John 13:29

KJV

For 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} some {G5100} of them thought {G1380}, because {G1893} Judas {G2455} had {G2192} the bag {G1101}, that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} had said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Buy {G59} those things that {G3739} we have {G2192} need of {G5532} against {G1519} the feast {G1859}; or {G2228}, that {G2443} he should give {G1325} something {G5100} to the poor {G4434}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some thought that since Y’hudah was in charge of the common purse, Yeshua was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or telling him to give something to the poor.

Berean Standard Bible

Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.

American Standard Version

For 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:29 provides a poignant snapshot of the disciples' profound misunderstanding during the Last Supper, revealing their limited human perception of the divine drama unfolding. As Judas Iscariot departs, the other disciples, oblivious to the imminent betrayal, assume Jesus' instruction to him was related to mundane logistical matters—either purchasing provisions for the Passover feast or distributing alms to the poor, a common practice during such celebrations. This verse starkly contrasts their earthly assumptions with the profound spiritual reality of betrayal and the orchestration of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' deeply significant act of identifying His betrayer. After washing the disciples' feet as an act of humble service, Jesus declares that one of them will betray Him ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer")). When Peter prompts John to ask who it is, Jesus identifies Judas by dipping a piece of bread (a "sop") and giving it to him ([John 13:26](/john/13-26 "John 13:26 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer")). Crucially, after Judas receives the sop, Satan enters him ([John 13:27](/john/13-27 "John 13:27 - Satan Enters Judas")). Jesus then directly commands Judas, "What you are about to do, do quickly" ([John 13:27](/john/13-27 "Jesus' Command to Judas")). John 13:28 explicitly states that "no one at the table knew why Jesus said this to him," setting the stage for the disciples' misinterpretations in verse 29. This narrative sequence highlights the stark contrast between Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the disciples' human ignorance, even as the pivotal moment of betrayal draws near.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Passover feast, a central annual celebration for Jews, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This feast involved specific rituals, including the Seder meal, and often required significant preparations and expenditures for provisions, especially for those away from home in Jerusalem. Furthermore, it was a common and expected practice, particularly during major festivals, for Jewish people to give alms to the poor. Judas's role as the group's treasurer, the one who "had the bag" ([John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas, the Thief")), made his departure seem entirely ordinary and logical to the other disciples. His established responsibility for the group's finances and charitable giving provided a perfectly plausible explanation for his sudden exit in their minds, masking the true, sinister purpose of his departure.
* **Key Themes:** John 13:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Disciples' Misunderstanding** and human limitations in comprehending divine purposes. Despite being in Jesus' immediate presence, the disciples' focus remained on practical, earthly matters, completely missing the profound spiritual significance of Jesus' words and Judas's departure. This theme resonates throughout the Gospels, showing how often Jesus' closest followers struggled to grasp the true nature of His mission, particularly His impending suffering and death, as seen in passages like [Mark 8:31-33](/mark/8-31-33 "Mark 8:31-33 - Peter Rebukes Jesus"). Secondly, the verse subtly underscores **Judas's Deception and Role** in the unfolding drama. His trusted position as treasurer provided a perfect cover for his malevolent intentions, highlighting how evil can operate under the guise of normalcy and even perceived piety. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**. Even in the face of betrayal, Jesus remains in complete control, orchestrating events according to His divine will. His knowledge of Judas's heart was evident from the beginning ([John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus Knows His Betrayer")), and His command to Judas to "do quickly" demonstrates His active role in bringing about the fulfillment of prophecy and His redemptive mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thought (Greek, _dokéō'_):** This verb signifies "to think," "to suppose," or "to seem." In this context, it highlights the disciples' human assumption and perception, which proves to be entirely mistaken. Their "thinking" is based on outward appearances and Judas's known role, rather than an understanding of the deeper spiritual reality or Jesus' true intent. It underscores the contrast between human limitedness and divine knowledge.
