John highlights that Judas, the one about to betray Jesus, is speaking, not just any disciple. This subtle emphasis reveals John's intention: to expose the hypocrisy and self-interest hidden beneath Judas's seemingly practical concern for the poor.
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)
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany and is being honored at a dinner where Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, is present. As Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, Judas interrupts to question her extravagant act, revealing his true character as a thief who cared more about the money than the poor or Jesus.
We meet Judas in a moment of worship, yet John doesn't let us forget his dark destiny. Why does the Gospel writer highlight this stark contrast?
John's Gospel often plays with themes of light and darkness, belief and disbelief, and those who truly follow Jesus versus those who don't. Here, John introduces Judas as 'one of his disciples,' immediately followed by the crucial detail, 'he who was about to betray him.' This isn't just a biographical note; it's a theological statement.
Judas objects to Mary's extravagant act of love, claiming it's a waste that could help the poor. But was he really concerned about charity?
When Mary anoints Jesus' feet with precious perfume, Judas reacts sharply. His stated reason? Why not sell this expensive ointment and give the money to the poor?
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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.
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.
John the Evangelist highlights Judas Iscariot's identity as the betrayer right at this moment, showing how even within Jesus' inner circle, a profound deceit was brewing, cloaked in a concern for the poor.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
Jesus attends a banquet at Bethany, where Mary anoints his feet with expensive perfume. Judas Iscariot objects, revealing his greed and marking him as the one who will betray Jesus.
c. AD 30
Judas Arranges Betrayal
Shortly after the anointing, Judas Iscariot formally agrees with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, setting the stage for the crucifixion.
c. AD 30
The Last Supper
Jesus shares his final Passover meal with his disciples, during which he again predicts his betrayal by one of them.
c. AD 30
Arrest in Gethsemane
Judas leads temple guards to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, identifying him with a kiss, leading to Jesus' arrest.
c. AD 30
Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus is tried by the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, and subsequently crucified on the day of Passover.
This passage directly parallels John 12:4 by introducing Judas's betrayal, emphasizing his internal motive to deliver Jesus into enemy hands.
Matthew 26:14-16This passage from Matthew presents Judas's agreement with the chief priests to betray Jesus, providing a fuller picture of the 'why' behind his grumbling in John 12:4.
Luke 22:3-6Similar to John 12:4, this passage highlights Satan entering Judas and his subsequent plan to betray Jesus, underscoring the spiritual forces at play.
John 6:70-71This earlier mention of Judas choosing to betray Jesus serves as a precursor to John 12:4, showing that Jesus was aware of Judas's character and future actions from early in his ministry.
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 highlights that Judas, the one about to betray Jesus, is speaking, not just any disciple. This subtle emphasis reveals John's intention: to expose the hypocrisy and self-interest hidden beneath Judas's seemingly practical concern for the poor.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany and is being honored at a dinner where Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, is present. As Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, Judas interrupts to question her extravagant act, revealing his true character as a thief who cared more about the money than the poor or Jesus.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany and is being honored at a dinner where Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, is present. As Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, Judas interrupts to question her extravagant act, revealing his true character as a thief who cared more about the money than the poor or Jesus.
"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 highlights that Judas, the one about to betray Jesus, is speaking, not just any disciple. This subtle emphasis reveals John's intention: to expose the hypocrisy and self-interest hidden beneath…
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Last reviewed October 2026
