John, the author, doesn't just identify Judas; he immediately attaches the foreboding phrase "who was about to betray him," reminding us that even within Jesus' inner circle, there were those whose actions were already sealed by destiny, setting a stark contrast to the devotion shown by Mary. This detail highlights how John’s Gospel often underscores Jesus’ divine foreknowledge and the tragic irony of Judas’ presence among the devoted.
But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany, where Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead, is being honored with a banquet. As Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, a disciple named Judas Iscariot objects, revealing his covetous nature and setting the stage for his betrayal. John emphasizes that Judas, who is about to betray Jesus, is the one speaking, distinguishing him from the other disciples and hinting at his inner corruption.
We often meet people with a label attached, a defining characteristic that precedes them. John does this for Judas Iscariot right away. What does this tell us about John's purpose in writing?
John the Baptist famously pointed to Jesus, saying, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" (John 1:29). He set Jesus up as the main subject. John the Evangelist, centuries later, introduces Judas with a stark, defining phrase: "he who was about to betray him."
A Defining Identifier
This isn't just a historical footnote; it's a theological statement. By immediately highlighting Judas's future betrayal, John shapes our perception of Judas's actions and motives from the very beginning. It's a way of saying, "Pay attention to this man, but understand him through the lens of his ultimate treachery."
Why the Emphasis?
Some commentators suggest John wanted to make sure the reader knew exactly who was speaking and why their words were significant – or rather, insignificant in their spiritual intent, despite their outward plausibility. It guards against us being swayed by Judas's apparent concern for the poor, reminding us of his true heart.
Judas speaks up, questioning Mary's extravagant act of devotion. His words sound reasonable, even charitable. But John reveals the dark reality behind his critique.
Mary's act of anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume was a profound expression of love and worship. But Judas seizes on the cost, suggesting it could have been sold and the money given to the poor.
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The Thief's Logic
This sounds like a noble concern for social justice, doesn't it? However, the Gospel writers, particularly John and Calvin in the commentaries, are clear: Judas didn't care about the poor. He was the 'keeper of the money bag' and pilfered from it (John 12:6). Mary's act represented a 'loss' to him – a loss of potential theft.
A False Front
Judas uses a righteous-sounding cause – helping the poor – to mask his greed and to criticize Jesus's supporters. This is hypocrisy at its finest: presenting a holy face while harboring unholy desires. It's a stark reminder that outward actions and words don't always reveal the inner heart.
Understand the original words
Ioudas Iscariōtēs · Greek Proper Noun
One of the twelve original disciples of Jesus who betrayed Him to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver. His name serves as a warning regarding the danger of proximity to the holy without genuine saving faith.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Those who follow the teachings and example of a master; in the New Testament, it refers to the followers of Jesus, characterized by commitment, sacrifice, and the call to take up one's cross.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
The act of delivering or handing over someone to enemies, specifically referring to Judas’s act of turning Jesus over to the authorities. It highlights the fulfillment of divine prophecy through human agency.
dēnarion · Greek Noun
A Roman silver coin representing a day's wage for an average laborer, often used in parables and historical accounts to represent standard economic value.
ptōchos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Those who lack material resources and are often subject to social and economic oppression. The Bible contains a strong mandate for the care of the poor, reflecting God’s heart for the vulnerable.
kleptēs · Greek Noun
A person who steals or takes the property of others dishonestly; in a biblical context, it denotes a lack of integrity and a heart that prioritizes personal gain over God's commands.
The Gospel writer John highlights Judas's identity as the betrayer precisely at this moment to expose the darkness lurking within the fellowship, contrasting it with Mary's act of devotion just before Jesus's final week and ultimate sacrifice.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
Jesus attends a banquet in Bethany, where Mary anoints his feet with expensive perfume, an act later criticized by Judas.
c. AD 30
Judas's Criticism and Betrayal Plan
Judas Iscariot objects to the cost of the perfume, revealing his covetousness and setting the stage for his betrayal of Jesus to the chief priests.
c. AD 30
Jesus Predicts His Death
Jesus foretells his imminent suffering and death, preparing his disciples for the events to come.
c. AD 30
Passover Feast Begins
Jesus shares the final Passover meal with his disciples in Jerusalem, instituting the Lord's Supper.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Jesus is betrayed by Judas, arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and undergoes trials before the Jewish and Roman authorities.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus is crucified on Golgotha and laid in a tomb, fulfilling prophecy and the events foreshadowed at Bethany.
This passage parallels the story of Judas' betrayal by detailing his agreement with the chief priests to hand Jesus over, highlighting the premeditated nature of his treachery that John subtly points to here.
John 6:70-71Jesus identifies Judas as a 'devil' even while he was among the disciples, resonating with John's parenthetical note here that Judas was the one who would betray him, showing Jesus' awareness of Judas' true heart.
Luke 22:3-6This passage describes Satan entering Judas and the subsequent discussion where Judas makes his deal with the chief priests, directly illustrating the betrayal that John's verse foreshadows.
Acts 1:16-20Peter's speech about Judas' betrayal and subsequent downfall offers a retrospective look at Judas' actions, framing his role in the events John is describing and his ultimate fate.
barnesJohn 12:4: "Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,"
Which should betray him - Greek, "who was to betray him" - that is, who would do it.
henryJohn 12:1-11: "Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead."
12:1-11 Christ had formerly blamed Martha for being troubled with much serving. But she did not leave off serving, as some, who when found fault with for going too far in one way, peevishly run too far another way; she still served, but within hearing of Christ's gracious words. Mary gave a token of love to Christ, who had given real tokens of his love to…
John, the author, doesn't just identify Judas; he immediately attaches the foreboding phrase "who was about to betray him," reminding us that even within Jesus' inner circle, there were those whose actions were already sealed by destiny, setting a stark contrast to the devotion shown by Mary. This detail highlights how John’s Gospel often underscores Jesus’ divine foreknowledge and the tragic irony of Judas’ presence among the devoted.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany, where Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead, is being honored with a banquet. As Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, a disciple named Judas Iscariot objects, revealing his covetous nature and setting the stage for his betrayal. John emphasizes that Judas, who is about to betray Jesus, is the one speaking, distinguishing him from the other disciples and hinting at his inner corruption.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany, where Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead, is being honored with a banquet. As Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, a disciple named Judas Iscariot objects, revealing his covetous nature and setting the stage for his betrayal. John emphasizes that Judas, who is about to betray Jesus, is the one speaking, distinguishing him from the other disciples and hinting at his inner corruption.
"But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thie…" — John, the author, doesn't just identify Judas; he immediately attaches the foreboding phrase "who was about to betray him," reminding us that even within Jesus' inner circle, there were those whose a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
