John 12:8
For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχοὺς
the poor
G4434
πτωχοὺς
the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
2 of 12
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
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔχετε
ye have
G2192
ἔχετε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μεθ'
with
G3326
μεθ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἑαυτῶν
you
G1438
ἑαυτῶν
you
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 12
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Cross References
Deuteronomy 15:11For 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 14:7For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.Matthew 26:11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.John 13:33Little 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.John 12:35Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.John 8:21Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.Song of Solomon 5:6I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
Historical Context
Poverty was endemic in first-century Palestine under Roman taxation and occupation. Jesus' statement echoes Deuteronomy 15:11, acknowledging poverty's persistence while establishing worship's priority.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance worship of Christ with service to the poor?
- What does this teach about seizing unique spiritual opportunities?
- In what ways does genuine worship lead to service, not replace it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus states that the poor are always present, providing ongoing opportunity for charity, but His physical presence is temporary. This doesn't minimize poverty relief but establishes priorities: worship of Christ supersedes all other obligations when the opportunity arises. The statement also predicts His imminent death and departure. Post-resurrection, believers serve the poor precisely because they serve Christ (Matt 25:40), but during His incarnation, direct worship appropriately took precedence. This challenges both those who neglect the poor and those who neglect worship.