John 12:4
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ὁ
son which
G3588
ὁ
son which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ἰούδας
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδας
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
8 of 14
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
Ἰσκαριώτης
Iscariot
G2469
Ἰσκαριώτης
Iscariot
Strong's:
G2469
Word #:
10 of 14
inhabitant of kerioth; iscariotes (i.e., keriothite), an epithet of judas the traitor
ὁ
son which
G3588
ὁ
son which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέλλων
should
G3195
μέλλων
should
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
12 of 14
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
Cross References
Matthew 10:4Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;John 13:26Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
Historical Context
Judas' surname 'Iscariot' likely means 'man of Kerioth,' distinguishing him from other Judases. His role as treasurer (v. 6) gave him access to funds and opportunity for theft.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judas' religious objection mask spiritual deadness?
- What's the difference between wise stewardship and calculating worship?
- In what ways do we value utility over extravagant love for Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Judas Iscariot objects to Mary's 'waste,' identified by John as the betrayer. The name's repetition ('Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him') emphasizes his infamy. Judas represents religious people who value utility over worship, calculation over love. His objection sounds pious but masks greed (v. 6). The contrast is stark: Mary's extravagant love versus Judas' calculating theft. This demonstrates that proximity to Jesus doesn't guarantee genuine discipleship. Judas proves that one can be near Christ yet remain unregenerate.