King James Version

What Does John 13:29 Mean?

John 13:29 in the King James Version says “For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of... — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

27

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

28

Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.

29

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.

30

He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

31

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because Judas had the bag (τὸ γλωσσόκομον, to glōssokomon)—originally a case for storing mouthpieces of wind instruments, here a money box or purse. Judas was the group's treasurer, handling finances for Jesus's itinerant ministry. John 12:6 reveals he was a thief who pilfered from this fund, making his betrayal for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15) particularly sordid—selling Christ for money while already stealing from Him.

Buy those things that we have need of... or give something to the poor—the disciples' speculation shows Jesus's consistent pattern of caring for the poor (Galatians 2:10). Even on the night of His arrest, they assumed He might send Judas on a mercy mission. This reveals Christ's habitual generosity and the disciples' blindness to impending betrayal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Passover lasted eight days (including Unleavened Bread), requiring provisions. Jerusalem swelled from 50,000 to 200,000+ pilgrims, creating both commercial opportunity and intensified poverty. Jesus's ministry consistently gave to the poor (John 12:5-6), making the disciples' assumption reasonable. Judas's role as treasurer gave him legitimate reason to leave without suspicion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Judas's love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) create the spiritual blindness that led to betraying Christ?
  2. What does Jesus's consistent care for the poor teach about true discipleship priorities?
  3. Are you stewarding resources faithfully, or does covetousness compromise your devotion to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
τι1 of 27

some

G5100

some or any person or object

γὰρ2 of 27

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐδόκουν3 of 27

of them thought

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

ἐπεὶ4 of 27

because

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

τὸ5 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γλωσσόκομον6 of 27

the bag

G1101

properly, a case (to keep mouthpieces of wind-instruments in) i.e., (by extension) a casket or (specially) purse

ἔχομεν7 of 27

had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

8 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰούδας9 of 27

Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

ὅτι10 of 27

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

λέγει11 of 27

had said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ12 of 27

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

13 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς14 of 27

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Ἀγόρασον15 of 27

Buy

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

ὧν16 of 27

those things that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

χρείαν17 of 27

need of

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχομεν18 of 27

had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

εἰς19 of 27

against

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν20 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑορτήν21 of 27

the feast

G1859

a festival

22 of 27

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τοῖς23 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πτωχοῖς24 of 27

to the poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

ἵνα25 of 27

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τι26 of 27

some

G5100

some or any person or object

δῷ27 of 27

he should give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 13:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 13:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study