Definition: For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did [it] for my burial.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Matthew 26:12. It's a really powerful and symbolic verse. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples that he has been intentionally marked for death. He’s using the metaphor of ointment to describe this act. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body…” – This is a dramatic way of saying Jesus was deliberately and purposefully marking his body for death. “Ointment” doesn’t mean real ointment, but rather a symbolic representation of something precious and vital – his life. It suggests he's being treated with care and attention in a very deliberate way. “…she did [it] for my burial.” - This is the key part. "She" refers to Jesus’ mother, Mary. She’s doing this act of marking him for death specifically for his burial . It's not just a random act; it’s a planned and purposeful action. What does this mean in terms of context? The Passover: This verse is connected to the Jewish tradition of the Passover meal. The Passover lamb was sacrificed, and its blood was spilled – marking it as consecrated for the coming year. Jesus' death is seen as a continuation of this symbolic event. Jesus’ Sacrifice: It speaks to the immense suffering and sacrifice that Jesus will make for humanity's sins. He’s willingly choosing to die rather than live a life without purpose or meaning. His Death as a Promise: It's also a message of hope, because it indicates that Jesus’ death is not an ending but a beginning – a new beginning where he offers salvation and reconciliation with God. In short, this verse portrays Jesus’ final act as a deliberate and sacrificial marking for his death, symbolizing his ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?