John 13 29

John 13:29 kjv

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.

John 13:29 nkjv

For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy those things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.

John 13:29 niv

Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor.

John 13:29 esv

Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.

John 13:29 nlt

Since Judas was their treasurer, some thought Jesus was telling him to go and pay for the food or to give some money to the poor.

John 13 verses

John 13 29 Meaning

John 13:29 details the disciples' interpretation of Jesus' words to Judas after He gave Judas the morsel. They believed Jesus was instructing Judas, who managed their funds, to either acquire necessary provisions for the impending Passover feast or to distribute alms to the needy. This highlights their profound misunderstanding of the actual events unfolding, particularly Jesus' awareness of Judas's imminent betrayal, which remained concealed from the others.

John 13 29 Context

John chapter 13 immediately precedes this verse with Jesus washing His disciples' feet, setting a paradigm of servant leadership and love. Following this, Jesus reveals that one of them will betray Him, a truth understood only by Jesus Himself, and perhaps the beloved disciple. When Jesus dips the morsel and gives it to Judas Iscariot, He also states, "What you do, do quickly." This action, coupled with the command, signals to Judas that his betrayal is known and must proceed, but it goes unrecognized by the other disciples. Their misunderstanding, articulated in verse 29, stems from Judas's known role as the keeper of the group's funds. As the Passover feast was underway or about to begin, it was customary to make last-minute provisions or to give to the poor, especially during festivals. Thus, the disciples’ assumptions reflected normal Jewish practices and their limited human perspective, entirely missing the profound spiritual and redemptive drama unfolding before them.

John 13 29 Word analysis

• For some thought (ἐνόμιζον γάρ τινες / enomizon gar tines): This phrase immediately establishes the collective misunderstanding of the disciples. The verb "thought" (enomizon) indicates their ongoing belief or assumption, highlighting their human fallibility and lack of spiritual insight at that moment. It signals that their interpretation was a plausible, yet entirely mistaken, deduction based on outward circumstances.

• because (ὅτι / hoti): This connective particle provides the direct reason or cause for their thinking. It links their assumption to the fact of Judas holding the money box.

• Judas (Ἰούδας / Ioudas): Specifically names the betrayer, reinforcing his unique, dark role in the narrative and distinguishing him from the other disciples. His identity here serves as a dramatic irony, known to the reader but not the other characters in this immediate moment.

• had (εἶχεν / eichen): The imperfect tense signifies his established and continuous role as the one responsible for the money box. It wasn't a temporary assignment but a known responsibility.

• the money box (τὸ γλωσσόκομον / to glossokomon): Derived from Greek, originally referring to a case for wind instruments' reeds, then generally a small box or chest for valuables. In New Testament use, specifically referring to the common purse or treasury of the group. Its significance lies in revealing Judas's financial role and responsibility, also highlighted in Jn 12:6, where it's explicitly stated he used it for dishonest gain. This is the crucial detail that forms the basis of the disciples' plausible but incorrect assumptions.

• that Jesus was saying to him (ὅτι λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς / hoti legei auto ho Iēsous): Direct quotation of their perceived understanding, showing they thought Jesus’ command "What you do, do quickly" (Jn 13:27) was a practical instruction.

• 'Buy what we need for the feast' (Ἀγόρασον ὧν χρείαν ἔχομεν εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν / Agorason hōn chreian echomen eis tēn heortēn): "Feast" here refers to the Passover, which had either just begun or was ongoing with the primary meal still to come. The emphasis is on "what we need" (χρείαν / chreian), indicating practical supplies for the large group during the festive period. This reveals a very human, mundane interpretation of Jesus' words, centered on logistics and communal provision.

• or that he should give something to the poor (ἢ τοῖς πτωχοῖς τι δῷ / ē tois ptōchois ti dō): "The poor" (τοῖς πτωχοῖς / tois ptōchois) reflects a widespread Jewish practice, particularly charitable giving during festivals, seen as a righteous act. This assumption highlights their perception of Judas's potential mission as one of benevolence. It also suggests that even in this final, dramatic moment, their immediate thoughts were of communal welfare and pious deeds rather than betrayal.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "For some thought, because Judas had the money box": This phrase elegantly connects the disciples' misunderstanding directly to Judas's administrative role, illustrating how everyday knowledge can blind individuals to profound spiritual truths. It underscores the contrast between superficial appearance and deeper reality.
  • "'Buy what we need for the feast' or 'that he should give something to the poor'": These two phrases represent the two most common and respectable reasons for a group treasurer to depart during a sacred occasion. Both options reveal a practical, religiously-informed mindset among the disciples, utterly unaware that the true purpose of Judas's exit was a pre-ordained act of cosmic betrayal, rather than a benevolent act of either provision or charity. This reveals the stark irony of their assumptions.

John 13 29 Bonus section

The disciples' complete misinterpretation here accentuates Jesus' perfect and isolated knowledge of Judas's betrayal. This profound understanding contrasts sharply with the collective ignorance of even His closest followers. It underscores the human tendency to ascribe the most conventional or benign motivations to actions, especially when facing something beyond their immediate comprehension, highlighting their dependence on future revelation (the Holy Spirit at Pentecost) to fully grasp Jesus' mission and events. Judas's immediate departure into the night following Jesus' command (Jn 13:30) symbolizes his passage from the light of Christ into spiritual darkness, setting in motion the betrayal and the events leading to the crucifixion, all part of God's redemptive plan. The choice of "money box" (glossokomon) implies not just a practical container but perhaps hints at the material motivation behind Judas's betrayal (compare Jn 12:6, Matt 26:14-16).

John 13 29 Commentary

John 13:29 is a pivotal verse because it unveils the stark contrast between divine foreknowledge and human limited perception. While Jesus precisely directs Judas towards his treacherous act, the other disciples interpret this same interaction through the lens of ordinary, good intentions, attributing to Judas a mission of practical necessity (feast provisions) or noble charity (alms for the poor). This misinterpretation emphasizes their unawareness of the unfolding betrayal and their spiritual "blind spot" despite being intimate followers of Jesus. It subtly foreshadows their subsequent confusion and fear after Jesus' arrest. The scene underscores that Judas's actions, though wicked, are part of a larger divine plan known to Jesus. It is an illustration of how human reasoning, even when attempting to be pious or practical, can utterly fail to grasp the deeper, spiritual realities ordained by God.