Matthew 26:9For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor."
The setting
Bethany, Israel, ~30 AD. Evening meal at Simon the Leper's house. A woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus' head...
The emotion here: self-righteous indignation masking greed
The original word
pōleō (πωληθῆναι) — to sell for profit, emphasizing the commercial transaction
Why it matters
The perfume was worth 300 denarii — nearly a year's wages for a common laborer
Read with care
What most readers miss in Matthew 26:9
This criticism came from the disciples, not outsiders — those closest to Jesus
Common misconceptionPeople think this shows concern for the poor, but John reveals it was Judas speaking — who stole from the money bag. It's fake compassion hiding selfish motives.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Matthew 26:9
Bible Genome reading
Matthew 26:9 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Matthew 26:9 comes from the book of Matthew, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to disciples. The dominant emotion in this verse is angry, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include stewardship, poverty. Notable phrases: sold for much; given to the poor.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same angry
“Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'”
— Joel 3:10
“You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!”
— Matthew 23:24
“Listen to this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who tell their husba…”
— Amos 4:1
“I hate, I despise your feasts, and I can't stand your solemn assemblies.”
— Amos 5:21
“Your eyes shall not pity; life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”
— Deuteronomy 19:21
Your reflection
What does Matthew 26:9 mean to you, today?
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