ProlepsisOpen in the graph →

Prophecy

“What this woman has done will be spoken of as a memorial of her” (Mark 14:9)

The anointing at Bethany, Byzantine mosaic in Monreale Cathedral (12th century). Artist’s impression; it also bears witness that the account was still being told.
Artist’s impression The anointing at Bethany, Byzantine mosaic in Monreale Cathedral (12th century). Artist’s impression; it also bears witness that the account was still being told. — Byzantine mosaicists (Monreale Cathedral), Wikimedia Commons · Domaine public

◐ Written shortly before or at the time: it cannot be decided

Written c. 30–62 AD according to tradition; c. 65–90 AD according to historians. Event: c. 70–360 AD.

See the full entry: sources, objections, answers

In short

The announcement. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus announces, around 30-33, that what a woman has just done for him in Bethany will be told in memory of her wherever the good news is preached, throughout the whole world.

What happened. The account appears in three of the four Gospels and in the oldest complete New Testament preserved, from the 4th century, and it has been passed on wherever these Gospels were copied. Yet in Mark and Matthew, the woman's name is not given. This transmission continues today.

What is still debated. the saying fulfills itself, since it is part of the text that is preached and so necessarily goes along with the Gospel.

What would be striking if the text came first

Few sayings in the Gospels speak of their own transmission; this one continues, since the account travels with the text, whatever its exact date. An irony noted by readers: in Mark and Matthew, the woman remains unnamed.

Main objection (in French for now)

Accomplissement auto-réalisateur : la parole se vérifie parce qu’elle fait partie du texte que l’on prêche. Dès que le récit est inscrit dans l’évangile, il ne peut que l’accompagner.

The text (World English Bible)

Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

Mark 14:9

Sources