John 12:4-7
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. Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John, the beloved disciple, includes "who was about to betray him" here as a stark, almost jarring, reminder of Judas's true nature, revealing that even in moments of devotion, a hidden agenda was at play. This detail isn't just a narrative spoiler; it's John highlighting the profound deception possible when greed masks itself as concern, even within Jesus's closest circle.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany, and Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, is present at a dinner honoring him. As Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, Judas Iscariot speaks up, questioning the waste of such valuable ointment. The narrator immediately points out that Judas's motive isn't concern for the poor, but his greed as a thief, foreshadowing his betrayal of Jesus.
Why does John immediately tell us Judas's dark future? It's a stark reminder that outward association doesn't always mean inner loyalty.
John, unlike Matthew and Mark who speak more generally of 'disciples' or 'certain persons' questioning Mary's extravagant act, pinpoints Judas Iscariot. He doesn't just name him; he defines him by his future betrayal.
A Label of Destiny
This isn't just a chronological note; it's a theological statement. John is showing us that Judas's identity, in God's unfolding plan, was forever marked by this act. Even amidst Jesus's closest followers, there was one whose heart harbored a fatal purpose.
The Contrast Itself
By highlighting Judas's role, John sets up a powerful contrast with Mary's selfless devotion. While Mary poured out her love and devotion, Judas was plotting his betrayal. It’s a dramatic juxtaposition that underscores the different paths people take, even within the same community.
Judas questions Mary's lavish act, sounding concerned for the poor. But was his heart truly in it, or was this a calculated performance?
Judas speaks up, posing a seemingly practical question: "Why was this ointment not sold for a large sum and given to the poor?" (John 12:5). On the surface, it sounds like righteous indignation for the needy.
A Thief's Logic
However, the Scriptures, particularly John's Gospel, reveal the hidden motive. John explicitly states, "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 placed in it" (John 12:6). Judas wasn't motivated by charity, but by greed and the frustration of seeing potential money spent on Jesus rather than himself.
The Danger of Hypocrisy
This shows how deeply hypocrisy can run. Someone can use religious language and advocate for good causes as a cover for selfish desires. Judas's words, which sound reasonable, are revealed as a calculated move to mask his true, thieving heart. It’s a powerful lesson on looking beyond mere words to the underlying motivations.
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
This verse highlights Judas Iscariot's character and motives, placing his complaint about the anointing oil within the context of his prior agreement to betray Jesus, revealing his hypocrisy and greed just days before the Passover events.
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 that sparks a complaint from Judas Iscariot.
c. AD 30
Judas's Bargain with Priests
Shortly before or around the time of the anointing, Judas Iscariot makes a secret agreement with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
c. AD 30
Final Passover in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem for his final Passover celebration, knowing his betrayal and crucifixion are imminent.
c. AD 30
The Last Supper
Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples, during which he identifies Judas as the betrayer and institutes the Lord's Supper.
This passage also identifies Judas as a potential betrayer among the disciples, highlighting a consistent pattern of his character and foreshadowing his actions.
Matthew 26:14-16This parallel account details Judas's agreement with the chief priests to betray Jesus, providing the broader context of his motive and the price for his betrayal, which this verse hints at.
Luke 22:3-6Similar to John 12:4, this passage emphasizes Satan entering Judas and his subsequent agreement to betray Jesus, reinforcing the spiritual forces at play behind his actions.
Acts 1:15-20This passage recounts the disciples' later reflection on Judas's betrayal and his tragic end, showing the lasting impact of the event that John is setting up here.
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 beloved disciple, includes "who was about to betray him" here as a stark, almost jarring, reminder of Judas's true nature, revealing that even in moments of devotion, a hidden agenda was at play. This detail isn't just a narrative spoiler; it's John highlighting the profound deception possible when greed masks itself as concern, even within Jesus's closest circle.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany, and Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, is present at a dinner honoring him. As Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, Judas Iscariot speaks up, questioning the waste of such valuable ointment. The narrator immediately points out that Judas's motive isn't concern for the poor, but his greed as a thief, foreshadowing his betrayal of Jesus.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany, and Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, is present at a dinner honoring him. As Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, Judas Iscariot speaks up, questioning the waste of such valuable ointment. The narrator immediately points out that Judas's motive isn't concern for the poor, but his greed as a thief, foreshadowing his betrayal of Jesus.
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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.
entaphiasmos · Greek Noun
The day or process of committing a dead body to the ground or a tomb; in the New Testament, it points toward the anticipated death and entombment of Jesus as part of His redemptive work.
c. AD 30
Jesus's Arrest in Gethsemane
Guided by Judas, a detachment of soldiers and temple guards arrests Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30
Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is tried by the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, and subsequently crucified at Golgotha.
"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 beloved disciple, includes "who was about to betray him" here as a stark, almost jarring, reminder of Judas's true nature, revealing that even in moments of devotion, a hidden agenda was at…
