Matthew 26:8
New International Version
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.

New Living Translation
The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said.

English Standard Version
And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?

Berean Standard Bible
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste?

Berean Literal Bible
And the disciples having seen, became indignant, saying, "For what purpose is this waste?

King James Bible
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

New King James Version
But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?

New American Standard Bible
But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste?

NASB 1995
But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste?

NASB 1977
But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste?

Legacy Standard Bible
But when the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?

Amplified Bible
But when the disciples saw it they were indignant and angry, saying, “Why all this waste [of money]?

Christian Standard Bible
When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. “Why this waste? ” they asked.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “

American Standard Version
But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

Contemporary English Version
But when his disciples saw this, they became angry and complained, "Why such a waste?

English Revised Version
But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The disciples were irritated when they saw this. They asked, "Why did she waste it like this?

Good News Translation
The disciples saw this and became angry. "Why all this waste?" they asked.

International Standard Version
But when the disciples saw this, they became irritated and said, "Why this waste?

Majority Standard Bible
When His disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, ?Why this waste?

NET Bible
When the disciples saw this, they became indignant and said, "Why this waste?

New Heart English Bible
But when the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?

Webster's Bible Translation
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

Weymouth New Testament
"Why such waste?" indignantly exclaimed the disciples;

World English Bible
But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And having seen [it], His disciples were much displeased, saying, “To what purpose [is] this waste?

Berean Literal Bible
And the disciples having seen, became indignant, saying, "For what purpose is this waste?

Young's Literal Translation
And having seen it, his disciples were much displeased, saying, 'To what purpose is this waste?

Smith's Literal Translation
And his disciples seeing, felt pain, saying, For what this loss?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the disciples seeing it, had indignation, saying: To what purpose is this waste?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the disciples, seeing this, were indignant, saying: “What is the purpose of this waste?

New American Bible
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and said, “Why this waste?

New Revised Standard Version
But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, “Why this waste?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When his disciples saw it, they were dis- pleased, and said, Why is this loss?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But his disciples saw it and it displeased them and they said, “Why this waste?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But when his disciples saw it, they were displeased, and said: For what purpose was this waste?

Godbey New Testament
And His disciples, seeing, were indignant, saying, For what was this waste?

Haweis New Testament
But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, For what end is this waste?

Mace New Testament
one of his disciples seeing this, with indignation said, to what purpose is this waste?

Weymouth New Testament
"Why such waste?" indignantly exclaimed the disciples;

Worrell New Testament
And the disciples, seeing it, were much displeased, saying, "To what purpose is this waste?

Worsley New Testament
but when his disciples saw it, they were some of them provoked at it, and said, Wherefore is this waste?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
7a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. 8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? 9This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.”…

Cross References
John 12:4-6
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, / “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” / Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.

Mark 14:4-5
Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? / It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.

Luke 7:39
When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!”

John 11:47-48
Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

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.

1 Samuel 2:29
Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’

2 Kings 5:26-27
But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? / Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.

Proverbs 14:31
Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Amos 8:4-6
Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, / asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. / Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!”

Zechariah 11:12-13
Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

Malachi 1:10
“Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would no longer kindle useless fires on My altar! I take no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will accept no offering from your hands.

Matthew 19:21
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...


Treasury of Scripture

But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

they.

1 Samuel 17:28,29
And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle…

Ecclesiastes 4:4
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Mark 14:4
And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

To.

Exodus 5:17
But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD.

Amos 8:5
Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?

Haggai 1:2-4
Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built…

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Matthew 26
1. Jesus foretells his own death.
3. The rulers conspire against him.
6. The woman anoints his feet.
14. Judas bargains to betray him.
17. Jesus eats the Passover;
26. institutes his holy supper;
30. foretells the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial;
36. prays in the garden;
47. and being betrayed by a kiss,
57. is carried to Caiaphas,
69. and denied by Peter.














