Study Desk

While he was in Bethany,^(f) reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.^(g)

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume?

It could have been sold for more than a year's wages^[a] and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.

"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

The poor you will always have with you,^[b] and you can help them any time you want.^(h) But you will not always have me.

She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.⁽ⁱ⁾

Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world,^(j) what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."