Charles Ellicott Commentary John 11:2

"And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick." — John 11:2 (ASV)

It was that Mary who anointed the Lord.—Compare Notes on Matthew 26:6 and following, and Mark 14:3 and following. John himself relates the anointing in John 12:3 and following.

Here he simply mentions it as distinguishing Mary from others of the same name. And he assumes it was a well-known incident that had been, as Christ declared it should be, told for a memorial of her wheresoever the gospel had been preached (Matthew 26:13).

Still, the other Evangelists had not told the name, and Saint John, when the name first occurs in his narrative, connects it with the person whose deed of love was known to all.

There is no sufficient reason for identifying Mary of Bethany with the woman which was a sinner (see Notes on Luke 7:37 and following), or for identifying either with Mary Magdalene.

This verse should not be placed in parentheses, as in our version. It is immediately connected with the verse that precedes, as well as with that which follows.