John 6:70
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 16
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 16
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 #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
John 13:27And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;John 6:64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.John 17:12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.John 13:18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.Acts 1:17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.1 John 3:8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.John 13:21When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.John 15:19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Historical Context
This early prediction of betrayal shows Jesus' foreknowledge and control. He wasn't surprised or defeated by Judas. The warning about false disciples among the chosen remained relevant for the early church facing internal threats. Judas's presence among the Twelve demonstrates that position doesn't guarantee salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Jesus choose Judas knowing he would betray Him?
- What does Judas's presence among the Twelve teach about the visible and invisible church?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?' Even the Twelve include a traitor. Jesus' choice doesn't guarantee faithfulness—Judas was chosen and will betray. Calling him 'a devil' (diabolos) identifies Judas with Satan (13:27). This sobering note warns against presumption. Proximity to Jesus doesn't ensure genuine faith. Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray Him (verse 64).