John 12:8 Meaning and Explanation
“For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The poor will always be near to serve, Jesus says, but his own presence among them is brief.
What Does John 12:8 Mean?
Jesus echoes the law of Moses, which says the poor will never cease from the land and therefore commands open hands toward them. He is not dismissing the poor; he is invoking a duty that never expires, while pointing to an hour that will never come again.
Some opportunities are constant and some come once. The poor would remain to be served, and his people must serve them; but the Son of God was about to die, and Mary had seized the one moment to honor him for it. Wisdom discerns the hour. Love for Christ and care for the needy are not rivals; each has its time.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 12:8
What does John 12:8 mean?
The poor will always be near to serve, Jesus says, but his own presence among them is brief.