Matthew 26:11
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχοὺς
the poor
G4434
πτωχοὺς
the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
4 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
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.John 12:8For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.John 16:28I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.John 14:19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.John 16:5But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?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.Acts 3:21Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Matthew 18:20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke this two days before His crucifixion. After His resurrection and ascension, He wouldn't be physically present with the disciples. This was their final opportunity to honor Him bodily before His death. Mary seized the moment with prophetic insight.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's statement challenge the modern tendency to reduce Christianity to social activism rather than worship of Christ?
- What 'moments of devotion' might you be missing by prioritizing good activities over the best thing—sitting at Jesus's feet?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always—Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 15:11 ('the poor shall never cease out of the land'), not to minimize concern for the poor but to establish worship's priority. The phrase eme de ou pantote echete (ἐμὲ δὲ οὐ πάντοτε ἔχετε) emphasizes His approaching death and bodily departure.
This isn't an excuse for neglecting the poor—Jesus Himself prioritized them. Rather, it's a recognition of redemptive-historical uniqueness. The incarnate Son of God stood before them for limited time. Missing worship opportunities by reducing everything to social utility profoundly misunderstands Christ's worth and mission.