During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the devil "put it into the heart" of Judas, not to directly control him, but to ignite a pre-existing inclination, showing how spiritual darkness exploits human desires. This action is described as happening "during supper," underscoring the stark contrast between Jesus's act of love and the dark betrayal unfolding at the very same table.
During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus shares this final Passover meal with his disciples, He knows His hour has come to return to the Father. While He lavishes His enduring love on them through an act of humble service, the forces of darkness are also at work, as Satan has already begun to influence Judas toward betrayal.
Was this a hurried meal before the Passover, or a more significant moment? The timing here reveals a lot.
The wording in John 13:2 has led to some confusion. While our English translation might suggest the meal was over, the original Greek actually indicates the supper was in progress or just beginning. This isn't just a small detail about meal times; it's crucial for understanding the context.
Why the Timing Matters
When evil takes root, it often feels like an external force. But how does that connect to our own choices?
The verse states, 'the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot... to betray him.' This isn't just a passive observation; it points to a spiritual battle.
The Devil's Influence and Human Choice
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Imagine knowing someone is plotting against you, yet choosing to serve them with the deepest love. That's Jesus.
This verse, placed right before the account of Jesus washing His disciples' feet, isn't just about Judas; it's about Jesus's unwavering love.
Love That Transcends Treachery
Understand the original words
diabolos · Greek Noun
The supreme spiritual adversary of God and humanity. He is the tempter, deceiver, and accuser who opposes God’s kingdom and orchestrated the betrayal of Christ.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To hand over or deliver someone, especially to enemies, for malicious or treacherous purposes. In Scripture, it is used for the act of Judas turning Jesus over to religious authorities.
kardia · Greek Noun
The innermost part of a person, representing the seat of emotions, will, intellect, and moral decisions. It is the place where one decides to follow God or to harbor evil.
This verse is set during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Jesus's final days before his crucifixion, highlighting the intense spiritual battle occurring even as Jesus demonstrated profound love for his disciples.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Last Supper
Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples in Jerusalem before His crucifixion, during which He washes their feet and institutes the Lord's Supper.
c. AD 30
Judas's Betrayal Plot
The devil influences Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus, leading Judas to make arrangements with the chief priests.
c. AD 30
Jesus's Arrest in Gethsemane
Following the supper, Jesus and His disciples go to the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas identifies Jesus to the arresting party.
c. AD 30
Jesus's Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus is tried by the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, and subsequently crucified on Passover day.
c. AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus
Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus is resurrected from the dead, demonstrating His victory over sin and death.
This passage directly parallels John 13:2, stating that 'Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was counted among the twelve,' explicitly linking Judas's betrayal to demonic influence.
Matthew 26:14-16Here, the narrative of Judas agreeing to betray Jesus is presented just before the Last Supper, showing the progression of the devil's plan in Judas's heart that is later detailed in John.
Acts 1:16-20This passage reflects on Judas's betrayal after his death, referring to Psalm 109 and indicating that Judas was motivated by greed and became a traitor, which aligns with the culmination of the devil's influence described in John.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25While not directly about Judas, this passage describes the institution of the Lord's Supper during the same final meal, highlighting the profound contrast between Christ's act of love and the betrayal that was already being set in motion.
vincentJohn 13:2: "And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;"
Supper being ended (δείπνου γενομένου)The most approved reading is γινομένου, the present participle, denoting while a supper was in progress. Hence Rev., rightly, during supper. The A.V. is wrong, even if the reading of the Received Text be retained; for in John 13:12 Jesus reclined again, and in John 13:26, the supper is still in progress. It should be, supper having…
calvinJohn 13:1-7: "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end."
- Before the feast of the passover, Jesus, knowing that his hour was come, that he should remove out of this world to the Father, having loved his own, who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2. And after supper, [37] the devil having already put it into the heart o…
The verse highlights that the devil "put it into the heart" of Judas, not to directly control him, but to ignite a pre-existing inclination, showing how spiritual darkness exploits human desires. This action is described as happening "during supper," underscoring the stark contrast between Jesus's act of love and the dark betrayal unfolding at the very same table.
As Jesus shares this final Passover meal with his disciples, He knows His hour has come to return to the Father. While He lavishes His enduring love on them through an act of humble service, the forces of darkness are also at work, as Satan has already begun to influence Judas toward betrayal.
As Jesus shares this final Passover meal with his disciples, He knows His hour has come to return to the Father. While He lavishes His enduring love on them through an act of humble service, the forces of darkness are also at work, as Satan has already begun to influence Judas toward betrayal.
"During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him," — The verse highlights that the devil "put it into the heart" of Judas, not to directly control him, but to ignite a pre-existing inclination, showing how spiritual darkness exploits human desires. Thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026