Many people quote “The poor you will always have with you” (John 12:8) as a reason not to get involved in helping those in need—but that’s a misunderstanding of Scripture. In context, Jesus wasn’t dismissing the poor; He was emphasizing the urgency of His impending death while responding to hypocrisy. In fact, He was referencing Deuteronomy 15:11, which commands generosity toward the poor, not apathy. Throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets to Jesus’ own ministry, we’re repeatedly called to act with compassion and justice.
Poverty isn’t a problem we can ignore just because it persists. It’s a call to live out our faith through generosity, advocacy, and service. The Bible doesn’t give us an excuse to stand still—it gives us a responsibility to move. If you’ve ever wondered what real, biblical action looks like in the face of poverty, keep reading. You’re about to see what God actually expects from us—and how you can be part of the solution.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “The poor you will always have with you.” It’s often quoted—sometimes to justify ignoring poverty or to suggest that efforts to eliminate it are pointless. But is that what the Bible really teaches?
Let’s look at this phrase in context, explore what Scripture says about poverty, and answer the big question: Does this verse justify inaction?
1. Where the Phrase Comes From
The exact phrase comes from John 12:8, where Jesus says:
“You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (NIV)
He’s responding to Judas Iscariot, who criticized Mary for pouring expensive perfume on Jesus instead of selling it and giving the money to the poor.
Here’s the full moment:
- Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume (John 12:3)
- Judas says the money should’ve gone to the poor (John 12:5)
- Jesus replies, “Leave her alone… It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you…” (John 12:7-8)
Now let’s ask: Is Jesus saying we shouldn’t help the poor?
2. Context Is Everything
Jesus isn’t dismissing the poor. He’s highlighting the urgency of that moment—His death was near, and what Mary did had deep spiritual meaning.
Also, Judas wasn’t being noble. According to John 12:6, he wasn’t really concerned about the poor; he was a thief. So Jesus was calling out hypocrisy, not shutting down compassion.
3. Jesus Is Quoting Deuteronomy
Many miss this: Jesus is quoting the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 15:11, God says:
“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”
Notice two things:
- Yes, poverty is a reality.
- But because of that, God commands action.
In other words, the existence of poverty isn’t a reason to do less—it’s a reason to do more.
4. What the Bible Really Says About Helping the Poor
Over and over, Scripture emphasizes compassion and justice for the poor. Here are just a few key verses:
Old Testament
- Proverbs 14:31 – “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
- Isaiah 1:17 – “Seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
- Leviticus 19:9-10 – God commands landowners to leave the edges of their fields for the poor and the foreigner.
New Testament
- Matthew 25:35-40 – Jesus says caring for “the least of these” is equivalent to caring for Him.
- James 2:14-17 – Faith without action is dead: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food… what good is it if you do nothing?”
The message is consistent: We’re called to act.
5. Why Poverty Still Exists
You might wonder: If God wants us to help the poor, why does poverty persist?
Three Realities:
- Human brokenness – We live in a world affected by sin: greed, exploitation, injustice, and indifference.
- Systems and structures – Some are trapped in poverty because of unjust systems—economics, politics, or even corruption.
- Neglect and inaction – Sometimes poverty endures simply because those with resources or influence choose not to get involved.
God knows the poor will always be part of society—not because He wants that, but because of human choices.
6. Jesus’ Mission Included the Poor
Jesus’ very mission on earth included preaching good news to the poor. He said so in Luke 4:18, quoting Isaiah:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me… He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”
He didn’t just heal and teach. He also fed the hungry, uplifted the marginalized, and challenged the rich to care for the poor (see the rich young ruler in Mark 10:21).
7. Misusing Scripture Is Dangerous
Let’s be clear: Using John 12:8 to justify doing nothing is a misuse of Scripture.
It’s like saying, “Since there will always be wars, why pursue peace?” Or, “Since people will always sin, why strive for holiness?”
Jesus never taught complacency. He taught responsibility.