When the disciples saw this
The phrase "when the disciples saw this" indicates a moment of observation and reaction. The Greek word for "saw" is "ἰδόντες" (idontes), which implies not just a physical seeing but a perception and understanding of the event. The disciples, who were followers of Jesus and witnesses to His teachings and miracles, are portrayed as being attentive to the actions around Jesus. This moment of seeing is crucial as it sets the stage for their emotional and intellectual response. Historically, the disciples were often in a learning process, grappling with the radical nature of Jesus' ministry, which frequently challenged their preconceived notions and cultural norms.

they were indignant
The term "indignant" comes from the Greek "ἀγανακτήσαντες" (aganaktēsantes), which conveys a strong feeling of displeasure or anger. This reaction suggests that the disciples felt a sense of moral or ethical outrage. In the context of first-century Judea, where resources were scarce and poverty was widespread, the disciples' indignation might reflect a practical concern for stewardship and the use of resources. Their reaction also highlights a recurring theme in the Gospels: the tension between human understanding and divine purpose. The disciples often struggled to comprehend the full scope of Jesus' mission, which transcended material concerns.

and asked
The act of asking, "εἶπαν" (eipan), indicates a desire for clarification or justification. This reflects the disciples' ongoing journey of learning and understanding. In the Jewish tradition, questioning was a common method of teaching and learning, as seen in rabbinic dialogues. The disciples' question is not merely rhetorical; it is an invitation for Jesus to provide insight into His actions, which often defied conventional wisdom. This moment underscores the importance of seeking understanding and the humility required to ask questions in the pursuit of truth.

Why this waste?
The phrase "Why this waste?" captures the disciples' bewilderment and practical mindset. The Greek word for "waste" is "ἀπώλεια" (apōleia), which can mean destruction or loss. This choice of word reveals the disciples' perception of the act as being without purpose or benefit. In the cultural and historical context, the disciples' reaction can be seen as a reflection of societal values that prioritized utility and frugality. However, Jesus often redefined such values, emphasizing spiritual over material wealth. This question challenges readers to consider what constitutes true value and purpose in the light of Christ's teachings. It invites believers to reflect on their own priorities and the ways in which they might align with or diverge from the values of the Kingdom of God.

(8) When his disciples saw it.--There is a singular narrowing of the limits in the three narratives. St. Mark reports that "some had indignation;" St. John (John 12:4), as knowing who had whispered the first word of blame, fixes the uncharitable judgment on "Judas Iscariot, Simon's son." The narrow, covetous soul of the Traitor could see nothing in the lavish gift but a "waste" (literally, perdition) that was matter for reproach. There is something almost terribly suggestive in the fact that our Lord repeats the self-same word when He describes Judas as a "son of perdition" (John 17:12). He had wasted that which was more precious than the ointment of spikenard. He wondered that his Master should accept such an offering. His indignation, partly real, partly affected, was perhaps honestly shared by some of his fellow-disciples, probably by those of the third group, with whom he came most into contact, and of whom we may well think as having a less glowing love, and narrower sympathies than the others.

Verse 8. - When his disciples saw it. St. John states that the objection came originally from Judas. Doubtless, when it was once made, many concurred in it, not, indeed, from Judas's selfish motive (John 12:6), but because they did not clearly apprehend the Divinity of Christ, nor the unspeakable sacredness of that body which was about to be the instrument of man's redemption. To what purpose is this waste (a)pw/leia)? Wordsworth notes that Judas is called υἱὸς ἀπωλείας (John 17:12). A fitting question truly for him to ask! The objectors saw no practical usefulness in the expenditure of this costly substance. If it was thought proper to show respect to their Master, a much inferior oil would have equally effected this purpose, or a few drops of the more precious unguent would have sufficed. So nowadays one hears complaints of money being expended in the rich decoration of churches, etc., when there are starving multitudes whom it would have relieved. But God himself has sanctioned the use of precious materials and of exquisite workmanship in temples built in his honour, and in the accessories of his public worship; the interests of the poor are not overlooked in such expenditure; they who give of their substance for such purposes are just those who feel all their responsibilities, and know that they serve Christ in ministering to his needy members.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciples
μαθηταὶ (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

saw this,
Ἰδόντες (Idontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

they were indignant
ἠγανάκτησαν (ēganaktēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 23: To be angry, incensed. From agan and achthos; to be greatly afflicted, i.e. indignant.

and asked,
λέγοντες (legontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Why
Εἰς (Eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

this
αὕτη (hautē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

waste?
ἀπώλεια (apōleia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 684: Destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin. From a presumed derivative of apollumi; ruin or loss.


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