“But Jesus said.
‘Let her alone!
Why do you trouble her?
She has performed
A good service
For me.’”
ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν Ἄφετε αὐτήν· τί αὐτῇ κόπους παρέχετε; καλὸν ἔργον ἠργάσατο ἐν ἐμοί.
This is similar to Matthew, chapter 26:10, and somewhat similar to John, chapter 12:7. Mark said that Jesus told them (ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν) to leave her alone (Ἄφετε αὐτήν). Why were they bringing her problems or troubles (τί αὐτῇ κόπους παρέχετε)? She had performed a good, worthy, and honorable service or action for him (καλὸν ἔργον ἠργάσατο ἐν ἐμοί). Thus, Jesus defended this woman, who may have been Mary, the sister of Lazarus, for anointing his head with precious oil.