Matthew 26:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:11, uttered by Jesus during the anointing at Bethany, serves as a profound statement distinguishing between the perpetual call to care for the poor and the unique, fleeting opportunity for direct, sacrificial devotion to His physical person. This declaration clarifies the divine prioritization of worship and preparation for His impending death, without diminishing the enduring biblical mandate for compassion and charity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of Jesus' final week before His crucifixion, specifically during an intimate dinner at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany, just days before Passover. A woman, identified as Mary of Bethany in [John 12:3](/john/12-3 "John 12:3 - Mary Anoints Jesus"), pours costly perfumed ointment on Jesus' head. The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot as noted in [John 12:4-6](/john/12-4-6 "John 12:4-6 - Judas's Objection and Motive"), express indignation, arguing that the perfume could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor. Jesus' response in [Matthew 26:10-12](/matthew/26-10-12 "Matthew 26:10-12 - Jesus Defends the Woman") defends the woman's act, interpreting it as an anointing for His burial, thereby highlighting its profound prophetic and theological significance in light of His imminent death and resurrection. The immediate narrative flow emphasizes the clash between utilitarian concerns and profound spiritual devotion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, hospitality was paramount, and anointing guests with oil was a common practice, though typically with less expensive oils. The use of costly alabaster ointment, often containing nard, was an extravagant gesture of honor and devotion, frequently reserved for special occasions or burial preparations. Jewish law and tradition also placed a strong emphasis on almsgiving and care for the poor, as evidenced throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Laws Concerning the Poor")). The disciples' objection, therefore, would have resonated with widely accepted societal values concerning charity. Jesus' statement does not negate this value but reorients it within the unique context of His messianic mission and the eschatological urgency of His final days.

* **Key Themes:** The broader chapter and book contribute to several key themes illuminated by this verse. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' impending suffering and death**, as the anointing is explicitly linked to His burial ([Matthew 26:12](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Anointing for Burial")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **true discipleship and worship**, contrasting the woman's selfless devotion with the disciples' (and particularly Judas's) misunderstanding and self-interest, echoing the call to costly discipleship found throughout Jesus' teachings in [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Thirdly, the verse touches upon the **enduring reality of poverty** and the Christian's ongoing responsibility to the needy, a theme present from the Law to the Prophets (e.g., [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor")) and continued in the New Testament Church ([Galatians 2:10](/galatians/2-10 "Galatians 2:10 - Remembering the Poor")). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Jesus' unique divine identity and temporary earthly presence**, setting the stage for His departure and subsequent spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **poor (Greek, _ptōchós'_):** This term refers to a beggar or pauper, strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy. It describes someone in a state of utter destitution, often cringing or crouching due to their poverty. In the New Testament, it can also refer to those who are spiritually poor or humble before God. Here, it signifies those who are materially impoverished and dependent on charity.
* **always (Greek, _pántote'_):** Derived from "all" and "when," this adverb means "at all times" or "evermore." It emphasizes an enduring, continuous reality. Jesus uses it to convey the perpetual presence of poverty in human society, a truth echoed in Old Testament passages like [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Always Be in the Land").
* **have (Greek, _échō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to hold," "possess," or "to have at one's disposal." In this context, it signifies the ongoing availability or presence of the poor among them, implying a continuous opportunity and responsibility to minister to them. Conversely, it contrasts with the temporary nature of "having" Jesus' physical presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye have the poor always with you;":** This clause acknowledges the persistent and unavoidable reality of poverty in the world. Jesus is not dismissing the importance of caring for the poor but stating a factual condition of human existence. The phrase implies that opportunities for charity are constant and will never cease, providing an ongoing avenue for disciples to demonstrate compassion and fulfill the Law's commands regarding the needy.
* **"but me ye have not always.":** This contrasting clause highlights the unique and temporary nature of Jesus' physical, earthly ministry. His time with them in bodily form was limited, culminating in His impending death, resurrection, and ascension. This statement underscores the urgency and unparalleled significance of the woman's act of devotion, as it was a direct expression of worship to the Messiah in a moment that would not be repeatable. It establishes a hierarchy of priorities, where direct, personal devotion to Christ's unique person takes precedence in this specific, eschatological context.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 26:11 is **Antithesis**, a rhetorical device that juxtaposes two contrasting ideas or statements to emphasize their differences. Here, Jesus starkly contrasts the perpetual presence of "the poor" with the temporary nature of His own physical presence ("me ye have not always"). This creates a powerful tension that highlights the unique, unrepeatable opportunity for direct devotion to Him. Furthermore, there is a subtle element of **Hyperbole** or perhaps **Proverbial Wisdom** in the phrase "the poor always with you." While not literally meaning every single moment, it conveys the enduring, pervasive reality of poverty as a constant feature of human society, echoing a similar sentiment in [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Never Cease"). This proverbial truth serves as a backdrop against which the singular, time-sensitive nature of Jesus' physical presence is magnified.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:11 offers a crucial theological insight into the nature of worship, stewardship, and the kingdom of God. It does not devalue the imperative to care for the poor, which is a foundational aspect of biblical ethics and a hallmark of true faith. Rather, it elevates the unique and irreplaceable significance of direct devotion to Christ, especially in light of His impending sacrifice. The woman's act was not merely charity but an act of profound prophetic worship, preparing the Messiah for His burial. This verse teaches that while good works and social justice are continuous responsibilities, there are also singular, divinely appointed moments for costly, direct worship of Jesus that hold a unique spiritual weight. It challenges believers to discern God's specific callings and priorities, recognizing that some opportunities for devotion to Christ are time-sensitive and of eternal consequence.

