Jesus’ statement, “The poor you will always have with you,” found in Matthew 26:11, is often misunderstood. He said it during a powerful moment when a woman anointed Him with expensive perfume just days before His crucifixion. While some criticized the act as wasteful, Jesus defended her, explaining that her worship was timely and meaningful. He wasn’t dismissing the poor—He was highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring Him in that specific moment.
This verse actually echoes Deuteronomy 15:11, which commands generosity toward the poor. So rather than being an excuse to ignore poverty, it’s a reminder that while the need will always exist, worship and timing also matter. There’s a balance between devotion to Christ and caring for others—and Jesus calls us to both. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the context, meaning, and what it really means for your life today.
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “The poor you will always have with you,” you might’ve wondered: Did Jesus actually say that? And if so, what did He mean by it?
Yes, Jesus did say it. But like with many Bible verses, context is everything. In this article, we’ll break down where it’s found, what it means, and how to understand Jesus’ message clearly—without confusion or guesswork.
Where in the Bible Did Jesus Say This?
Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you,” in Matthew 26:11, and it also appears in:
- Mark 14:7
- John 12:8
Let’s take a look at the most commonly quoted version:
“The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.”
— Matthew 26:11 (NIV)
This statement happens during a very specific event—just days before Jesus’ crucifixion.
What’s the Context?
To understand this verse, you have to see what was happening.
The Setting: A Dinner in Bethany
Jesus was in Bethany, at the house of Simon the Leper. While He was reclining at the table, a woman came in with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume (called nard in Mark and John). She poured it on Jesus’ head (Matthew) and/or feet (John), anointing Him.
The Reaction: The Disciples Were Angry
“Why this waste?” they said. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
— Matthew 26:8-9
In John 12:4-6, we find out it was Judas Iscariot who objected the most. But his concern wasn’t honest:
“He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.”
— John 12:6 (NIV)
Jesus’ Response:
“Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.”
— Matthew 26:10-12 (NIV)
What Did Jesus Mean?
Here’s the key: Jesus wasn’t dismissing the poor. He wasn’t saying, “Don’t worry about helping them.” He was making a point about timing and priority.
Let’s break it down:
1. He Was Preparing for His Death
Jesus knew His crucifixion was near. The woman’s act was symbolic—anointing Him for burial. He was telling His disciples:
“This moment is unique. I won’t be with you much longer.”
2. He Quoted Deuteronomy
Jesus’ words echo Deuteronomy 15:11:
“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy…”
— Deut. 15:11 (NIV)
So He’s not brushing off the poor. He’s reminding them of a larger, ongoing responsibility while also pointing out the uniqueness of this moment.
3. It’s About Worship, Not Waste
The woman’s extravagant gift wasn’t waste—it was worship. Jesus defends her and praises her act. Sometimes honoring God directly is the right thing to do—even when it doesn’t look practical.
What This Doesn’t Mean
Let’s clear up some misunderstandings. People have misused this verse for centuries to justify not helping the poor. That’s not biblical.
Jesus did not mean:
- Poverty is acceptable or unchangeable.
- You don’t need to help those in need.
- Spiritual things always outweigh practical needs.
Jesus talked a lot about caring for the poor.
Some key verses:
- “Give to the one who asks you…” — Matthew 5:42
- “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” — Luke 12:33
- “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
So clearly, Jesus valued helping the poor. But in this moment in Bethany, He made it clear: sometimes worship and honoring God comes first.
The Woman’s Act Meant Something Deeper
This woman—likely Mary of Bethany (based on John 12)—understood something the disciples didn’t. She saw who Jesus really was and acted accordingly.
Jesus even said:
“Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
— Matthew 26:13 (NIV)
That’s huge. He immortalized her act of devotion.
Lessons You Can Take from This
1. Timing Matters
There’s a time for service, and there’s a time for worship. Knowing the difference is part of spiritual maturity.
2. Worship Can Be Costly
Pouring out expensive perfume seemed foolish to some. But Jesus saw it as beautiful. Your devotion to Him won’t always make sense to others—but that doesn’t make it wrong.
3. Helping the Poor Is Still a Command
Jesus quoting Deuteronomy was a reminder: You still have a job to do. Poverty is a reality in a broken world, and we’re called to respond.
Final Thoughts
When Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you,” He wasn’t being cold or dismissive. He was making a powerful point about recognizing what matters most in the moment.
It was a reminder that:
- His time on earth was limited.
- Worship has a place.
- Helping the poor isn’t optional—but this wasn’t the moment for it.
So yes, the poor will always be with us. But Jesus also made it clear: our job is to care for them. And when an opportunity to honor Him comes—don’t miss it.
Summary (Quick Recap)
- Verse: Matthew 26:11 (also Mark 14:7, John 12:8)
- Context: A woman anoints Jesus with perfume before His crucifixion.
- Meaning: Jesus highlights the importance of honoring Him in that moment.
- Not a command to ignore the poor—in fact, it points back to Deuteronomy 15:11 which commands generosity.
- Lesson: Worship and social care are both important. Timing and discernment matter.
Search-Friendly Takeaways (for quick SEO answers):
- Where did Jesus say “the poor you will always have with you”?
Matthew 26:11, Mark 14:7, John 12:8 - Did Jesus mean we shouldn’t help the poor?
No. He frequently commanded His followers to care for the poor. - What’s the context of Matthew 26:11?
A woman anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. The disciples complained, but Jesus defended her.
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10 FAQs: “Where Did Jesus Say, ‘The Poor Will Always Be With You’? – Verse and Context”
1. Where did Jesus say, “The poor you will always have with you”?
Jesus said this in Matthew 26:11, and similar versions appear in Mark 14:7 and John 12:8. It was during a dinner in Bethany, just before His crucifixion, when a woman anointed Him with expensive perfume.
2. What is the full verse of Matthew 26:11?
“The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” — Matthew 26:11 (NIV)
Jesus said this in response to criticism of the woman who anointed Him.
3. What was the context of Jesus saying this?
Jesus was defending a woman who had anointed Him with costly perfume. The disciples thought it was a waste, but Jesus explained that it was an act of worship preparing Him for burial.
4. Was Jesus discouraging helping the poor?
No, not at all. Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 15:11, which commands generosity to the poor. He was simply highlighting that honoring Him at that moment took priority.
5. Who was the woman that anointed Jesus?
In John 12, she’s identified as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Her act was one of deep devotion and understanding of who Jesus was.
6. What does “The poor you will always have with you” really mean?
It means that while poverty is a constant in a broken world, there are moments when worship and honoring God must come first. Jesus was emphasizing timing and spiritual discernment.
7. Is this verse used out of context today?
Yes. Some people misuse it to suggest helping the poor isn’t important. But in context, it actually reaffirms our responsibility to care for the poor, while also recognizing moments of sacred devotion.
8. How does Deuteronomy 15:11 connect to this verse?
Deuteronomy 15:11 says:
“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded…”
Jesus echoed this to remind His followers that the poor should still be cared for.
9. What does this verse teach us about worship?
It teaches that worship may look extravagant, but it matters deeply to God. Acts of devotion—even when costly—are valuable and should be honored, not criticized.
10. How should Christians respond to this verse today?
By balancing compassionate action with spiritual awareness. We should care for the poor consistently while also not missing moments to honor God with our time, resources, and attention.
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