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)
What's easily missed is that Judas's complaint about "caring for the poor" wasn't just a weak excuse, but a deliberate distortion of a genuine concern for them. The text emphasizes his "greed" and "love of money," showing how he twisted a charitable sentiment into a tool for his own theft and betrayal.
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)
This passage occurs during a dinner in Bethany, just days before Jesus’ crucifixion, at the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus recently resurrected. A woman named Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, prompting Judas to object, claiming the money could have been given to the poor. The immediate context reveals Judas's hypocrisy; his outward concern for the poor was a cover for his dishonesty as the group's treasurer.
Judas speaks up about the poor, but his words hide a much uglier truth. What does this tell us about how sin can disguise itself?
The Mask of Righteousness
Judas’ statement, "Not that he cared for the poor," is a masterclass in hypocrisy. He uses the needs of the poor as a shield for his own wicked intentions. This isn't just about Judas; it’s a powerful reminder that sin often wears a mask of piety or concern for others.
How Sin Deceives:
This shows us that simply saying the right thing doesn't make our motives right. We need to examine the why behind our words and actions, especially when they involve money or resources meant for good.
Ask a follow-up
The shocking truth: Judas, one of Jesus' closest followers, was a thief. How could this happen, and what does it reveal about the destructive power of greed within the community?
Greed: The Thief in the Fellowship
John doesn’t just call Judas a thief; he specifies how he was a thief. He was entrusted with the common purse – the 'bag' or 'chest' (γλωσσόκομον) that held the disciples' funds, including donations meant for ministry and the poor. His role as treasurer became his opportunity for theft.
The Corrosive Nature of Greed:
This situation is a stark warning. Greed doesn't just affect one person; it erodes trust, damages community, and can lead to the ultimate betrayal of what is sacred.
Understand the original words
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.
This verse reveals a stark contrast between Judas' outward actions and his inner motivations. His stinginess and false concern for the poor are exposed as a cover for his greed and thievery, setting the stage for his betrayal of Jesus.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and the Twelve Disciples
Jesus appointed twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot, to be His closest followers and companions during His earthly ministry. A common purse was kept for their expenses, which Judas managed.
c. AD 30
Judas' Betrayal Agreement
Motivated by greed, Judas Iscariot secretly met with the chief priests and agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
c. AD 30
The Last Supper
During the final Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus revealed that one of them would betray Him, and He instituted the Lord's Supper.
c. AD 30
Arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane
Judas led a detachment of soldiers and temple guards to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he identified Jesus with a kiss, leading to His arrest.
c. AD 30
Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was subjected to a series of trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who ultimately condemned Him to crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Resurrection and Ascension
After His death on the cross, Jesus was buried but rose again on the third day, appearing to His disciples over forty days before ascending into heaven.
This proverb about faithfulness in small things directly relates to Judas's betrayal of trust with the moneybag, highlighting the severe consequences of his dishonesty.
1 Timothy 6:10This verse explicitly states that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, which perfectly explains Judas's motivation behind his hypocrisy and greed.
Proverbs 28:24This proverb condemns those who rob their parents or disgrace their family, which resonates with Judas's betrayal of Jesus, his spiritual 'father,' and his disciples, his 'family.'
Zechariah 11:12-13This prophetic passage describes the selling of a shepherd for thirty pieces of silver, directly foreshadowing Judas's betrayal of Jesus for the same amount and exposing the treachery of trusted leaders.
Matthew 26:14-16This parallel account provides the immediate context for Judas's decision, showing him actively seeking out the chief priests to arrange the betrayal after being financially motivated by the expensive ointment.
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…
clarkeJohn 12:6: "This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein."
Not that He cared for the poor - There should be a particular emphasis laid on the word he, as the evangelist studies to show the most determined detestation to his conduct. And bare what was put therein - Or rather, as some eminent critics contend, And stole what was put in it. This seems the proper meaning of εβαϚαζεν; and in this sense it is used, John 20:15…
What's easily missed is that Judas's complaint about "caring for the poor" wasn't just a weak excuse, but a deliberate distortion of a genuine concern for them. The text emphasizes his "greed" and "love of money," showing how he twisted a charitable sentiment into a tool for his own theft and betrayal.
This passage occurs during a dinner in Bethany, just days before Jesus’ crucifixion, at the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus recently resurrected. A woman named Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, prompting Judas to object, claiming the money could have been given to the poor. The immediate context reveals Judas's hypocrisy; his outward concern for the poor was a cover for his dishonesty as the group's treasurer.
This passage occurs during a dinner in Bethany, just days before Jesus’ crucifixion, at the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus recently resurrected. A woman named Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, prompting Judas to object, claiming the money could have been given to the poor. The immediate context reveals Judas's hypocrisy; his outward concern for the poor was a cover for his dishonesty as the group's treasurer.
"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." — What's easily missed is that Judas's complaint about "caring for the poor" wasn't just a weak excuse, but a deliberate distortion of a genuine concern for them. The text emphasizes his "greed" and "l…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026