Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus gently reminds the disciples that despite their confession, their "choice" to follow Him doesn't guarantee their devotion, as even among the twelve, one possesses a traitorous heart. This isn't just about Judas; it's a stark reminder that outward affiliation with Christ is no match for an inner allegiance to self or darkness.
Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus' challenging teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many disciples turned away, finding his words too difficult. When Peter affirmed the Twelve's loyalty, Jesus revealed his foreknowledge of betrayal within their ranks, highlighting that outward association with him doesn't guarantee inner faithfulness.
Jesus had hand-picked these twelve men. He invested in them, walked with them, and revealed profound truths to them. So why, in this moment, does He highlight the possibility of one being a 'devil'?
Jesus' question, 'Did I not choose you, the twelve?' is a powerful reminder of God's deliberate selection. This wasn't random; it was a specific, intentional choice made by Jesus Himself. This choice carried immense privilege and responsibility, setting them apart for a unique mission.
The word 'devil' is jarring, especially when applied to someone within the inner circle. What does it truly mean for one of Jesus' chosen to be called this?
Jesus' declaration, 'And yet one of you is a devil,' is not merely an accusation but a tragic statement of reality. The Greek word for 'devil' (diabolos) literally means 'slanderer' or 'accuser,' and it signifies one who opposes and undermines.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
exelexamēn · Greek Verb
To select or pick out from among others for a specific purpose, often emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in choosing individuals for salvation or service.
diabolos · Greek Noun
A spiritual being or entity characterized by opposition to God, deceit, and malice; it refers to one who embodies the nature of the accuser and antagonist of God's purposes.
Ioudas · Greek Proper Noun
The name of one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus, historically known as the one who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. In biblical usage, his name has become synonymous with treachery and apostasy.
dōdeka · Greek Noun/Numeral
The designation for the core group of disciples personally chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and future messengers of the gospel. The number twelve is symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating Jesus' role in reconstituting the people of God.
paradidonai · Greek Verb
The act of handing someone over to authorities or enemies, often through treachery or breach of trust. In a theological sense, it describes the willful rejection of the Lord and the delivery of the Messiah into the hands of sinners to be executed.
This moment occurs as Jesus' inner circle dwindles, highlighting the stark contrast between outward association and true inner commitment, and the profound, often hidden, realities within the hearts of those closest to him.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
Jesus deliberately selects twelve men from his followers to be his closest companions and to be commissioned with a special task. This selection process is a foundational moment for the future of his ministry and the early church.
Early 1st century AD
Many Disciples Depart
Following a challenging teaching by Jesus about spiritual nourishment and eternal life, a significant number of his followers turn away and cease to follow him.
Early 1st century AD
Peter's Confession of Faith
In response to Jesus asking the Twelve if they too will leave, Peter articulates a profound confession of faith, affirming Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Identifies a Devil Among Them
Jesus, with a heavy heart, reveals that despite the strong confession of faith from most, one of the chosen twelve is inwardly opposed to Him and destined for betrayal, identifying Judas Iscariot.
Jesus rebukes Peter, calling him 'Satan,' for acting against God's will, showing that even those close to Jesus can be influenced by evil.
Acts 1:25This passage describes the apostles choosing a replacement for Judas, highlighting the specific role and eventual departure of the 'one' Jesus refers to.
John 13:18Jesus directly quotes Psalm 41:9 about the one betraying Him, indicating that Judas's actions were foreknown and part of Scripture.
Zechariah 11:12-13This Old Testament passage describes a shepherd being betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, directly paralleling Judas's actions and his reward.
1 Samuel 16:14This verse describes an evil spirit troubling King Saul, illustrating how 'a devil' or 'devilish' influence can take hold of individuals, even those in positions of importance.
vincentJohn 6:70: "Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?"
A devil (διάβολος)See on Matthew 4:1. The word is an adjective, meaning slanderous, but is almost invariably used in the New Testament as a noun, and with the definite article. The article is wanting only in 1 Peter 5:8; Acts 13:10; Revelation 12:9; and perhaps Revelation 20:2. It is of the very essence of the devilish nature to oppose Christ. Compare Matthew 16:23.
calvinJohn 6:65-71: "And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."
- And he said, Therefore have I told you that no man can come to me, unless it be given to him by my Father. 66. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67. Jesus therefore said to the twelve, Do you also wish to go away? 68. Simon Peter therefore answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. 69.…
Jesus gently reminds the disciples that despite their confession, their "choice" to follow Him doesn't guarantee their devotion, as even among the twelve, one possesses a traitorous heart. This isn't just about Judas; it's a stark reminder that outward affiliation with Christ is no match for an inner allegiance to self or darkness.
After Jesus' challenging teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many disciples turned away, finding his words too difficult. When Peter affirmed the Twelve's loyalty, Jesus revealed his foreknowledge of betrayal within their ranks, highlighting that outward association with him doesn't guarantee inner faithfulness.
After Jesus' challenging teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many disciples turned away, finding his words too difficult. When Peter affirmed the Twelve's loyalty, Jesus revealed his foreknowledge of betrayal within their ranks, highlighting that outward association with him doesn't guarantee inner faithfulness.
"Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him." — Jesus gently reminds the disciples that despite their confession, their "choice" to follow Him doesn't guarantee their devotion, as even among the twelve, one possesses a traitorous heart. This isn't…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026