John 12:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Now he said this not out of concern for the poor, but because he was a thief — he was in charge of the common purse and used to steal from it.

Berean Standard Bible:

Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.

American Standard Version:

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 with Strong’s Numbers:

^{G1161} This^{G5124} he said^{G2036}, not^{G3756} that^{G3754} he^{G846} cared^{G3199} for^{G4012} the poor^{G4434}; but^{G235} because^{G3754} he was^{G2258} a thief^{G2812}, and^{G2532} had^{G2192} the bag^{G1101}, and^{G2532} bare^{G941} what was put therein^{G906}.

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Commentary for John 12:6

John 12:6 is a verse that provides a glimpse into the dynamics of Jesus' inner circle, particularly focusing on Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would later betray Jesus. The verse reads, "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."

The historical context of this verse is set during the last week of Jesus' earthly ministry, shortly before his crucifixion and resurrection. The event described takes place in Bethany, where Jesus is dining with his disciples, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. During the meal, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with a costly perfume, an act that Judas criticizes, suggesting that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor.

The themes present in this verse include hypocrisy, as Judas' feigned concern for the poor is exposed. It also touches on the issue of stewardship and the misuse of resources, as Judas is described as a thief who was in charge of the disciples' money bag and would help himself to its contents. This verse foreshadows Judas' betrayal of Jesus, hinting at his dishonest character and ulterior motives. It underscores the contrast between genuine devotion to Jesus, as exemplified by Mary's anointing, and the false piety of Judas, whose criticism of her act was self-serving rather than altruistic.

In a broader sense, John 12:6 invites readers to reflect on the true intentions behind their actions, especially those that appear to be pious or charitable. It challenges believers to examine their motives and to ensure that their religious activities are not merely a cover for selfish ambitions or hypocrisy. This verse is part of a larger narrative that emphasizes the importance of understanding and responding to Jesus' identity and mission with sincere faith and love, rather than with pretense or greed.

*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: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G5124
   There are 303 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τοῦτο
   Transliteration: toûto
   Pronunciation: too'-to
   Description: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of οὗτος; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
   
3. Strong's Number: G2036
   There are 901 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔπω
   Transliteration: épō
   Pronunciation: ep'-o
   Description: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3754
   There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅτι
   Transliteration: hóti
   Pronunciation: hot'-ee
   Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
   
6. 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.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3199
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μέλω
   Transliteration: mélō
   Pronunciation: mel'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to be of interest to, i.e. to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters):--(take) care.
   
8. Strong's Number: G4012
   There are 304 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: περί
   Transliteration: perí
   Pronunciation: per-ee'
   Description: from the base of πέραν; properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period):--(there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, X and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, X how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, X (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with. In comparative, it retains substantially the same meaning of circuit (around), excess (beyond), or completeness (through).
   
9. Strong's Number: G4434
   There are 34 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πτωχός
   Transliteration: ptōchós
   Pronunciation: pto-khos'
   Description: from (to crouch); akin to πτοέω and the alternate of πίπτω); a beggar (as cringing), i.e. pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used in a qualified or relative sense; whereas πένης properly means only straitened circumstances in private), literally (often as noun) or figuratively (distressed):--beggar(-ly), poor.
   
10. Strong's Number: G235
    There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἀλλά
    Transliteration: allá
    Pronunciation: al-lah'
    Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
    
11. Strong's Number: G2258
    There are 416 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἦν
    Transliteration: ēn
    Pronunciation: ane
    Description: imperfect of εἰμί; I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were):--+ agree, be, X have (+ charge of), hold, use, was(-t), were.
    
12. Strong's Number: G2812
    There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: κλέπτης
    Transliteration: kléptēs
    Pronunciation: klep'-tace
    Description: from κλέπτω; a stealer (literally or figuratively):--thief. Compare λῃστής.
    
13. Strong's Number: G2532
    There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καί
    Transliteration: kaí
    Pronunciation: kahee
    Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
    
14. Strong's Number: G2192
    There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἔχω
    Transliteration: échō
    Pronunciation: skheh'-o
    Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
    
15. Strong's Number: G1101
    There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γλωσσόκομον
    Transliteration: glōssókomon
    Pronunciation: gloce-sok'-om-on
    Description: from γλῶσσα and the base of κόσμος; properly, a case (to keep mouthpieces of wind-instruments in) i.e. (by extension) a casket or (specially) purse:--bag.
    
16. Strong's Number: G941
    There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: βαστάζω
    Transliteration: bastázō
    Pronunciation: bas-tad'-zo
    Description: perhaps remotely derived from the base of βάσις (through the idea of removal); to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.):--bear, carry, take up.
    
17. Strong's Number: G906
    There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: βάλλω
    Transliteration: bállō
    Pronunciation: bal'-lo
    Description: a primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense):--arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust. Compare ῥίπτω.