John 12:8

KJV

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the poor {G4434} always {G3842} ye have {G2192} with {G3326} you {G1438}; but {G1161} me {G1691} ye have {G2192} not {G3756} always {G3842}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Berean Standard Bible

The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.”

American Standard Version

For the poor ye have always with you; but me ye have not always.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:8 captures a profound statement from Jesus during a meal in Bethany, just days before His crucifixion. In response to Judas Iscariot's feigned concern over Mary of Bethany's extravagant anointing of Jesus with costly spikenard, Jesus defends Mary's act of devotion. This verse encapsulates a crucial tension between ongoing societal responsibilities, particularly caring for the poor, and the unique, time-sensitive opportunity for direct worship and preparation for Christ's impending death and departure. It highlights the transient nature of Jesus' physical presence on earth while affirming the enduring call to compassion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus' feet with expensive spikenard ointment, an act of profound devotion and prophetic significance recorded in [John 12:1-8](/john/12-1-8 "Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany"). The anointing occurs at a supper in Bethany, just six days before Passover, setting the stage for Jesus' final week in Jerusalem. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, objects to Mary's act, arguing that the costly ointment should have been sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor. However, the Apostle John immediately exposes Judas's true motive, revealing that he was a thief who regularly stole from the common purse ([John 12:6](/john/12-6 "Judas's True Character Revealed")). Jesus' statement in [John 12:8](/john/12-8 "Jesus Defends Mary's Anointing") directly refutes Judas's criticism, defending Mary's action as a preparation for His burial and establishing a critical distinction between enduring responsibilities and unique, time-sensitive divine opportunities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, during the Passover season, a time of intense religious fervor and pilgrimage. Anointing with costly oils was a customary act of hospitality, honor, or preparation for burial. Spikenard, a fragrant and expensive ointment imported from the Himalayas, was a luxury item, and its value (three hundred denarii, roughly a year's wages for a common laborer) underscores the extraordinary nature of Mary's sacrifice. Jewish law and tradition placed a high emphasis on caring for the poor, as exemplified in passages like [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Laws Concerning the Poor"). Jesus' acknowledgment that "the poor always ye have with you" resonates with this enduring societal reality and biblical mandate. However, His subsequent declaration about His own temporary presence emphasizes the unique, unrepeatable nature of His physical ministry and impending sacrificial death, which demanded a different kind of response.
* **Key Themes:** John 12:8 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **tension between worship and social justice**, demonstrating that while both are vital, there are specific moments when devotion to Christ takes precedence, especially when it is prophetic of His ultimate work. Secondly, it underscores the **unique and temporary nature of Jesus' physical, earthly ministry**, contrasting it with the enduring reality of poverty. This emphasizes the urgency of responding to Jesus during His incarnate presence. Thirdly, the verse, in its immediate context, serves to **expose hypocrisy and reveal true motives**, contrasting Mary's genuine, sacrificial love with Judas's covetousness hidden behind a facade of piety ([John 12:4-6](/john/12-4-6 "Judas's Hypocrisy")). Finally, it subtly foreshadows **Jesus' impending death and departure**, framing Mary's act as a preparation for His burial, which is a central theme leading up to the crucifixion narrative in [John 19](/john/19 "The Crucifixion of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **poor (Greek, _ptōchós'_):** This term refers to someone who is absolutely destitute, a beggar who crouches or cringes, denoting extreme poverty and mendicancy. It emphasizes a state of utter need and dependence, highlighting the ongoing presence of those who are truly vulnerable and in need of assistance within society.
* **always (Greek, _pántote'_):** Derived from "all" and "when," this adverb signifies "at all times" or "evermore." Its repetition in the verse ("the poor *always* ye have with you; but me ye have not *always*") creates a powerful contrast, emphasizing the continuous, unending nature of poverty versus the finite, temporary nature of Jesus' physical presence on earth.
* **have (Greek, _échō'_):** A versatile verb meaning "to hold," "possess," or "to be in a certain condition." In this context, it denotes possession or presence. "Ye have with you" signifies an enduring availability or presence of the poor, while "me ye have not always" underscores the limited duration of Jesus' physical accessibility to His disciples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the poor always ye have with you":** This clause affirms a perennial truth, echoing Old Testament wisdom (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "The Poor Will Always Be in the Land")). Jesus is not dismissing the importance of caring for the poor; rather, He acknowledges that opportunities to minister to the needy will consistently exist. This is a statement of fact about the human condition and an enduring responsibility for God's people.
* **"but me ye have not always.":** This contrasting clause highlights the unique and time-bound nature of Jesus' physical presence on earth. His earthly ministry was drawing to a close, and His impending death, resurrection, and ascension would mark the end of His direct, physical interaction with His disciples. This emphasizes that Mary's act of devotion, preparing Him for burial, was a singular, unrepeatable opportunity that took precedence in that specific moment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast**, setting the enduring presence of the poor against the temporary physical presence of Jesus. This stark juxtaposition highlights the unique significance of the moment and the unparalleled value of direct devotion to Christ. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' statement about "not always" having Him directly points to His imminent death and departure, preparing the disciples for His absence and the subsequent shift in their relationship with Him. Furthermore, the context reveals **Irony** in Judas's words; his feigned concern for the poor is revealed to be a cover for his own greed, providing a sharp contrast to Mary's genuine and selfless devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:8 serves as a crucial theological statement, clarifying priorities in the life of faith. It does not diminish the biblical imperative to care for the poor, which is a consistent thread throughout Scripture and a hallmark of true righteousness. Instead, Jesus elevates His own person and impending redemptive work as the ultimate priority, especially in moments of prophetic significance. Mary's act of worship, though seemingly extravagant, was a direct response to the unique, time-sensitive reality of Christ's physical presence and His approaching sacrifice. This teaches us that while our compassion for the vulnerable must be ongoing, there are also unique, irreplaceable moments for worship and devotion to Christ that demand our highest attention and resources. The verse thus calls believers to a discerning heart, capable of balancing enduring social responsibilities with the supreme call to honor and worship the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "The Poor Will Never Cease Out of the Land")
* [Matthew 26:11](/matthew/26-11 "Jesus' Similar Statement in Matthew")
* [Mark 14:7](/mark/14-7 "Jesus' Defense of Mary in Mark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 12:8 offers profound guidance for contemporary believers, challenging us to evaluate our priorities and the authenticity of our devotion. It reminds us that while the call to care for the poor is an enduring and vital aspect of Christian discipleship, it should not be used as a pretense to neglect or criticize acts of radical worship and devotion to Christ. Just as Mary seized a unique, unrepeatable opportunity to honor Jesus before His crucifixion, we are called to discern and embrace moments for profound, sacrificial worship and service to God, recognizing that some opportunities are time-sensitive and uniquely tied to His redemptive purposes. Furthermore, the contrast between Mary's pure heart and Judas's hypocrisy compels us to examine our own motives in all acts of service and giving. True charity and worship flow from a heart genuinely devoted to Christ, not from a desire for human approval or personal gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance my commitment to social justice and caring for the needy with my personal devotion and worship of Christ?**
* **Am I discerning unique, time-sensitive opportunities to serve or worship Christ in ways that might seem unconventional or extravagant to others?**
* **What are my true motives when I engage in acts of service or giving? Am I seeking to honor Christ, or am I driven by other considerations?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a heart of genuine, sacrificial devotion to Jesus, similar to Mary's, even in a world where His physical presence is no longer with us?**

