The Verse in Focus (Mark 14:6)
ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν· ἄφετε αὐτήν· τί αὐτῇ κόπους παρέχετε; καλὸν ἔργον εἰργάσατο ἐν ἐμοί
ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν: The Teacher Responds
This narrative begins with the subject and verb in classical sequence: ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς (“but Jesus”) followed by εἶπεν (“said”). The conjunction δὲ introduces contrast, showing Jesus’ reply in response to previous indignation. The use of the aorist verb εἶπεν presents the statement as a complete, decisive utterance.
Ἄφετε αὐτήν: A Sharp Imperative
The verb ἄφετε is a second person plural aorist active imperative of ἀφίημι — “let go,” “release,” or “permit.” It functions as a direct command: “Leave her alone.” This strong imperative emphasizes protection and defense.
αὐτήν is the accusative singular feminine pronoun, clearly referring to the woman being criticized. Jesus intervenes with authority, silencing the rebuke of others and affirming her actions.
τί αὐτῇ κόπους παρέχετε; A Rhetorical Rebuke
This question intensifies his defense. τί (“why?” or “what?”) introduces a rhetorical interrogation.
– αὐτῇ is the dative of disadvantage — “to her,” implying the burden others are placing upon the woman.
– κόπους (“troubles,” “distress,” or “harassment”) is accusative plural of κόπος, suggesting wearisome treatment.
– παρέχετε is a present active indicative, second person plural of παρέχω (“to cause,” “to bring about”).
Together, the phrase means: “Why are you causing her trouble?” — a rebuke not of her, but of those criticizing her devotion.
καλὸν ἔργον εἰργάσατο ἐν ἐμοί: A Beautiful Work
The phrase καλὸν ἔργον means “a beautiful/good work.”
– καλὸν is the accusative singular adjective from καλός, meaning not just good in quality, but noble, admirable, and morally excellent.
– ἔργον is “deed,” “action,” or “work.”
εἰργάσατο is the aorist middle indicative of ἐργάζομαι — “to work, accomplish, perform.” The aorist tense presents the action as complete and decisive; the middle voice reflects personal involvement.
The phrase ἐν ἐμοί (“toward me,” “for me,” or “on me”) uses the preposition ἐν with the dative, indicating sphere, association, or benefit. The entire clause praises the woman’s act as a deeply personal gesture of love and honor directed toward Jesus.
The Work That Was Beautiful
Jesus’ words in Mark 14:6 are layered with grammar and grace. He uses an aorist imperative (ἄφετε) to command defense, a rhetorical question to confront injustice (τί… παρέχετε), and the aorist middle εἰργάσατο to highlight a complete, intentional act of love. His phrase καλὸν ἔργον elevates her simple act into a lasting testimony. In this verse, Greek syntax not only defends — it dignifies. A work once despised is declared beautiful, forever engraved in sacred text.
