John 12:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

But one of the talmidim, Y’hudah from K’riot, the one who was about to betray him, said,

Berean Standard Bible:

But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked,

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then^{G3767} saith^{G3004} one^{G1520} of^{G1537} his^{G846} disciples^{G3101}, Judas^{G2455} Iscariot^{G2469}, Simon's^{G4613} son, which^{G3588} should^{G3195} betray^{G3860} him^{G846},

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Commentary for John 12:4

John 12:4 reads, "Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], which should betray him," (KJV). This verse is part of the narrative in the Gospel of John, which describes the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. The historical context of this verse is set during the last week of Jesus' life, often referred to as Holy Week or Passion Week.

Judas Iscariot is identified not only by his own name but also as the son of Simon, which was a common way of distinguishing individuals in Jewish society at the time. The mention of Judas as the one who would betray Jesus is significant. It foreshadows the upcoming events and highlights the theme of fulfillment of prophecy, as Jesus' betrayal was foretold in the Old Testament (Psalm 41:9) and by Jesus himself (Matthew 26:24).

The verse underscores the tension between the divine plan and human free will. Judas, as a disciple, had been intimately associated with Jesus and his ministry, yet he chose to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15). This act of betrayal is a stark reminder of the potential for human treachery and the complexities of the human heart.

Furthermore, the verse hints at the theme of hidden identity and the reality that not all who are close to Jesus are truly committed to him. It challenges the reader to reflect on the nature of discipleship and the importance of loyalty and integrity. The betrayal by Judas sets in motion the events that lead to Jesus' death and resurrection, which are central to Christian faith and theology, as they are seen as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

In summary, John 12:4 introduces the betrayer, Judas Iscariot, and his role in the divine drama of Jesus' final days. It encapsulates themes of prophecy, human free will, the complexity of human nature, and the challenge of genuine discipleship against the backdrop of Jesus' impending sacrifice for humanity's salvation.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G3767
   There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὖν
   Transliteration: oûn
   Pronunciation: oon
   Description: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3004
   There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λέγω
   Transliteration: légō
   Pronunciation: leg'-o
   Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1520
   There are 235 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἷς
   Transliteration: heîs
   Pronunciation: hice
   Description: a primary numeral; one:--a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some. See also εἷς καθ’ εἷς, μηδείς, μία, οὐδείς.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1537
   There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκ
   Transliteration: ek
   Pronunciation: ex
   Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
   
5. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3101
   There are 252 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μαθητής
   Transliteration: mathētḗs
   Pronunciation: math-ay-tes'
   Description: from μανθάνω; a learner, i.e. pupil:--disciple.
   
7. Strong's Number: G2455
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἰούδας
   Transliteration: Ioúdas
   Pronunciation: ee-oo-das'
   Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוּדָה); Judas (i.e. Jehudah), the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region:--Juda(-h, -s); Jude.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2469
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἰσκαριώτης
   Transliteration: Iskariṓtēs
   Pronunciation: is-kar-ee-o'-tace
   Description: of Hebrew origin (probably אִישׁ and קִרְיָא); inhabitant of Kerioth; Iscariotes (i.e. Keriothite), an epithet of Judas the traitor:--Iscariot.
   
9. Strong's Number: G4613
   There are 70 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Σίμων
   Transliteration: Símōn
   Pronunciation: see'-mone
   Description: of Hebrew origin (שִׁמְעוֹן); Simon (i.e. Shimon), the name of nine Israelites:--Simon. Compare Συμεών.
   
10. Strong's Number: G3588
    There are 498 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὁ
    Transliteration: ho
    Pronunciation: to
    Description: the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
    
11. Strong's Number: G3195
    There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μέλλω
    Transliteration: méllō
    Pronunciation: mel'-lo
    Description: a strengthened form of μέλω (through the idea of expectation); to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation):--about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.
    
12. Strong's Number: G3860
    There are 118 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: παραδίδωμι
    Transliteration: paradídōmi
    Pronunciation: par-ad-id'-o-mee
    Description: from παρά and δίδωμι; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit:--betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.