John 13:29

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

John 13:29 offers a brief but insightful glimpse into the atmosphere of the Last Supper, specifically the disciples' perspective on Jesus' interaction with Judas Iscariot. This verse highlights their lack of awareness regarding the imminent betrayal, contrasting their mundane assumptions with the profound spiritual drama unfolding.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' direct instruction to Judas, "That thou doest, do quickly" (John 13:27). Jesus had just dipped a sop and given it to Judas, signifying him as the betrayer, though only John seemed to understand the implication at that moment. The other disciples, unaware of Judas's dark intentions or Jesus' divine foreknowledge, interpreted Jesus' words based on Judas's established role within their group.

Judas was the treasurer, the one who "had the bag" (or money box), as confirmed in John 12:6. This responsibility made his departure seem perfectly ordinary to the rest of the disciples. The setting was the Passover feast, a time requiring specific provisions and often involving charitable giving.

Key Themes

  • Disciples' Misunderstanding: The passage vividly portrays the disciples' human inability to comprehend the full scope of divine events. They were focused on practicalities—buying necessities for the Passover feast or giving to the poor—while Jesus was orchestrating the pivotal moment of His betrayal and ultimate sacrifice. This illustrates a common human tendency to miss the spiritual significance behind seemingly ordinary events.
  • Judas's Deception and Role: Judas's position as treasurer lent him an air of trustworthiness, masking his true intentions. His departure, interpreted innocently by the others, was in fact the beginning of his act of betrayal. This highlights the deceptive nature of sin and how evil can operate under the guise of normalcy.
  • Jesus' Sovereignty and Foreknowledge: Despite the disciples' ignorance, Jesus was fully aware of Judas's plan and even prompted its timing. This demonstrates Jesus' complete control over events, even His own betrayal, fulfilling prophecy and His divine mission. His knowledge of Judas's heart is seen earlier in John 6:70.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Had the bag": The Greek word for "bag" is glōssokomon (γλωσσόκομον), which literally refers to a box for musical instruments or a money box. This term emphasizes Judas's specific role as the group's treasurer, reinforcing why the disciples would assume his errands were financial.
  • "Against the feast": Refers to the impending Passover celebration. Jewish custom involved significant preparations and expenditures for this annual pilgrimage feast, making the disciples' assumption about buying supplies very plausible.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our human perspective is often limited. We may misinterpret events, motives, or divine timing, just as the disciples did. It encourages us to:

  • Trust God's Plan: Even when circumstances are unclear or confusing, we can trust that God is sovereign and has a purpose, even in difficult situations.
  • Look Beyond the Surface: Appearances can be deceiving. Not everyone who holds a position of trust or responsibility acts with integrity. We are called to discernment.
  • Consider Others: The disciples' thoughts about giving to the poor demonstrate the early church's concern for charity and the needs of others, a principle that remains central to Christian living (Galatians 2:10).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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