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.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχῶν
the poor
G4434
πτωχῶν
the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
8 of 22
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
ἔμελεν
he cared
G3199
ἔμελεν
he cared
Strong's:
G3199
Word #:
9 of 22
to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)
αὐτῷ
G846
αὐτῷ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 22
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
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλωσσόκομον
the bag
G1101
γλωσσόκομον
the bag
Strong's:
G1101
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, a case (to keep mouthpieces of wind-instruments in) i.e., (by extension) a casket or (specially) purse
εἶχέν
had
G2192
εἶχέν
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
18 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 13:29For 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.James 2:6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
Historical Context
The common purse was typical for traveling rabbi groups. The treasurer role required trust, making Judas' theft especially reprehensible. His sustained theft proved premeditated sin, not momentary weakness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Judas' sustained theft while serving in ministry teach about religious hypocrisy?
- How can we guard against using spiritual language to mask carnal motives?
- In what ways does this warning challenge those in religious positions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John provides editorial commentary: Judas spoke 'not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief.' This exposes the heart behind the words. Judas held the money bag and stole from it regularly. The Greek 'ebastazen' (bare) can mean 'pilfer' or 'steal.' John, writing decades later, reveals what wasn't evident then. This demonstrates that religious language and position don't prove genuine faith. Judas' theft while serving as treasurer shows the height of hypocrisy. His close proximity to Christ while remaining unregenerate warns against presumption.