For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

MATTHEW 26:11KJV
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Matthew 26:11 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:11 mean?

Matthew 26:11 means that there will always be people in need ("the poor") present in the world, but Jesus himself would not be physically present with his disciples much longer. Jesus is highlighting the unique importance of his presence at that specific moment.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after a woman anoints him with expensive ointment, and some criticize her for not selling it to help the poor. Jesus responds by pointing out that opportunities to help the poor will always exist, but his time with them is short. The verse draws attention to the special significance of Jesus' presence before his coming death.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:11

  • πτωχούς (ptōchoús, "poor"): This word refers to those who are destitute or lacking basic necessities. Jesus' use of this word emphasizes the ongoing reality of poverty in the world.
  • πάντοτε (pantote, "always"): This word means "at all times" or "continually." It stresses that caring for the poor is a continual responsibility, not a one-time event.
  • ἐμὲ (eme, "me"): This is a specific, emphatic way of saying "me," highlighting Jesus himself as the focus. The contrast is between the ever-present needs of the poor and the unique, fleeting presence of Jesus with his disciples.

Why Matthew 26:11 matters

  • Matthew 26:11 clarifies that Jesus was not dismissing the importance of caring for the poor, but was emphasizing the unique moment of his presence before his crucifixion.
  • The verse helps explain why Jesus accepted the woman's act of devotion, showing that honoring him in that moment had a special significance.
  • This statement connects to the wider passage by showing the disciples' misunderstanding of the situation and Jesus' awareness of his approaching death.

Where else these words appear

“poor” Greek G4434 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
  • John 13:29 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.

“always” Greek G3842 · used in 38 verses

  • Mark 14:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
  • Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;