Devine Scripture

John 12:6

What does John 12:6 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:6 means

John plainly reveals Judas’s heart. His concern for the poor was a pretense; he managed the common purse and helped himself to its contents. The verse unmasks hypocrisy and warns that proximity to holy things does not purify a corrupt will. Judas’s role as treasurer gave him access and opportunity, which he abused, foreshadowing the betrayal to come. By contrasting Mary’s costly devotion with Judas’s theft, John shows the divergent paths among those who walked with Jesus—one giving all to honor Him, the other taking what was not his, even as he shared the disciples’ table.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

(He said this, not because he had any love for the poor; but because he was a thief, and, having the money-bag, took for himself what was put into it.)

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said this, not because he was caring for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and what things were put in he was carrying.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now he said this not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief and, having the purse, carried the things that were put therein.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he said this, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the bag, and carried what was put into [it].

Context

After Judas’s seemingly compassionate complaint, John provides the necessary insight to interpret it correctly. This explanation prepares the way for Jesus’ response, which will defend Mary’s act and place it in the context of His imminent burial. The exposure of Judas’s theft deepens the moral contrast in the scene and anticipates the larger betrayal plot that soon unfolds among the religious leaders. The next verses will re-center the narrative on Jesus’ purpose and timing.

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

v.6This passage

v.7Jesus therefore said, Suffer her to keep it against the day of my burying.

Cross references

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

  • Ezekiel 33:31

    And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but do them not; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their gain.

  • Psalms 14:1

    The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works; There is none that doeth good.

  • James 2:2

    For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing;

  • Matthew 21:13

    and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers.

  • 2 Kings 12:14

    for they gave that to them that did the work, and repaired therewith the house of Jehovah.

  • John 13:29

    For some thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus said unto him, Buy what things we have need of for the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

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