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 13:29KJV
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John 13:29 (KJV)

What does John 13:29 mean?

John 13:29 describes how some of Jesus’ disciples misunderstood why Judas left the room during the Last Supper, thinking Jesus had sent him to buy supplies for the feast or to give money to the poor, since Judas was in charge of the group’s money bag. The verse shows that the other disciples did not suspect Judas’ real intentions.

During the Last Supper, Jesus had just spoken quietly to Judas, telling him, “That thou doest, do quickly.” The disciples saw Judas leave, and because he kept the money bag (the group’s funds), they assumed he was handling a normal responsibility—either buying needed items for the Passover feast or giving charity to the poor. This detail highlights how unaware the disciples were of Judas’ plan to betray Jesus, even at this late moment.

The Greek behind John 13:29

  • ἡ γλωσσόκομον (hē glōssokomon, “the bag”): This word refers to a money box or bag, showing Judas’ role as the group’s treasurer. It explains why the disciples would assume he was sent on an errand involving money.
  • πτωχοῖς (ptōchois, “the poor”): The Greek word for “poor” here reminds us that giving to the poor was a regular practice for Jesus and his disciples, so it would be natural for them to think Judas was sent to help those in need.
  • ἑορτήν (heortēn, “feast”): This word refers specifically to a festival or feast, in this case the Passover, underlining the practical preparations still underway even during this significant meal.

Why John 13:29 matters

  • John 13:29 clears up any idea that the disciples were aware of Judas’ betrayal; they were completely in the dark and assumed he was doing something routine.
  • The verse emphasizes how trusted Judas was with the group’s finances, making his betrayal even more striking.
  • This detail connects to the larger narrative by showing the ordinary, everyday concerns of Jesus’ followers even during a moment of great significance, highlighting the contrast between outward appearances and hidden motives.

Where else these words appear

“bag” Greek G1101 · used in 2 verses

  • John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

“feast” Greek G1859 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
  • John 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
  • John 7:14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

“because” Greek G1893 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“Buy” Greek G59 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
  • Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.