a woman] Mary the sister of Lazarus, John 12:3. an alabaster-box] These boxes were made hollow, to put ointments in: for, some write, that alabaster keepeth ointment without corruption, Pliny, B. 13. chap. 1. poured it on his head] As they used to do, to welcome their friends and chief guests, Luke 7:46. Psalms 23:5.