John 13:29
What does John 13:29 mean?
A plain-English look at John 13:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 13:29 means
Some at the table think Jesus has told Judas, who carried the bag, to purchase what is needed for the feast or to give something to the poor. These guesses are reasonable and reveal two things. First, Judas’s role as treasurer was established and trusted. Second, Jesus’ concern for the needs of worship and the poor was well known among the disciples. The misunderstanding further explains how the betrayal could proceed without immediate alarm. The community’s ordinary rhythms continued even as the crisis unfolded in their midst.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Some were of the opinion that because Judas kept the money-bag Jesus said to him, Get the things we have need of for the feast; or, that he was to give something to the poor.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for certain were thinking, since Judas had the bag, that Jesus saith to him, `Buy what we have need of for the feast;' or that he may give something to the poor;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For some thought, because Judas had the purse, that Jesus had said to him: Buy those things which we have need of for the festival day: or that he should give something to the poor.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for some supposed, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus was saying to him, Buy the things of which we have need for the feast; or that he should give something to the poor.
Context
This explanation of the disciples’ assumptions follows their lack of understanding in verse 28 and prepares for Judas’s immediate departure in verse 30. The mention of the bag and the poor adds realism to the scene, situating the upper-room events in the practical life of the group. With Judas gone, Jesus will turn to themes of glory and love.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.
- Acts 20:34
Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
- John 13:1
Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
- Galatians 2:10
only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.
- John 12:5
Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred shillings, and given to the poor?
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