John 12:6 NIV

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 12:5-6

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

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 12:3-8

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 12:6

for = concerning. Greek peri. App-104 . thief. Greek. kleptes. The same word as in John 10:1 , John 10:8 , John 10:10 . Matthew 6:19 ; Matthew 24:43 , &c. Not the same as in Matthew 21:18 ; Matthew 26:63 ; Matthew 27:38 . Luke 10:30 . That is lestes, and should be translated "robber", as in John 10:1 , John 10:8 ; John 18:40 . the bag . Greek. glossokomon. Only here and John 13:29 . Used in the Septuagint of the chest made by command of Joash (2 Chronicles 24:8-11 ). The word means a... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - John 12:6

Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein.Richardson wrote that "St. John adds some disparaging remarks about his (Judas') character and conduct."[7] Since "disparage" means "to undervalue," it would have been enlightening if Richardson had told us what higher value he placed upon Judas' character and conduct than that which is stated here. It is incorrect to believe that John here improperly added to the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - John 12:6

John 12:6. And bare what was put therein.— And carried off what was put into it. Elsner; who refers to John 20:15.Matthew 3:11; Matthew 3:11; Mat 8:17 for instances of such an use of the word; εβασταζεν : but it by no means appears that the word is ever used in a bad sense. The meaning here seems to be, not only that Judas had the keeping of the bag at that time, but that it was his stated office to take care of it, and manage its stock. Dr. Heylin renders the clause very well thus: And bearing... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - John 12:6

6. had the bag—the purse. bare what was put therein—not, bare it off by theft, though that he did; but simply, had charge of its contents, was treasurer to Jesus and the Twelve. How worthy of notice is this arrangement, by which an avaricious and dishonest person was not only taken into the number of the Twelve, but entrusted with the custody of their little property! The purposes which this served are obvious enough; but it is further noticeable, that the remotest hint was never given to the... 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