John 13:29
For 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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐδόκουν
of them thought
G1380
ἐδόκουν
of them thought
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
3 of 27
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλωσσόκομον
the bag
G1101
γλωσσόκομον
the bag
Strong's:
G1101
Word #:
6 of 27
properly, a case (to keep mouthpieces of wind-instruments in) i.e., (by extension) a casket or (specially) purse
ἔχομεν
had
G2192
ἔχομεν
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 27
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰούδας
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδας
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
9 of 27
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
λέγει
had said
G3004
λέγει
had said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 27
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 27
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
14 of 27
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ἀγόρασον
Buy
G59
Ἀγόρασον
Buy
Strong's:
G59
Word #:
15 of 27
properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem
ὧν
those things that
G3739
ὧν
those things that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 27
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
χρείαν
need of
G5532
χρείαν
need of
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
17 of 27
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔχομεν
had
G2192
ἔχομεν
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
18 of 27
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχοῖς
to the poor
G4434
πτωχοῖς
to the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
24 of 27
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
Historical Context
Passover lasted eight days (including Unleavened Bread), requiring provisions. Jerusalem swelled from 50,000 to 200,000+ pilgrims, creating both commercial opportunity and intensified poverty. Jesus's ministry consistently gave to the poor (John 12:5-6), making the disciples' assumption reasonable. Judas's role as treasurer gave him legitimate reason to leave without suspicion.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Judas's love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) create the spiritual blindness that led to betraying Christ?
- What does Jesus's consistent care for the poor teach about true discipleship priorities?
- Are you stewarding resources faithfully, or does covetousness compromise your devotion to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Because Judas had the bag (τὸ γλωσσόκομον, to glōssokomon)—originally a case for storing mouthpieces of wind instruments, here a money box or purse. Judas was the group's treasurer, handling finances for Jesus's itinerant ministry. John 12:6 reveals he was a thief who pilfered from this fund, making his betrayal for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15) particularly sordid—selling Christ for money while already stealing from Him.
Buy those things that we have need of... or give something to the poor—the disciples' speculation shows Jesus's consistent pattern of caring for the poor (Galatians 2:10). Even on the night of His arrest, they assumed He might send Judas on a mercy mission. This reveals Christ's habitual generosity and the disciples' blindness to impending betrayal.