Mark 14:4 web — But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, "Why has this ointment been wasted?

World English Bible

"But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, "Why has this ointment been wasted?"

— Mark 14:4, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Mark 14:4 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Mark 14 — Context

1

It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception, and kill him.

2

For they said, "Not during the feast, because there might be a riot of the people."

3

While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard--very costly. She broke the jar, and poured it over his head.

4

But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, "Why has this ointment been wasted?

5

For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." They grumbled against her.

6

But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me.

7

For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me.

Mark 14:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Mark 14:4 say?
Mark 14:4 in the World English Bible reads: “But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, "Why has this ointment been wasted?”
Where is Mark 14:4 in the Bible?
Mark 14:4 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Mark, chapter 14, verse 4.
Who wrote Mark?
Mark is traditionally attributed to John Mark, companion of Peter and Paul. Early tradition (Papias, c. AD 130) reports Mark wrote down Peter's preaching. It was written c. AD 55–65.
What is the book of Mark about?
Mark is the shortest, fastest-paced Gospel — "immediately" is its favorite word. It portrays Jesus as the powerful, suffering Servant who acts, heals, casts out demons, and finally gives his life as a ransom for many. The story moves with urgency from Galilee to a cross outside Jerusalem.
What are the major themes of Mark?
Mark explores themes including Servant, Action, Suffering, Discipleship, Cross. These themes shape the meaning and context of Mark 14:4.
What translation should I read Mark 14:4 in?
Mark 14:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Mark 14:4?
Mark 14:4 reads (WEB): “But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, "Why has this ointment been wasted?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2