Devine Scripture

John 12:4

What does John 12:4 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:4 means

John names Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples, and identifies him as the future betrayer before reporting his words. This editorial note tips the reader to the character behind the coming objection. Judas’s membership among the disciples shows that outward association with Jesus is not the same as inward loyalty. His impending betrayal casts a shadow over the gathering and reminds us that even in Jesus’ closest circle there is spiritual opposition. The verse introduces Judas not to sensationalize, but to frame his critique as the speech of a heart already turned away, adding gravity to the contrast with Mary’s love.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was to give him up), said,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Therefore saith one of his disciples--Judas Iscariot, of Simon, who is about to deliver him up--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, he that was about to betray him, said:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

One of his disciples therefore, Judas [son] of Simon, Iscariote, who was about to deliver him up, says,

Context

Mary’s costly act of devotion has just filled the room with fragrance and meaning. Now the narrative turns to a dissenting voice. Before quoting Judas’s objection, John signals the treachery that will later unfold, shaping how readers hear his complaint. The next verse will present the content of Judas’s protest, and the following verse will reveal his true motive. Jesus will then answer, protecting Mary and pointing ahead to His burial. This back-and-forth sharpens the moral and spiritual lines in the scene.

v.3Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.

v.4This passage

v.5Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred shillings, and given to the poor?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:4

    Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

  • John 13:26

    Jesus therefore answereth, He it is, for whom I shall dip the sop, and give it him. So when he had dipped the sop, he taketh and giveth it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.

  • Luke 6:16

    and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor;

  • John 13:2

    And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,

  • John 18:2

    Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples.

  • 1 Samuel 17:28

    And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why art thou come down? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 12:4.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary