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

JOHN 6:71KJV
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John 6:71 (KJV)

What does John 6:71 mean?

John 6:71 identifies Judas Iscariot as the person Jesus had in mind when speaking about one of his chosen followers. John tells readers that Judas would later betray Jesus, even though he belonged to the twelve men closest to him.

After Jesus’ words in verse 70, John adds this explanation for the reader. “He spake” refers to Jesus, while the explanation identifying Judas is John’s own comment.

The Greek behind John 6:71

  • “should” — μέλλω (mellō): This word can carry the sense of something about to happen or destined to happen. Here it looks ahead from the scene to Judas’s later action.
  • “betray” — παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi): This word can mean to hand someone over. In Judas’s case, it points to his part in handing Jesus over to those who sought to arrest him.

Why John 6:71 matters

  • John identifies the person Jesus meant for the reader. Jesus had spoken of “one of you” in verse 70; John names Judas in verse 71.
  • Judas’s place among the twelve makes his later betrayal striking. John places “being one of the twelve” alongside the statement that Judas would betray Jesus.
  • John identifies Judas more precisely by naming his father, Simon. The description helps readers distinguish this Judas from others who shared the name.

Where else these words appear

“Iscariot” Greek G2469 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
  • Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
  • John 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

“Judas” Greek G2455 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 3:30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
  • John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

“twelve” Greek G1427 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
  • Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
  • John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.