6

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

7

there came unto him a woman having an alabaster cruse of exceeding precious ointment, and she poured it upon his head, as he sat at meat.

8

But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

9

For this [ointment] might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

10

But Jesus perceiving it said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

11

For ye have the poor always with you but me ye have not always.

12

For in that she poured this ointment upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

13

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.