King James Version

What Does John 6:71 Mean?

John 6:71 in the King James Version says “He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.”

John 6:71 · KJV

Context

69

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

70

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

71

He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. This parenthetical identification of the betrayer creates dramatic irony—the reader knows what the disciples don't yet comprehend. 'Judas Iscariot' distinguishes him from Judas the brother of James (Luke 6:16). 'Son of Simon' provides further identification. The phrase 'he it was that should betray' (houtos gar emellen auton paradidonai) uses the imperfect 'emellen' indicating what was about to happen—Judas's betrayal was imminent though not yet executed. The tragic phrase 'being one of the twelve' (heis ōn ek tōn dōdeka) emphasizes the horror: not an enemy but an insider, not a stranger but an apostle chosen by Christ Himself. Reformed theology sees in Judas a sobering example of false profession, outward proximity to Christ without inward regeneration, religious service without salvation. His presence among the Twelve warns against trusting external privileges for assurance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John, writing decades later with full knowledge of Judas's betrayal, alerts readers to the tragedy unfolding. Judas held a position of trust (treasurer, John 12:6) yet used it for theft. He shared three years of intimate fellowship with Christ yet harbored unbelief. His name 'Iscariot' likely means 'man of Kerioth,' a Judean town, making him possibly the only non-Galilean among the Twelve. The betrayal by one of the inner circle shocked early Christians—how could an apostle fall away? John's answer: Judas was never genuinely saved (verse 64: Jesus knew from the beginning). The church has always faced Judases—those who profess Christ, serve in ministry, yet prove ultimately false. Church history warns against assuming that proximity to Christ, theological knowledge, or ministerial activity guarantees salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Judas's presence among the Twelve teach about the danger of false profession?
  2. How can someone serve in ministry, hear Christ's teaching, witness miracles, yet remain unsaved?
  3. What distinguishes genuine discipleship from Judas-like proximity to Christ without heart transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἔλεγεν1 of 16

“He spake”

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

δὲ2 of 16
G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν3 of 16
G3588

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

Ἰούδαν4 of 16

“of Judas”

G2455

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

Σίμωνος5 of 16

“the son of Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Ἰσκαριώτην·6 of 16

“Iscariot”

G2469

inhabitant of kerioth; iscariotes (i.e., keriothite), an epithet of judas the traitor

οὗτος7 of 16

“he”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

γὰρ8 of 16

“for”

G1063

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

ἤμελλεν9 of 16

“it was that should”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

αὐτόν10 of 16

“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

παραδιδόναι11 of 16

“betray”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

εἷς12 of 16

“one”

G1520

one

ὢν13 of 16

“being”

G5607

being

ἐκ14 of 16

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν15 of 16
G3588

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

δώδεκα16 of 16

“the twelve”

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

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 6:71 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 6:71 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:14-16Acts 1:16-20Jude 1:4Acts 2:23Psalms 41:9Matthew 27:3-5

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