14:6a

But Jesus said: This verse begins with the Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But Jesus said. The conjunction But introduces what Jesus said to the people who were criticizing the women. His words contrast with what they said. In some languages it may be more natural to introduce Jesus’ speech by repeating some information from the previous paragraph. For example:

While they were criticizing the woman in this way, Jesus said:

Leave her alone: In this context the command Leave her alone means “stop rebuking her” or “stop bothering her.” It does not mean “go away and leave her by herself.”

In some languages it may be best to translate this command in a positive way. For example:

Leave her in peace!

14:6b

why are you bothering her?: This is a rhetorical question. Jesus asked this question to rebuke those who were scolding the woman. There are at least three ways to translate this rebuke:

• As a rhetorical question. For example, the New Century Version says:

Why are you(plur) troubling her?

• As a statement. For example:

You(plur) should not trouble her.

• As a command. For example:

Do not trouble(plur) her.
-or-
Stop(plur) troubling her.

Use whichever form is most natural to express this rebuke in your language.

are you bothering: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as are…bothering is literally “cause trouble/distress.”

14:6c

She has done a beautiful deed to Me: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as She has done a beautiful deed to Me is literally “she has done a good work to me.” In this context “good” means morally good, fitting or noble. It implies that the woman had acted in a very loving and generous way toward Jesus. She had greatly honored him by dedicating all the expensive perfume to him.

In some languages it may not be natural to describe an action as being beautiful. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

The act/thing that she has done for/to me is very good.
-or-
Her pouring perfume on me is good act/thing.

to Me: In this context the words to me may also be understood as “to benefit me,” that is, “for me.” For example:

She has done a fine and beautiful thing for me. (Good News Bible)

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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