John 6:70

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 6:70 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?
John 6:70 — American Standard Version

Context — John 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
70Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Jesus answered them, etc.] The disciples, taking Peter’s answer to his question, as delivered in the name of them all, and as expressing their mind and sense: have not I chosen you twelve; not to grace and glory, to holiness and happiness; though this was true of eleven of them, but to be apostles: and one of you is a devil? or like to one, is a deceiver, a liar, and a murderer, as the devil is from the beginning; all which Judas was, and appeared to be, in the betraying of his master. The Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, “is Satan”; which name, if given to Peter, as it once was on a certain occasion, (<401623>Matthew 16:23), might very well be given to Judas; who, notwithstanding…”
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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
“Have not I chosen . . . and one of you is a devil:--"Well said, Simon-Barjonas, but that 'we' embraces not so wide a circle as in the simplicity of thine heart thou thinkest; for though I have chosen you but twelve, one even of these is a 'devil'" (the temple, the tool of that wicked one). Next: John Chapter 7”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Have not I chosen you twelve? - There is much emphasis in these words. Have not I - I, the Saviour, the Messiah, chosen you in mercy and in love, and therefore it will be a greater sin to betray me? Chosen. Chosen to the apostolic office; conferred on you marks of special favor, and treason is therefore the greater sin. You twelve. So small a number. Out of such a multitude as follow for the loaves and fishes, it is to be expected there should be apostates; but when the number is so small, chosen in such a manner, then it becomes every one, however confident he may be, to be on his guard and examine his heart. Is a devil - Has the spirit, the envy, the malice, and the treasonable designs of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Jesus answered the - And yet even ye have not all acted suitable to this knowledge. Have I not chosen or elected you twelve? - But they might fall even from that election. Yet one of you - On this gracious warning, Judas ought to have repented; is a devil - Is now influenced by one. Next: John Chapter 7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:70-71 Once again Jesus demonstrated supernatural knowledge (see 1:47-49; 4:16-19). Judas would work for evil and betray Jesus to the authorities (12:4; 13:2; Matt 26:14-16). • Iscariot means “man from Kerioth,” the home village of Judas’s family.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Have: Joh 6:64, Joh 13:18, Joh 17:12; Mat 10:1-4; Luk 6:13-16; Act 1:17 and one: Joh 8:44, Joh 13:2, Joh 13:21, Joh 13:27; Act 13:10; Jo1 3:8; Rev 3:9, Rev 3:10 a devil: Ti1 3:11; Tit 2:3 \*Gr. John 6:71”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification