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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 12:8 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/12-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/43_Jhn_12_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 12:8 - Mary Anoints Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but me ye have not always.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For the poor ye have always with you; but me ye have not always.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You will always have the poor with you, but you won't always have me." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the poor ye have always with you; but me ye have not always.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me with you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You will always have poor people with you, but you will not always have me." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />because you will always have the destitute with you, but you won't always have me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For you will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For the poor ye have always with you; but me ye have not always.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For the poor you always have with you, but you have not me always."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for you always have the poor with yourselves, and you do not always have Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For you always have the poor with you, but not always do you have Me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for the poor ye have always with yourselves, and me ye have not always.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For the poor have ye always with you; and me ye have not always.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For the poor you have always with you; but me you have not always. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For the poor, you have with you always. But me, you do always not have.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For you have the poor always with you, but me you have not always.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“For you have the poor with you always, but you do not have me with you always.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For the poor you have always with you; but me you have not always.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>for you have the poor always with you; but you have not me always.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For the poor ye have always with you; but me ye have not always.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />the poor you will always have with you; but me you will not always have.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For the poor you always have with you, but you have not me always."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>for the poor ye always have with you, but Me ye have not always."<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>For the poor ye have always with you, but me ye have not always.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/12-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=4388" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/12.htm">Mary Anoints Jesus</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/4434.htm" title="4434: ptōchous (Adj-AMP) -- Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. ">poor</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echete (V-PIA-2P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">you will always have</a> <a href="/greek/3842.htm" title="3842: pantote (Adv) -- Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times."></a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meth’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautōn (RefPro-GM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">you,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">you will not</a> <a href="/greek/3842.htm" title="3842: pantote (Adv) -- Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times.">always</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echete (V-PIA-2P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">have</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: eme (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me.” </a> </span> <span class="reftext">9</span>Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-11.htm">Matthew 26:11</a></span><br />The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-7.htm">Mark 14:7</a></span><br />The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a></span><br />For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-38.htm">Luke 10:38-42</a></span><br />As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. / She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. / But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34-35</a></span><br />There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-10.htm">Galatians 2:10</a></span><br />They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-9.htm">2 Corinthians 9:9</a></span><br />As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Isaiah 58:7</a></span><br />Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Proverbs 22:9</a></span><br />A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Psalm 41:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-10.htm">Leviticus 19:10</a></span><br />You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For the poor always you have with you; but me you have not always.</p><p class="hdg">the poor.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a></b></br> For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/26-11.htm">Matthew 26:11</a></b></br> For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/14-7.htm">Mark 14:7</a></b></br> For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.</p><p class="hdg">but.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35</a></b></br> Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-21.htm">John 8:21</a></b></br> Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/13-33.htm">John 13:33</a></b></br> Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/11-42.htm">Always</a> <a href="/john/12-6.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/john/7-8.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/18-20.htm">Always</a> <a href="/john/13-29.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/john/13-35.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">John 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/12-1.htm">Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/12-9.htm">The people flock to see Lazarus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/12-10.htm">The chief priests consult to kill him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/12-12.htm">Jesus rides into Jerusalem.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/12-20.htm">Greeks desire to see Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/12-23.htm">He foretells his death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/12-37.htm">The people are generally blinded;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">42. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/12-42.htm">yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/12-44.htm">therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The poor you will always have with you</b><br>This phrase acknowledges the persistent reality of poverty in the world. It echoes <a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a>, where God instructs Israel to be open-handed toward the poor and needy. The statement reflects the socio-economic conditions of the time, where poverty was widespread and systemic. Jesus is not dismissing the importance of caring for the poor; rather, He is emphasizing the perpetual need for compassion and charity. This phrase also highlights the ongoing responsibility of believers to care for the less fortunate, a theme consistent throughout Scripture (<a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a>, <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a>).<p><b>but you will not always have Me.</b><br>Here, Jesus is foreshadowing His impending crucifixion and departure from the world. This statement underscores the unique and limited opportunity the disciples had to be in His physical presence. It emphasizes the significance of His earthly ministry and the urgency of recognizing His divine mission. The phrase also points to the transition from Jesus' physical presence to the spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit, as promised in <a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16-17</a>. This moment is a reminder of the prophetic nature of Jesus' life and mission, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (Isaiah 53, <a href="/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and others present. He is emphasizing His impending departure and the importance of His presence.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/mary_of_bethany.htm">Mary of Bethany</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, she is the one who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, prompting the discussion about the poor.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judas_iscariot.htm">Judas Iscariot</a></b><br>He is the disciple who questioned the use of expensive perfume, suggesting it could have been sold to help the poor. His motives were not pure, as he was known to steal from the money bag.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethany.htm">Bethany</a></b><br>The village where this event takes place, located near Jerusalem. It is the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>Present during this event, they are learning from Jesus' teachings and actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_priority_of_christ's_presence.htm">The Priority of Christ's Presence</a></b><br>Jesus emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable value of His presence. While social justice and caring for the poor are important, they should not overshadow the worship and adoration due to Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_temporal_vs._eternal.htm">Understanding Temporal vs. Eternal</a></b><br>The statement highlights the temporal nature of Jesus' earthly ministry compared to the ongoing presence of the poor. Believers are called to balance immediate needs with eternal priorities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_motives.htm">Generosity and Motives</a></b><br>The contrast between Mary’s genuine act of worship and Judas’ false concern for the poor challenges believers to examine their motives in acts of charity and service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_serve_the_poor.htm">The Call to Serve the Poor</a></b><br>While Jesus points out the constant presence of the poor, it is not a dismissal of their needs. Believers are called to serve the poor as an expression of their faith and love for Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/worship_and_sacrifice.htm">Worship and Sacrifice</a></b><br>Mary’s act of anointing Jesus was a costly sacrifice, demonstrating that true worship often involves giving up something valuable. Believers are encouraged to consider what they might sacrificially offer to honor Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'the_light'.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'I am the Light'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_you_help_me,_god.htm">Can you help me, God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_prayer_not_heal_amputees.htm">Why does prayer not heal amputees?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_deut._15_11_contradict_no-poor_claim.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11 acknowledges the perpetual presence of poverty—does this contradict the earlier statement that there would be no poor? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) This verse occurs word for word in both of the first two Gospels. (See Notes there.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - This verse is omitted in D, but abundantly attested here. It occurs <span class="accented">almost</span> verbatim in Matthew and Mark, and cannot be set aside on the authority of this one eccentric manuscript. <span class="cmt_word">For the poor ye have always with you</span> (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a>). You will always have opportunity of doing to them, as to representatives of me, what is in your heart of compassion (cf. <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40-45</a>). <span class="cmt_word">But me</span>, as an object of personal, tangible regard and visible attention, deserving thus and ever the affluence and exuberance of your love, <span class="cmt_word">ye have not always</span>; and, though I shall be with you always in my Divine power and Spirit, even unto the end of the world, and though I shall always be with you in the person of the poor and needy, yet in the sense in which this expression of love Can be made, I shall be absent. As though he had said, "After this very night, the opportunity to offer me affectionate attention or symbolic homage, to give expression to feelings in accordance with just presentiments as to my mission, will be over forever, and belong to the irrecoverable past - <span class="accented">Now</span> <span class="accented">or never!</span> She has done this thing, she will have everlasting remembrance thereby." The frankincense of the Wise Men, the ointment of Mary, the homage of the Greeks, were symbols, and can never be repeated. The greatest motive for generous and affectionate interest in the poor is that they represent the Lord; but they are not to be rivals of the Lord himself. Westcott remarks, "The promise of the future record of the act of love is omitted by the one evangelist who gives the name of the woman who showed this devotion to her Master." Moulton, "The very charity that cares for the poor whom we see has been kept alive by faith in and devotion to the crucified Redeemer whom we cannot see." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/12-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">The</span><br /><span class="grk">τοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(tous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">poor</span><br /><span class="grk">πτωχοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(ptōchous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4434.htm">Strong's 4434: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will always have</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχετε</span> <span class="translit">(echete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">μεθ’</span> <span class="translit">(meth’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑαυτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(heautōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Himself, herself, itself. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{you will} not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">always</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντοτε</span> <span class="translit">(pantote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3842.htm">Strong's 3842: </a> </span><span class="str2">Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχετε</span> <span class="translit">(echete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me.”</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμὲ</span> <span class="translit">(eme)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/12-8.htm">John 12:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/12-8.htm">NT Gospels: John 12:8 For you always have the poor (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/12-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 12:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 12:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/12-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 12:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 12:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>