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John 12:4

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 12:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith,
John 12:4 — American Standard Version

Context — John 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Jesus therefore six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead.
2So they made him a supper there: and Martha served; but Lazarus was one of them that sat at meat with him.
3Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith,
5Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred shillings, and given to the poor?
6Now 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.
7Jesus therefore said, Suffer her to keep it against the day of my burying.
← John 12:3John 12:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then saith one of his disciples, etc.] Who had no true love for his master, was an hypocrite, and a covetous person: Judas Iscariot; so called, to distinguish him from another Judas, an apostle; (see Gill on “<401004>Matthew 10:4”). Simon’s [son]; this is omitted in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions; (see Gill on “<431302>John 13:2”); which should betray him; and so he did; this was pre-determined by God, foretold in prophecy, and foreknown by Christ; and is observed here, to show the temper and character of the man.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Judas . . . who should betray him--For the reason why this is here mentioned, see on Mar 14:11.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 26:3-16. John 12:2 A supper - At the house of Simon the leper, Matthew 26:6. Lazarus was ... - The names of Martha and Lazarus are mentioned because it was not in their own house, but in that of Simon. Lazarus is particularly mentioned, since it was so remarkable that one who had been once dead should be enjoying again the endearments of friendship. This shows, also, that his resurrection was no illusion - that he was really restored to the blessings of life and friendship. Calmet thinks that this was about two months after his resurrection, and it is the last that we hear of him. How long he lived is unknown, nor is it recorded that he made…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“one: Sa1 17:28, Sa1 17:29; Ecc 4:4 Judas Iscariot: Joh 6:70, Joh 6:71, Joh 13:2, Joh 13:26, Joh 18:2-5; Mat 10:4; Luk 6:16 John 12:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification