John 12:3

“Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard very costly, etc.] Worth three hundred pence, according to Judas’s estimation of it. This Mary was the other sister of Lazarus; (see Gill on “<402607>Matthew 26:7”), (see Gill on “<411403>Mark 14:3”), concerning the nature and value of this ointment: and anointed the feet of Jesus; as he lay upon the bed or couch, at supper: and wiped his feet with her hair; (see Gill on “<420738>Luke 7:38”). And the house was filled with the odour of the ointment; (see <220103>Song of Solomon 1:3,12); ointment of spikenard was very odoriferous: this may be an emblem of the sweet savour of Christ, in the ministration of the Gospel, throughout the whole world.”

“spikenard--or pure nard, a celebrated aromatic (Sol 1:12). anointed the feet of Jesus--and "poured it on His head" (Mat 26:7; Mar 14:3). The only use of this was to refresh and exhilarate--a grateful compliment in the East, amidst the closeness of a heated atmosphere, with many guests at a feast. Such was the form in which Mary's love to Christ, at so much cost to herself, poured itself out.”

“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 26:3-16. John 12:2 A supper - At the house of Simon the leper, Matthew 26:6. Lazarus was ... - The names of Martha and Lazarus are mentioned because it was not in their own house, but in that of Simon. Lazarus is particularly mentioned, since it was so remarkable that one who had been once dead should be enjoying again the endearments of friendship. This shows, also, that his resurrection was no illusion - that he was really restored to the blessings of life and friendship. Calmet thinks that this was about two months after his resurrection, and it is the last that we hear of him. How long he lived is unknown, nor is it recorded that he made…”

“Then Mary, taking a pound of ointment - There were two persons who poured ointment on Christ. One toward the beginning of his ministry, at or near Nain, Luk 7:37, &c. The other six days before his last passover, at Bethany; the account of whom is given here, as well as by St. Matthew and Mark. John 12:7”

“12:3 Mary . . . anointed Jesus’ feet: Doing so was not awkward, because Jews reclined at formal meals, but it was certainly a dramatic gesture (cp. Matt 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-9). • Nard, a precious spice imported from North India, was sweet, red, and smelled like gladiola perfume. Twelve ounces of nard cost a year’s wages (John 12:5). According to Mark, Mary also anointed Jesus’ head (Mark 14:3), and the perfume ran down and scented his garments (Mark 14:8). • her hair: Women never unveiled their hair in public (see Luke 7:38). Mary was acting with extravagant abandon and devotion.”

“took: Joh 11:2, Joh 11:28, Joh 11:32; Mat 26:6, Mat 26:7-13; Mar 14:3-9; Luk 10:38, Luk 10:39 ointment: Psa 132:2; Sol 1:12, Sol 4:10, Sol 4:13, Sol 4:14 spikenard: Spikenard is a highly a romatic plant growing in India, whence was made a very valuable unguent or perfume, used at the ancient baths and feasts. It is identified by Sir W. Jones with the sumbul of the Persians and Arabs, and jatamansi of the Hindoos; and he considers it a species of the valerian, of the triandria monogynia class of plants. The root is from three to twelve inches long, fibrous, sending up above the earth between thirty and forty ears or spikes, from which it has its name; stem, lower part perennial, upper part…”