8. What You Can Do
Feeling overwhelmed by poverty is normal. But you don’t need to save the world to make a difference. Start with what you can do.
Here are 5 practical steps:
- Give intentionally – Support trustworthy organizations that address poverty through education, food, clean water, and jobs.
- Volunteer – Local shelters, food banks, and ministries need your time and presence.
- Advocate – Speak up for policies and leaders who protect the vulnerable.
- Build relationships – Sometimes, the best help is a listening ear and human connection.
- Pray and act – Prayer is powerful, but it should move you to action.
9. Real-World Example: The Early Church
Look at the early church in Acts 2:44-45:
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
They didn’t use John 12:8 as an excuse. They acted—generously and sacrificially. That’s the model Jesus left us.
10. Final Word: You’re Called to Care
So, does “the poor will always be with you” mean we should give up or ignore poverty?
Not at all.
It means the need will always be there—so your opportunity to love, serve, and give is always there too.
Jesus wasn’t shutting down generosity. He was reminding His followers that He would soon be gone—but the work of caring for the poor would continue.
You’re part of that work.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’ words in John 12:8 are not an excuse for inaction.
- He was quoting Deuteronomy, where God commands generosity.
- The Bible repeatedly tells us to care for the poor.
- Poverty’s presence means we should act—not withdraw.
- You have a role to play, no matter your income or background.
Remember: Helping the poor isn’t optional. It’s central to living out your faith. As Micah 6:8 says:
“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
That includes how you treat the poor—not just with your wallet, but with your heart, your time, and your voice.
10 FAQs: Does “The Poor Will Always Be With You” Justify Inaction? A Biblical Perspective
1. What does “The poor you will always have with you” mean in the Bible?
The phrase comes from John 12:8, where Jesus is responding to Judas during an act of worship by Mary. It doesn’t mean poverty should be ignored. Instead, Jesus is referencing Deuteronomy 15:11, which commands generosity to the poor. It’s about priority and timing, not justification for inaction.
2. Is Jesus saying we shouldn’t help the poor in John 12:8?
No. Jesus isn’t telling us to ignore the poor. He’s emphasizing that Mary’s act of worship was timely and meaningful because He wouldn’t be with them much longer. Helping the poor remains a clear biblical command.
3. Where in the Old Testament is “the poor will always be with you” found?
It’s found in Deuteronomy 15:11, which says, “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded…” Jesus is quoting this verse in John 12:8, reminding us that action is required, not avoided.
4. Does “The poor you will always have with you” justify doing nothing?
Absolutely not. In context, Jesus was addressing Judas’ false concern. The Bible consistently calls believers to care for the poor, not ignore them. The verse highlights the opportunity—not the excuse—for compassion.
5. What is the biblical perspective on poverty and justice?
The Bible treats poverty as a justice issue, not just a financial one. Passages like Isaiah 1:17 and Micah 6:8 call for justice, mercy, and humility. God commands His people to actively defend the poor and vulnerable.
6. Why does poverty still exist if God wants us to help?
Poverty persists because of human sin, broken systems, and sometimes inaction. The Bible acknowledges that poverty is a reality, but that reality should move us to action, not resignation.
7. Did Jesus care about the poor during His ministry?
Yes. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and preached good news to the poor (Luke 4:18). He spent much of His time with the marginalized and challenged the rich to share generously.
8. What does the early church teach us about helping the poor?
In Acts 2:44–45, the early believers shared everything they had and supported anyone in need. Their generosity is a powerful example of living out Jesus’ teachings on compassion and justice.
9. How should Christians respond to poverty today?
Christians are called to respond with generosity, advocacy, and love. This includes giving, volunteering, standing up for the vulnerable, and treating the poor with dignity and respect.
10. What’s the main takeaway from “The poor will always be with you”?
The main takeaway is this: poverty will always be present in some form, which means we’ll always have an opportunity to help. It’s a call to action, not an excuse for inaction.