* **bag (Greek, _glōssókomon'_):** This noun literally refers to a "case for mouthpieces of wind instruments" or, by extension, a "money box" or "purse." Its use here specifically designates Judas's role as the group's treasurer, the one responsible for the common fund. This detail is crucial because it provides the logical, albeit incorrect, basis for the disciples' assumptions about Judas's errand. The term reinforces the mundane, financial interpretation they placed on Jesus' cryptic command.
* **poor (Greek, _ptōchós'_):** This adjective describes someone who is "beggarly" or "pauper," strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy. It reflects a state of extreme destitution. The disciples' consideration that Jesus might be sending Judas to give to the poor highlights a commendable aspect of their communal life and Jewish custom, particularly during festivals like Passover. It shows their awareness of the needs of the less fortunate and the practice of almsgiving.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For some [of them] thought":** This clause immediately establishes the limited perspective of the disciples. It indicates that their interpretation of Jesus' words was a matter of human conjecture, based on their understanding of the situation rather than divine insight. Their "thinking" was an attempt to rationalize Judas's sudden departure.
* **"because Judas had the bag":** This phrase provides the crucial justification for the disciples' assumptions. Judas's established role as the group's treasurer, the keeper of their common funds, made it entirely logical for them to believe he was being sent on a financial errand. This detail highlights the deceptive nature of appearances and how a known role can mask a hidden, sinister agenda.
* **"that Jesus had said unto him, Buy [those things] that we have need of against the feast":** This reveals the first of two plausible assumptions made by the disciples. Given that they were observing the Passover feast, it was customary to purchase necessary provisions for the celebration. Their thought was that Jesus was sending Judas to acquire last-minute supplies for the ongoing or upcoming festivities, a practical and common task for the treasurer.
* **"or, that he should give something to the poor":** This presents the second possible interpretation of Judas's mission. Almsgiving was a significant aspect of Jewish piety, especially during major festivals like Passover. The disciples considered that Jesus, known for His compassion and concern for the marginalized, might be instructing Judas to distribute funds to those in need, reflecting a charitable act consistent with their values and the spirit of the feast.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in John 13:29 is **Dramatic Irony**. The audience (and the narrator, John) is privy to information that the characters (the disciples) are not. We know that Judas is going to betray Jesus, and that Jesus' command "What you are about to do, do quickly" is a direct prompt for the betrayal. The disciples, however, interpret Judas's departure through an entirely mundane and innocent lens, assuming he is performing a financial or charitable duty. This creates a stark contrast between the disciples' ignorance and the profound, tragic reality unfolding, heightening the emotional impact of the scene for the reader. Additionally, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Judas's departure, though misunderstood, directly precedes and initiates the sequence of events leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. The scene also employs **Contrast**, juxtaposing the ordinary, practical concerns of the disciples with the extraordinary, divine plan of redemption being enacted through betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:29 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty amidst human ignorance and sin. It underscores that even the darkest acts of human betrayal are not outside the scope of God's overarching plan. The disciples' inability to grasp the true meaning of Jesus' words to Judas highlights a recurring biblical theme: humanity's limited perception of God's ways, which often operate in mysterious and counter-intuitive fashions. God's wisdom is frequently hidden from the "wise and understanding" of the world, revealed instead to those who might seem insignificant ([Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Jesus Prays to the Father")). This passage also subtly emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and deception; Judas's betrayal, though a human act, was influenced by Satan ([John 13:27](/john/13-27 "John 13:27 - Satan Enters Judas")), yet Jesus remained in control, using even this evil for His redemptive purposes. The disciples' charitable thoughts, while misplaced in their immediate context, also reflect the enduring biblical mandate for generosity and care for the poor, a core tenet of God's kingdom.

