John 6:71

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

{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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on John 6:71 (KJV)

This verse serves as a crucial parenthetical clarification by the Apostle John, identifying the individual Jesus referenced in the preceding verse as "a devil." It explicitly names Judas Iscariot as the future betrayer, a tragic reality that underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

Context

The Gospel of John, Chapter 6, primarily focuses on Jesus' extensive "Bread of Life" discourse, delivered after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. This discourse challenged many of His followers, leading to a significant number of disciples abandoning Him (John 6:66). In response to Jesus' question about their own intentions, Peter famously affirmed the twelve's commitment to Christ (John 6:68-69). Immediately before John 6:71, Jesus makes the startling statement, "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?" (John 6:70). Verse 71, therefore, is John's direct explanation to the reader of who Jesus was speaking about, revealing Judas' identity long before the actual betrayal narrative in the Passion Week.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge: This verse, along with John 6:64, powerfully demonstrates Jesus' omniscience. He knew from the outset who would believe and who would betray Him. This highlights that God's plan is not derailed by human actions, even wicked ones, but rather incorporates them.
  • The Tragedy of Betrayal: The phrase "being one of the twelve" emphasizes the profound irony and sorrow of Judas' actions. He was not an outsider, but a chosen disciple, part of Jesus' inner circle, yet he would commit the ultimate act of treachery against his Master. This highlights the deep pain and moral failure inherent in the act of betrayal.
  • Human Culpability and Divine Sovereignty: While Judas' betrayal was foreknown and part of God's overarching plan for salvation, his actions were still his own choice, for which he remained morally accountable. The Bible consistently affirms both God's sovereignty and human responsibility.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "should betray him" comes from the Greek verb paradidōmi (παραδίδωμι), which literally means "to hand over," "to deliver," or "to give up." While it can have neutral meanings, in the context of Judas, it carries the strong negative connotation of "betrayal" or "treachery." This word is central to understanding Judas' role, as he literally "handed over" Jesus to the authorities, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. The specific choice of this word emphasizes the deliberate and decisive nature of Judas' action.

Significance and Application

John 6:71 holds profound significance for believers:

  • Understanding Spiritual Deception: The presence of Judas among the twelve serves as a sobering reminder that not everyone who appears to follow Christ is genuinely committed. It teaches discernment and the reality that spiritual battles can occur even within the closest communities.
  • Trust in God's Plan: Jesus' foreknowledge of Judas' betrayal, even in the midst of His ministry, offers comfort. It assures us that God is never caught by surprise and works all things, even acts of evil and betrayal, into His ultimate redemptive plan. The ultimate fulfillment of this betrayal is seen in the New Testament accounts where Judas agrees to hand over Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: This verse subtly challenges readers to examine their own hearts and commitment. True discipleship requires unwavering loyalty, unlike the tragic path chosen by Judas Iscariot.
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.

  • 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.

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