Bible Strands
Mark 14:5
It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Some present speakers question a woman’s use of perfume while gathered with Jesus, framing her act as a financial loss before Jesus defends her.
The words — ἠδύνατο (ēdunato) means “was possible,” and πραθῆναι (prathēnai) translates to “to have been sold,” establishing the critics’ hypothetical valuation of the oil.
The thread — The objection mirrors the grumbling against divine provision in Exodus 16:7, the financial suspicions surrounding Judas in John 13:29, and the resentment over perceived inequity in Matthew 20:11.
Why it lands — The text records the critics’ calculation that the oil could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and given to the poor, demanding the reader examine whether practical utility should override devoted action.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
Cross-references
- Matthew 20:11 On receiving their pay, they began to grumble against the landowner.
- John 13:29 Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.
- Exodus 16:7 and in the morning you will see the LORD’s glory, because He has heard your grumbling against Him. For who are we, that you should grumble against us?”
- Deuteronomy 1:27 You grumbled in your tents and said, “Because the LORD hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be annihilated.
- Psalms 106:25 They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD.
- Matthew 18:28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’
- Luke 15:2 So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
- John 6:7 Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.”
- John 6:43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus replied.
- John 12:5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?”