Matthew 26:11

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 26:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
Matthew 26:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 26

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For ye have the poor always with you, etc.] This is said in answer to the objection of the disciples, that the ointment might have been sold, and the money given to the poor. Christ seems to have respect to (<051511>Deuteronomy 15:11), and which, agreeably to the sense of the Jews, refers to the times of the Messiah: for they say f1482, “there is no difference between this world (this present time) and the times of the Messiah, but the subduing of kingdoms only; as it is said, (<051511>Deuteronomy 15:11), “for the poor shall never cease out of the land”: the gloss on it is, from hence it may be concluded, that therefore, twyn[ çy µlw[l, “for ever there will be poverty, and riches”.” Our…”
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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
“Ye have the poor always with you - Such is the wise and gracious providence of God, that we may have always opportunities of relieving their wants, and so laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 26:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“ye have: Mat 25:34-40, Mat 25:42-45; Deu 15:11; Mar 14:7; Joh 12:8; Gal 2:10; Jo1 3:17 but: Mat 18:20, Mat 28:20; Joh 13:33, Joh 14:19, Joh 16:5, Joh 16:28, Joh 17:11; Act 3:21 Matthew 26:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification