I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus highlights that his knowledge of his chosen ones runs deeper than mere vocational selection; he knows their hearts, distinguishing between those truly chosen for salvation and those, like Judas, who were chosen for a task but not for life. The seemingly ordinary act of "eating his bread" becomes a profound betrayal, emphasizing the intense ingratitude when deep intimacy is met with treachery.
I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just washed his disciples' feet, a profound act of humility and service, and is now sitting down to share the Passover meal with them. As they eat, he reveals that one of them will betray him, causing great distress among them. This verse is Jesus explaining that not all of them are truly "clean" like he said earlier, and that the betrayal by Judas, though painful, was foreseen and foretold in Scripture to fulfill a prophecy.
Jesus says He knows 'whom I have chosen.' But doesn't He know everyone? This verse reveals a crucial distinction in how Jesus uses the word 'chosen.'
Jesus is speaking to His disciples, but He makes a clear distinction: 'I speak not of you all... I know whom I have chosen.' He's not saying He doesn't know who everyone is. He's drawing a line between those chosen for a specific role and those chosen for eternal life.
Judas was chosen for the apostolic office, but not for the inner circle of salvation that guarantees perseverance. Jesus wasn't surprised by Judas's betrayal; He knew the inner disposition of each person He had called.
The phrase 'lifted up his heel against me' is a vivid image of betrayal. What makes this betrayal so profound and what does it reveal about the nature of this offense?
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Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9, 'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' This isn't just any betrayal; it's a betrayal rooted in deep intimacy and shared life.
Understand the original words
eklegomai · Greek Verb
In the context of divine sovereignty, it refers to God's act of calling individuals into a special relationship, mission, or status, often implying a setting apart for His purposes.
graphē · Greek Noun
Refers to the holy writings of the Old Testament, regarded as the inspired, authoritative, and infallible Word of God.
plēroō · Greek Verb
The act of bringing a prophecy or divine promise to pass; the completion or realization of what God has ordained.
This verse anchors Jesus' personal anguish over Judas's betrayal in the ancient words of Psalm 41, highlighting that even intimate, trusted relationships can be broken by treachery. It underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and purpose, even amidst profound human faithlessness.
c. 700 BC
Psalmist's Lament of Betrayal
King David, facing betrayal from someone close to him, composes Psalm 41, which contains the prophetic words: 'Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.'
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
Jesus deliberately selects twelve men to be his closest companions and apostles, including Judas Iscariot. This was a profound act of trust and commission, despite Jesus' foreknowledge of Judas's future betrayal.
c. 30 AD— this verse
The Last Supper Begins
During the Passover meal, Jesus washes his disciples' feet, a symbolic act of service. He then begins to speak about his impending betrayal, creating a somber atmosphere.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Identifies the Betrayer
Jesus reveals that one of the Twelve will betray him, causing distress among the disciples. He then identifies Judas, both through a gesture (giving him the sop) and by a direct statement, fulfilling the prophecy from Psalm 41.
c. 30 AD
Judas Departs
Shortly after being identified, Judas leaves the supper. The Gospel of John notes that 'it was night' as he went out, a symbolic reference to the spiritual darkness of his actions.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Final Teachings to the Eleven
After Judas leaves, Jesus delivers his profound farewell discourse to the remaining eleven disciples, offering them comfort, encouragement, and teachings about love, the Holy Spirit, and their future mission.
This is the direct Old Testament passage Jesus is quoting, describing a close friend's betrayal and highlighting the deep sting of such treachery.
Matthew 26:21-25This passage shows the disciples' reaction to Jesus' announcement of betrayal, revealing their shock and questioning, which contrasts with Judas's silent guilt.
John 6:70Jesus here refers to Judas as 'a devil' even among the chosen twelve, showing that His 'choice' of apostleship didn't guarantee spiritual purity.
This shows God's perspective on choosing leaders, looking at the heart rather than outward appearance, a theme relevant to Jesus knowing His true 'chosen' ones.
This psalm expresses the pain of betrayal by someone considered a close friend or counselor, echoing the sentiment Jesus expresses about Judas.
barnesJohn 13:18: "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me."
I speak not of you all - That is, in addressing you as clean, I do not mean to say that you all possess this character. I know whom I have chosen - He here means evidently to say that he had not chosen them all, implying that Judas had not been chosen. As, however, this word is applied to Judas in one place John 6:70, "Have no…
calvinJohn 13:18-20: "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me."
- I speak not of you all; I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He who eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 19. I tell you this now, before it happen, that when it shall have happened, you may believe that I am. [52] 20. Verily, verily, I tell you, if I send any one. he wh…
Jesus highlights that his knowledge of his chosen ones runs deeper than mere vocational selection; he knows their hearts, distinguishing between those truly chosen for salvation and those, like Judas, who were chosen for a task but not for life. The seemingly ordinary act of "eating his bread" becomes a profound betrayal, emphasizing the intense ingratitude when deep intimacy is met with treachery.
Jesus has just washed his disciples' feet, a profound act of humility and service, and is now sitting down to share the Passover meal with them. As they eat, he reveals that one of them will betray him, causing great distress among them. This verse is Jesus explaining that not all of them are truly "clean" like he said earlier, and that the betrayal by Judas, though painful, was foreseen and foretold in Scripture to fulfill a prophecy.
Jesus has just washed his disciples' feet, a profound act of humility and service, and is now sitting down to share the Passover meal with them. As they eat, he reveals that one of them will betray him, causing great distress among them. This verse is Jesus explaining that not all of them are truly "clean" like he said earlier, and that the betrayal by Judas, though painful, was foreseen and foretold in Scripture to fulfill a prophecy.
"I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’" — Jesus highlights that his knowledge of his chosen ones runs deeper than mere vocational selection; he knows their hearts, distinguishing between those truly chosen for salvation and those, like Judas…
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Last reviewed October 2026