Devine Scripture

John 6:71

What does John 6:71 mean?

A plain-English look at John 6:71 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 6:71 means

John identifies the person Jesus meant: Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, one of the twelve, would betray Him. The note anchors the warning in a specific individual and foreshadows the passion events. Judas’s inclusion among the twelve heightens the tragedy and the mystery of unbelief close to grace. The betrayal does not negate Jesus’s claims or promises; it fulfills the path He has set, leading to the giving of His flesh for the life of the world. The chapter closes with both a strong confession and a sober caution, preparing us for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now he spake of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now he spake of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He was talking of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. It was he who was to be false to Jesus--one of the twelve.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he spake of Judas, Simon's <FI>son<Fi> , Iscariot, for he was about to deliver him up, being one of the twelve.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Jesus answered them: Have not I chosen you twelve? And one of you is a devil.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now he spoke of Judas [the son] of Simon, Iscariote, for he [it was who] should deliver him up, being one of the twelve.

Context

This editorial clarification concludes the chapter by naming the betrayer implied in Jesus’s statement. It balances Peter’s confession with the reality of treachery within the twelve, setting the stage for future conflict and the passion. The arc from feeding to walking on water to Bread of Life teaching ends with sifted disciples—some gone, some confessing—and a shadow cast by Judas’s coming act.

v.70Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?

v.71This passage

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 41:9

    Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Who did eat of my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me.

  • Psalms 55:13

    But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend.

  • John 18:2

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

  • Matthew 27:3

    Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

  • 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.

  • Acts 2:23

    him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:

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