JMNT(i)
5 "Why (Through what [reason; situation])
was this perfumed ointment not sold for three hundred denarii (= a year's wages)
and given to (or: for)
destitute (poor)
people?"
6 He said this, though, not because it was normally a care (or: of interest)
to him about the destitute (the poor people),
but rather, because he had been existing as a thief, and, normally holding (or: having; [other MSS: used to be in possession of])
the money box (or: case; originally a receptacle for the "tongues" {i.e., mouth-pieces} of musical instruments),
had been regularly carrying (or: bearing)
the things being repeatedly (or: habitually)
deposited. [note: the verb of being is the imperfect tense, and can refer to past practice; thus, John is not necessarily saying that Judas was currently a thief, but is pointing out his disposition toward money; the verb for carrying (bearing) can also be used in the sense of "bearing away," "removing," or "pilfering;" or, it can be used to signify "supporting; providing for" – this latter giving a different slant to John's words. Recall that Mark says that "some" had indignation, and Matt. says "the disciples" did, so Judas expressed a consensus. Also, in
Matt. 26:6, they were in the same town, but at a different place – the house of Simon the leper – and an anonymous woman enters while they are eating, and this time pours the costly ointment on His head. Jesus gives a response similar to below]