Book of John - Chapter 12 - Verse 3

During a dinner at the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in Bethany, Mary took a pound of spikenard ointment, known for its exquisite fragrance and high cost, and poured it over the feet of Jesus. She then wiped his feet with her hair, an act of great humility and devotion. The gesture of anointing the feet with expensive ointment was a symbol of honoring and showing reverence to Jesus, acknowledging his divinity and importance. The sweet aroma filled the house, symbolizing the purity and beauty of Mary's act of worship. This story is not only a demonstration of love and adoration for Jesus but also a foreshadowing of his upcoming sacrifice and burial. The act of anointing with spikenard ointment was a sacred and significant ritual in the ancient world, signifying consecration and setting apart for a holy purpose.

In this verse, Mary is seen anointing the feet of Jesus with a pound of expensive spikenard ointment. This act of devotion and humility is significant in the interpretation of the verse. The use of spikenard, a costly perfume, symbolizes Mary's deep love and reverence for Jesus, showcasing her willingness to give something of great value to honor him. The anointing of Jesus' feet also symbolizes an act of service and submission, as it was customary to anoint the feet of esteemed guests as a sign of respect in that cultural context. Furthermore, Mary's act of wiping Jesus' feet with her hair adds another layer to the theological interpretation, demonstrating her willingness to humble herself before the Lord. The fragrance of the ointment filling the house can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the pleasing aroma of Mary's devotion and sacrifice rising to God. Overall, this verse highlights Mary's profound love and devotion to Jesus, emphasizing the importance of humble service and sacrificial giving in the Christian faith.