{b} There came unto him a woman having an alabaster {c} box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

(b) For these things were done before Christ came to Jerusalem: and yet some think that the evangelists have two differing accounts.

(c) These boxes were of alabaster, which in ancient times men made hollow to put in ointments: for some write that alabaster keeps ointment without changing it in any way; Pliny, book 13, chap. 1.

People's New Testament

26:7 A woman. Mary, the sister of Lazarus. See Joh 12:3.

An alabaster box. A vase.

Of very precious ointment. Of spikenard, very costly and precious. It was worth 300 pence, or denarii, equivalent, when we consider the change in money values, to USD300 now.

Poured it on his head. She broke the vase and emptied it. See Mr 14:3-9.

Scofield Reference Notes

[1] head

No contradiction of Jn 12:3 is implied. The ordinary anointing of hospitality and honour was of the feet Lk 7:38 and head Lk 7:46 But Mary of Bethany, who alone of our Lord's disciples had comprehended His thrice repeated announcement of His coming death and resurrection, invested the anointing with the deeper meaning of the preparation of His body for burying. Mary of Bethany was not among the women who went to the sepulchre with intent to embalm the body of Jesus.

Margin woman

i.e. Mary of Bethany.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

26:6-13 The pouring ointment upon the head of Christ was a token of the highest respect. Where there is true love in the heart to Jesus Christ, nothing will be thought too good to bestow upon him. The more Christ's servants and their services are cavilled at, the more he manifests his acceptance. This act of faith and love was so remarkable, that it would be reported, as a memorial of Mary's faith and love, to all future ages, and in all places where the gospel should be preached. This prophecy is fulfilled.