* [John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "Jesus Chooses His Disciples and Foretells Betrayal")
* [Luke 22:3-6](/luke/22-3-6 "Satan Enters Judas and the Betrayal Plot")
* [Acts 1:16-18](/acts/1-16-18 "Peter Speaks About Judas's Betrayal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful mirror for self-reflection, inviting us to consider how often our own limited perspectives might prevent us from discerning God's deeper work in our lives and in the world. Just as the disciples were focused on mundane practicalities while a pivotal spiritual event unfolded, we too can become so engrossed in the superficial or the immediate that we miss the profound, redemptive movements of God. The passage challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to look beyond appearances, and to trust in God's sovereign plan even when circumstances seem confusing, contradictory, or even painful. It reminds us that God is at work even in the midst of betrayal, suffering, and apparent chaos, orchestrating His purposes for good. Furthermore, the disciples' assumption about giving to the poor serves as a timeless reminder of the Christian call to compassion and generosity, urging us to actively seek opportunities to care for the vulnerable and needy in our communities, reflecting the heart of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to interpret difficult or confusing situations in my own life? Do I look for deeper spiritual meaning, or do I often focus on the superficial or practical?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be missing God's deeper work because of my limited human perspective or preoccupation with earthly concerns?**
* **How does the disciples' concern for the poor challenge or affirm my own commitment to generosity and social justice, especially in times of celebration or abundance?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't the other disciples understand Jesus' words to Judas?**

Answer: The disciples did not understand Jesus' words to Judas primarily due to their limited human perspective and the immediate context. Firstly, Judas held a trusted position as the group's treasurer, the one who "had the bag" ([John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas, the Thief")), making it entirely plausible that Jesus would send him on a financial errand. Secondly, the setting was the Passover feast, a time requiring significant preparations and often involving charitable giving to the poor, both common activities for a treasurer. The disciples' minds were focused on these practical, mundane aspects of their communal life. They simply could not fathom the idea of betrayal, especially not from one of their own, nor could they grasp the divine orchestration of Jesus' impending sacrifice. As [John 13:28](/john/13-28 "John 13:28 - No One Knew Why Jesus Spoke to Judas") states, "no one at the table knew why Jesus said this to him," highlighting their complete ignorance of the profound spiritual drama unfolding.

**What does "had the bag" signify about Judas?**

Answer: The phrase "had the bag" (Greek: _glōssókomon_) signifies Judas's specific role as the treasurer or keeper of the money box for the disciples' group. This detail, also mentioned in [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas, the Thief"), where it is revealed that "he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein," is highly significant. It explains why the other disciples would logically assume Jesus was sending him on a financial errand, either to buy provisions for the Passover feast or to give alms to the poor. Ironically, this position of trust and responsibility also provided Judas with the means and opportunity to steal from the common fund, highlighting his corrupt character even before the ultimate act of betrayal. His trusted role made his sudden departure seem entirely innocent to the unsuspecting disciples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:29, though seemingly a minor detail of the Last Supper, powerfully underscores the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. The disciples' profound misunderstanding of Judas's departure highlights the "hiddenness" of God's ultimate purpose, a theme woven throughout Scripture. Just as the world often fails to recognize its Messiah ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Recognize Him")), even Jesus' closest followers struggled to grasp the divine necessity of His suffering and betrayal. Yet, Jesus' full knowledge and deliberate action in commanding Judas, "What you are about to do, do quickly" ([John 13:27](/john/13-27 "Jesus' Command to Judas")), reveal His absolute sovereignty over His own passion. He was not a victim of circumstance or human treachery, but the willing Lamb of God, who "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). This moment, initiated by Jesus' sovereign word, propelled the events towards the cross, where He would fulfill the prophecies of the suffering servant ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")) and perfectly demonstrate God's love for humanity, "while we were still sinners" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, even the disciples' ignorance serves to magnify Christ's deliberate and purposeful sacrifice, the very heart of the Gospel.

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

John 12:5

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

John 12:6

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.

Ephesians 4:28

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Galatians 2:10

Only [they would] that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

Acts 20:34

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

John 13:1

¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.