time Jesus would be with them, showed her devotion by washing his feet with expensive perfume (John 12:1-4). Judas objected that the use of expensive perfume in this way was a waste of money. In answer Jesus told his disciples that he would be with them only a little longer, then would be crucified. He saw Mary’s... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:3

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:3-8

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:4

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:5-6

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 12:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 12:2-8

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 12:1-2

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 12:3-8

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - John 12:1-11

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