John 12:6

4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,

5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

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.

7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.
KJV
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.
WEB
Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it.
ASV
Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein.
DARBY
But he said this, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the bag, and carried what was put into [it].
BLB
But he said this not because he was caring for the poor, but because he was a thief; and having the money bag, he used to take up that being put into [it].
ÅB
Men dette sa han, ikke fordi de fattige lå ham på hjerte, men fordi han var en tyv og hadde pungen og tok det som ble lagt i den.
OTB
Han sa dette ikke fordi han brydde seg om de fattige, men fordi han var en tyv; som kasserer pleide han å ta av det som ble lagt i det.
B1930
Men dette sa han, ikke fordi de fattige lå ham på hjerte, men fordi han var en tyv og hadde pungen og tok det som blev lagt i den.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 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.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 50:16–20

    But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

    Read in context
  • James 2:6

    But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

    Read in context
  • James 2:2

    For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

    Read in context
  • 2 Kings 5:20–27

    But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

    Read in context
  • Galatians 2:10

    Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 6:10

    Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

    Read in context
  • Ezra 8:24–34

    Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

    Read in context