### FAQ
**Did Jesus devalue the poor or their needs in this statement?**

Answer: No, Jesus did not devalue the poor or their needs. His statement, "For the poor always ye have with you," acknowledges the enduring reality of poverty and implicitly reaffirms the biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable, a theme consistently taught by Jesus throughout His ministry (e.g., [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "The Judgment of the Nations")). The point of the verse is not to diminish the importance of charity but to highlight the unique, time-sensitive nature of His own physical presence and the unparalleled significance of Mary's act as preparation for His burial. He was emphasizing that opportunities to serve the poor would always be available, but the opportunity to physically minister to Him in this specific way was fleeting.

**What did Jesus mean by "me ye have not always"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to Jesus' impending physical departure from the earth through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. It underscores that His incarnate, physical presence among His disciples was temporary and coming to an end. Mary's anointing was a prophetic act, preparing Him for His burial, a unique event that could only occur during His earthly ministry. While Jesus promised His spiritual presence with believers "always, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise")), His physical, bodily presence was finite.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:8, while seemingly a pragmatic statement about priorities, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Mary's act of anointing, which Jesus defends, was a prophetic preparation for His ultimate sacrifice as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The "not always" refers to His physical departure, which was necessary for Him to accomplish redemption on the cross ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")) and then ascend to the Father's right hand ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "The Ascension of Jesus")). His physical absence, however, paved the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), ensuring His spiritual and empowering presence with believers in all places and at all times, building His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Peter's Confession and the Church")). Thus, while the physical Jesus was temporary, the resurrected and glorified Christ is eternally present through His Spirit, reigning as King and interceding for His people ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession")). The verse, therefore, points to the profound mystery of Christ's unique identity, His redemptive mission, and the enduring reality of His spiritual reign, which transcends His earthly limitations.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 15:11

For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

Mark 14:7

For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

John 12:35

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

Matthew 26:11

For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

John 13:33

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

Acts 1:9

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Acts 1:11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.