John 12 4

John 12:4 kjv

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

John 12:4 nkjv

But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said,

John 12:4 niv

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,

John 12:4 esv

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said,

John 12:4 nlt

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said,

John 12 verses

John 12 4 Meaning

John 12:4 introduces Judas Iscariot as a specific disciple, clearly identifying him by his full name and familial connection as "Simon's son." Crucially, the verse immediately characterizes him with his most significant future action: the one "who was about to betray him" or "who would betray him." This identification precedes his actual statement, imbuing his subsequent words (in verse 5) with a pre-established sinister motive. It functions as an authorial aside by John, highlighting Judas's preordained role and moral failing in the narrative, distinguishing his deceptive character from the sincere devotion shown by others, particularly Mary.

John 12 4 Context

John 12:4 is embedded within a dinner scene at Bethany, six days before Passover, specifically after Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfumed oil. The preceding verses (12:1-3) describe Mary's act of devotion, her extravagant expression of love, and the whole house being filled with the fragrance. This beautiful and worshipful scene provides the immediate backdrop against which Judas's cynical and critical remark is set. His upcoming words, questioning the "waste" of the costly perfume (v. 5), are thus juxtaposed sharply against an act of profound spiritual significance. The broader context of John's Gospel often highlights the escalating conflict between light and darkness, faith and unbelief, setting the stage for Jesus' final week leading to the crucifixion. Judas, the betrayer, personifies this opposition from within Jesus' inner circle. Historically and culturally, a dinner in such an intimate setting would usually entail mutual respect and hospitality, making Judas's impending treachery even more jarring and culturally offensive to the ancient Jewish audience, where loyalty and honor were paramount.

John 12 4 Word analysis

• But (δέ - de): This conjunction marks a strong contrast. It signals a shift from the beautiful, sacrificial act of Mary to the selfish, critical interjection of Judas. It implies "on the other hand" or "however," creating an immediate dramatic tension.
• one of his disciples (εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ - heis ek tōn mathētōn autou): The phrasing emphasizes Judas's intimate connection and privileged position within Jesus' inner circle. He was not an outsider, but one specifically chosen to be close to the Lord, making his subsequent betrayal all the more grievous. This also highlights the irony and tragedy that a betrayer would emerge from such a sacred fellowship.
• Judas Iscariot (Ἰούδας ὁ Ἰσκαριώτης - Ioudas ho Iskarios): "Judas" (derived from Judah) means "praise." "Iscariot" (Iskariotes) is commonly understood to mean "man of Kerioth," referencing a town in southern Judah, thus distinguishing him from other disciples named Judas (like Thaddeus). This detailed naming prevents ambiguity, pointing to the specific individual predestined for betrayal.
• Simon's son (Σίμωνος - Simonos): Further specific identification, distinguishing him, for example, from Simon Peter. This patronymic is consistently used by John when referring to Judas, linking him clearly to his family background, a common ancient practice.
• which should betray him (ὁ μέλλων αὐτὸν παραδιδόναι - ho mellōn auton paradidōnai): This phrase is critical.
  • mellōn ("about to," "going to," "destined to"): Not just a simple future, but conveys a sense of certainty or divine necessity regarding the impending act. It underscores Jesus' foreknowledge.
  • auton paradidōnai ("him to hand over/betray"): Paradidōnai can mean simply "to hand over" or "to deliver," but in this context, it unmistakably carries the weight of "betrayal." It points to Judas's perfidious act of handing Jesus over to His enemies, not out of legitimate duty, but out of malice and self-interest. This descriptive label becomes his definitive identity in John's narrative.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son: This entire phrase establishes Judas's identity and position with deliberate precision. John immediately clarifies which specific disciple is about to speak, using his full identifying name, including his father's name, leaving no doubt. The juxtaposition with "but" following an act of devotion sets a contrast.
• which should betray him, said: This final phrase is a damning, proleptic declaration of Judas's character and future actions. It serves as an authorial comment that shapes the reader's understanding of Judas even before his words are heard. It tells the reader how to interpret his coming statement—not as an innocent inquiry, but as coming from a heart already inclined to treachery and driven by ulterior motives, effectively sealing his role as the predetermined traitor in John's narrative.

John 12 4 Bonus section

John's Gospel consistently distinguishes between true belief and superficial adherence. Judas is presented as a tragic example of one who was incredibly close to Jesus, witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, yet ultimately chose the path of unbelief and self-interest. The use of "Simon's son" specifically ties Judas to a known lineage, yet paradoxically, it's his spiritual "father," the devil (as noted in John 6:70-71 and 13:2), that truly defines his identity. The evangelist's persistent branding of Judas as the betrayer from early on in his Gospel (John 6:64, 70-71; 13:2) emphasizes that this was not a sudden decision on Judas's part but an intrinsic part of his character, known to Jesus all along. This underscores a key Johannine theme: light exposing darkness, and truth unmasking deception.

John 12 4 Commentary

John 12:4 acts as a concise but powerful piece of narrative framing. It strips away any ambiguity about Judas's character and intentions for the reader from the outset of his speaking part in this pivotal scene. By identifying Judas not just by name but by his ultimate act ("who was about to betray him"), John communicates Jesus' full awareness of His betrayer's identity and future deed. This foreknowledge does not absolve Judas's personal responsibility but rather highlights the tragedy of his choice and the profound scope of God's redemptive plan. The verse sets up the stark moral and spiritual conflict between authentic worship (Mary) and self-serving hypocrisy (Judas), laying bare the corrupted heart that eventually led to the betrayal of Christ. It implies that Judas's subsequent complaint about the "waste" of expensive perfume is rooted in his covetousness, not genuine concern for the poor, preparing the reader for John's direct exposure of Judas as a thief in the very next verse (12:6).