John 12:3
Meaning, cross-references, and a prayer for John 12:3 — by Collins Asein
Quick Summary
John 12:3 is a verse from the book of John in the New Testament. The NIV reads: "Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her..." Below you will find the full verse text, cross-references, meaning, and a prayer based on this scripture.
John 12:3 — NIV
“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
— John 12:3 (NIV)
Cross-References for John 12:3
“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.”
Parallel account of the anointing at Bethany.
“While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.”
Parallel account of the anointing at Bethany.
“A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.”
Similar account of a woman anointing Jesus.
“(This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.)”
Refers back to the event in John 12:3, identifying Mary.
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”
The perfume's fragrance is symbolic of Christ's influence.
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