A previously indicated, the disciples are “some (of the people)” in the Marcan account (14.4). It is also significant that, as the narrative appears in the Gospel of John, it is Judas alone who makes the objection (12.4-5).

Were indignant (Good News Translation “became angry”): see comment at 20.24.

Saying (Good News Translation “they asked”) may need to be more specific: “they said to one another.” Evidently Jesus overheard their remark (see verse 10).

If Why this waste? needs to be expanded, it can be “Why did she waste this perfume?” “What was the point in wasting the oil like that?” or “Look at how she wasted that perfume.” If waste is a problem, “poured it out for nothing” is possible. In some languages, to fully express the accusation the disciples are making, a statement followed by a question is effective: “She wasted that perfume. Was that good?”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .