John 6:71

KJV

He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} He spake {G3004} of Judas {G2455} Iscariot {G2469} the son of Simon {G4613}: for {G1063} he {G3778} it was that should {G3195} betray {G3860} him {G846}, being {G5607} one {G1520} of {G1537} the twelve {G1427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(He was speaking of Y’hudah Ben-Shim‘on, from K’riot; for this man — one of the Twelve! — was soon to betray him.)

Berean Standard Bible

He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.

American Standard Version

Now he spake of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:71 serves as a critical parenthetical clarification by the Apostle John, explicitly identifying Judas Iscariot as the individual Jesus alluded to in the preceding verse as "a devil." This verse profoundly underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge of His betrayal and highlights the tragic reality that His betrayer would come from within His closest circle of chosen disciples, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's sovereign plan of redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 6:71 concludes a pivotal section in the Gospel of John, immediately following Jesus' profound "Bread of Life" discourse. This discourse, delivered after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, was highly challenging, leading many of Jesus' nominal followers to withdraw from Him, as noted in [John 6:66](/john/6-66 "John 6:66 - Many Disciples Turn Away"). In response to this mass defection, Jesus turned to His twelve disciples, asking if they too would leave. Peter, speaking for the group, famously declared their unwavering loyalty, recognizing Jesus as the "Holy One of God" who possessed "words of eternal life," as recorded in [John 6:68-69](/john/6-68-69 "John 6:68-69 - Peter's Confession of Faith"). Jesus' subsequent, startling statement in [John 6:70](/john/6-70 "John 6:70 - Jesus' Revelation of a Devil Among Them"), "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?", is then immediately clarified by John in verse 71, revealing the identity of the "devil" to be Judas Iscariot, long before the actual betrayal narrative of Passion Week. This parenthetical note ensures the reader understands the full weight of Jesus' words and the tragic irony of the situation from the outset.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Jewish context of the first century, discipleship involved a deep commitment to a rabbi, often including living with and learning directly from him. The selection of twelve disciples by Jesus deliberately echoed the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the establishment of a new covenant community and the restoration of Israel. Within this close-knit group, one disciple, Judas Iscariot, was entrusted with the common purse, suggesting a position of trust and responsibility. The concept of betrayal, especially of a teacher or leader, was deeply abhorrent in Jewish society, carrying immense social and moral stigma. Furthermore, the expectation of a Messiah was prevalent, though often misunderstood, with many anticipating a political liberator. Judas's eventual betrayal may have been influenced by his own disillusionment with Jesus' non-political messianic claims or by greed, as hinted at in [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Greed"). John's early identification of Judas as the betrayer, even before the events of the Passion, serves to highlight Jesus' divine insight and to frame the subsequent narrative within the context of God's sovereign plan, rather than as an unforeseen tragedy.

* **Key Themes:** John 6:71 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**. Jesus' knowledge of Judas's future betrayal, articulated as early as [John 6:64](/john/6-64 "John 6:64 - Jesus Knew From the Beginning"), demonstrates His omniscience and divine control over all events, even the most wicked human acts. This highlights that God's redemptive plan is not thwarted but rather incorporates human choices, both righteous and sinful. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Tragedy and Irony of Betrayal**. The phrase "being one of the twelve" emphasizes the profound paradox that the betrayer was not an outsider but a chosen, intimate member of Jesus' inner circle. This theme resonates with Old Testament prophecies of betrayal by a close companion, such as in [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"). Lastly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Human Culpability versus Divine Plan**. While Judas's betrayal was foreknown and instrumental in God's plan for salvation, the Gospel consistently maintains that Judas acted by his own free will and was morally accountable for his actions, a tension explored further in passages like [Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Matthew 26:24 - The Son of Man Goes as It Is Written").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **He spake (Greek, _dé'_):** The particle _dé_ (G1161) functions here as a continuative or explanatory particle, connecting this clarifying statement to Jesus' preceding words in [John 6:70](/john/6-70 "John 6:70 - Jesus' Revelation of a Devil Among Them"). It signals that John is providing additional, crucial information to the reader, elaborating on Jesus' cryptic pronouncement about one of the twelve being "a devil."
* **betray (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb (G3860) literally means "to hand over," "to deliver up," or "to surrender." While it can have neutral applications, in the context of Judas and Jesus, it carries the profound and damning connotation of treachery, emphasizing the deliberate and decisive act of surrendering Jesus to His enemies, ultimately leading to His crucifixion.
* **twelve (Greek, _dṓdeka'_):** The numeral _dṓdeka_ (G1427) specifically refers to the chosen group of twelve apostles, symbolizing the foundational leaders of the new covenant community. Its inclusion in this verse powerfully highlights the profound irony and tragedy of Judas's actions: he was not an outsider but an integral, privileged member of Jesus' inner circle, yet he would commit the ultimate act of disloyalty and treachery.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon":** This initial clause serves as John's direct, parenthetical clarification to the reader. It immediately identifies the specific individual Jesus referred to as "a devil" in the preceding verse. By naming Judas Iscariot, including his patronymic, John removes any ambiguity and sets the stage for the reader's understanding of the unfolding narrative, particularly the later events of Jesus' arrest and trial.
* **"for he it was that should betray him,":** This clause provides the reason and the tragic significance of Jesus' earlier pronouncement. The particle "for" (Greek, _gár_ G1063) introduces the explanation, confirming Judas's predetermined role as the betrayer. The Greek verb _méllō_ (G3195), translated as "should," indicates an impending event or a definite intention, underscoring the certainty of this future act from Jesus' divine perspective, even as it was yet to occur.
* **"being one of the twelve.":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the shocking and deeply sorrowful nature of Judas's impending treachery. It highlights the profound irony that the betrayer was not a casual acquaintance or an enemy from outside, but a chosen apostle, part of the intimate inner core of Jesus' disciples. This detail intensifies the tragedy and underscores the depth of the moral failure inherent in Judas's actions.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:71 masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Parenthetical Clarification**, where John, the narrator, interrupts the direct discourse to provide crucial information directly to the reader, ensuring immediate understanding of Jesus' enigmatic statement in [John 6:70](/john/6-70 "John 6:70 - Jesus' Revelation of a Devil Among Them"). This technique builds dramatic tension while simultaneously revealing the tragic outcome. The verse also functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, explicitly predicting Judas's betrayal long before it occurs in the Passion narrative. This foreknowledge underscores Jesus' divine omniscience and contributes to the narrative's sense of inevitability regarding God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony** in the phrase "being one of the twelve." Judas's privileged position as a chosen apostle stands in stark contrast to his ultimate act of treachery, highlighting the bitter reality that betrayal can come from within the most trusted circles. This irony contributes to the overall **Tragedy** of Judas's character and fate, which is subtly introduced here.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:71 is a poignant verse that deeply intertwines the themes of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Jesus' foreknowledge of Judas's betrayal, explicitly stated here, affirms God's overarching control and His ability to weave even the most heinous acts of human sin into His redemptive plan. This does not, however, absolve Judas of his moral culpability; his actions were his own choice, for which he bore full responsibility. The verse thus highlights the mysterious yet undeniable co-existence of God's sovereign will and human free will. It also serves as a sobering reminder that spiritual deception and apostasy can occur even within the most sacred communities, urging believers to cultivate genuine faith and unwavering loyalty to Christ.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Matthew 26:24 - Woe to the Betrayer")
* [Acts 1:16-18](/acts/1-16-18 "Acts 1:16-18 - Judas's Fate and Replacement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:71 compels us to reflect on the nature of true discipleship and the subtle dangers of spiritual compromise. The presence of Judas among the twelve, despite Jesus' full knowledge of his heart, serves as a sobering reminder that outward association with Christ does not equate to genuine inward transformation or unwavering loyalty. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly committed to Jesus, even when His words are difficult or His path is costly? This verse also offers profound comfort and assurance. Jesus was never surprised by Judas's betrayal; it was part of God's foreordained plan for salvation. This means that God is never caught off guard by the betrayals, disappointments, or evils of this world. He is sovereign over all, working even the darkest human actions for His ultimate redemptive purposes. This truth invites us to trust in His unfailing plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, knowing that His purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of Judas's betrayal challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty and human free will?**
* **What does Judas's presence among the twelve teach us about the nature of true discipleship versus superficial adherence?**
* **In what ways might we, like Judas, be tempted to prioritize personal gain or disillusionment over unwavering loyalty to Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose Judas if He knew he would betray Him?**
Answer: This is a profound theological question that touches on the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The text clearly states that Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray Him ([John 6:64](/john/6-64 "John 6:64 - Jesus Knew From the Beginning")). While the Bible doesn't fully explain all the divine reasons, we can infer several points. Firstly, Judas's betrayal was prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")), and his role was essential for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ's crucifixion. Secondly, Jesus' choice of Judas demonstrates His willingness to allow human free will to operate, even when it leads to evil, while still orchestrating all things for His ultimate purposes. It also highlights the depth of Jesus' love and patience, as He ministered to Judas just as He did to the other disciples, offering him every opportunity for repentance.

**What does it mean that Jesus said "one of you is a devil" in John 6:70?**
Answer: When Jesus says "one of you is a devil," He is referring to Judas Iscariot, as clarified in [John 6:71](/john/6-71 "John 6:71 - Judas Identified as the Betrayer"). This phrase indicates that Judas was under the influence or control of Satan, or that his character and intentions were aligned with those of the devil. It does not necessarily mean he was literally a demon, but rather that he was an instrument of evil, embodying the destructive and deceptive nature of Satan. This is further emphasized later when Satan enters Judas in [John 13:27](/john/13-27 "John 13:27 - Satan Enters Judas"), leading directly to the betrayal.

**How could Judas, being one of the twelve, betray Jesus?**
Answer: Judas's betrayal, despite his privileged position as one of the twelve apostles, is a tragic testament to the human capacity for sin and the deceptive power of unaddressed spiritual issues. While he walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles, and heard His teachings, his heart was not fully transformed. The Gospel of John indicates that Judas was a thief and would steal from the common purse ([John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas Was a Thief")). This underlying greed and lack of genuine faith likely made him susceptible to Satan's influence and ultimately led him to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, as recounted in [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus"). His story serves as a cautionary tale that outward association with Christ does not guarantee inner loyalty or salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:71, by explicitly identifying Judas Iscariot as the betrayer, profoundly underscores the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. While Judas's act was one of profound human wickedness and treachery, it was simultaneously foreknown and orchestrated by God to bring about the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly submitted to this betrayal, knowing it was the path to the cross. His divine foreknowledge, revealed in this verse and throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 20:18-19](/matthew/20-18-19 "Matthew 20:18-19 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal and Death")), demonstrates that His suffering was not a random tragedy but a purposeful act of obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His atoning death for humanity's sins. Thus, Judas's betrayal, though born of evil, paradoxically became a necessary step in the unfolding of God's glorious plan to provide salvation through the crucified and resurrected Christ, fulfilling the prophecies of old (e.g., [Acts 3:18](/acts/3-18 "Acts 3:18 - God Fulfilled His Prophecies Through Christ's Suffering")).

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

Matthew 26:14

¶ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

Matthew 26:16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Jude 1:4

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 1:16

Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Acts 1:20

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.