* [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Always Be in the Land")
* [Mark 14:7](/mark/14-7 "Mark 14:7 - Parallel Account of Anointing")
* [John 12:8](/john/12-8 "John 12:8 - Parallel Account of Anointing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:11 calls us to a nuanced understanding of discipleship, balancing our ongoing commitment to social justice and compassion with a fervent, intentional, and sometimes extravagant devotion to Jesus Christ Himself. While the needs of the poor are indeed always present, providing constant opportunities for us to live out the command to love our neighbor, our relationship with Christ demands a unique level of priority and worship. This verse challenges us to consider if we are sometimes so focused on "good works" that we miss the "best work"—that of direct, sacrificial worship and obedience to Jesus. It encourages us to seize present opportunities to honor Christ, whether through personal time in prayer and study, sharing the Gospel, or acts of service that are specifically directed towards His glory, even if they seem "impractical" or "wasteful" to a utilitarian mindset. True worship is often costly and may not always be understood by those around us, but it is deeply valued by our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance my commitment to social justice and caring for the needy with my direct worship and devotion to Jesus Christ?**
* **Are there "costly" acts of worship or obedience that Jesus might be calling me to, even if they don't seem immediately "practical" or are misunderstood by others?**
* **In what ways might I be missing unique, time-sensitive opportunities to honor and serve Jesus in His present spiritual reality?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus imply that caring for the poor is less important?**

Answer: No, Jesus does not diminish the importance of caring for the poor. His statement, "For ye have the poor always with you," acknowledges the perpetual presence of poverty and implicitly affirms the ongoing biblical mandate to care for the needy, a command deeply rooted in the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Never Cease")). Instead, Jesus is establishing a specific priority in a unique context: the anointing for His burial. He is highlighting that while opportunities for charity are constant, the opportunity for direct, physical devotion to Him in His final days on earth was fleeting and unrepeatable. The woman's act was an act of worship and preparation for His messianic sacrifice, which held a distinct and immediate significance.

**What does "but me ye have not always" mean for believers today, since Jesus is no longer physically present?**

Answer: The phrase "but me ye have not always" referred to Jesus' temporary physical presence before His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. For believers today, it serves as a reminder of the unique, unrepeatable historical moment of His earthly ministry. While Jesus is no longer physically present in the same way, He is eternally present through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) and spiritually present with His church ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). Therefore, the principle shifts from physical presence to spiritual devotion. It means we should prioritize our direct worship, obedience, and service to Him, recognizing the preciousness of our relationship with Him and the unique opportunities He gives us to glorify Him in our generation, which will not be repeated in the same way.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:11, while seemingly a pragmatic statement, profoundly points to Christ's unique identity and mission. The temporary nature of Jesus' physical presence ("me ye have not always") foreshadows His impending death, which is the ultimate act of self-giving love and the cornerstone of Christian faith. The woman's anointing, interpreted by Jesus as preparation for His burial ([Matthew 26:12](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Anointing for Burial")), highlights His role as the Lamb of God whose sacrifice would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). While the poor would always be present, the opportunity to offer direct, costly devotion to the incarnate Son of God, who was about to accomplish redemption, was a singular, eschatological moment. This verse, therefore, implicitly underscores the unparalleled value of Christ's person and work, asserting that devotion to Him, even in its most extravagant forms, is never wasted. His departure from physical presence paved the way for His spiritual omnipresence through the Holy Spirit ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Advantage of Jesus' Departure")), enabling all believers, across all generations, to have Him "always" in a new and profound way, a fulfillment that transcends the limitations of physical proximity.

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 12:8

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

John 16:28

¶ I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

John 14:19

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

John 16:5

But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

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.