John 13:2 Meaning Explained

John 13:2

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 text doesn't say the supper was "ended," but rather that it was happening, or just beginning. This detail highlights Jesus' incredible love and patience: He started this intimate act of service while knowing the devil was already at work, planting the seed of betrayal in Judas's heart.

What John 13:2 means

Jesus, fully aware His "hour" of suffering and death has arrived, is gathered with His disciples for a final meal. As they begin this significant supper, Satan has already taken root in Judas's heart, setting in motion the events that will lead to Jesus's betrayal. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus's final act of love and humility towards His followers, even as one of them is set to betray Him.

Supper's Progress: A Divine Timeline

Was Jesus' final meal with his disciples truly over when Judas made his fateful decision? The timing here is more significant than you might think.

The verse states, 'During supper...' (or 'supper being ended' in some translations). However, scholars point out that the original Greek suggests the meal was actually in progress when Jesus washed the disciples' feet and when Judas' heart was set on betrayal.

Ongoing Meal: The present tense of the Greek word used indicates an action continuing, not one that had concluded. This means Jesus was still eating, washing feet, and speaking with his disciples as this dark plot unfolded.
Strategic Timing: This wasn't just a casual meal. It was the Passover supper, a time of immense spiritual significance. Jesus knew his 'hour' had come, the moment of his departure to the Father. He chose this critical juncture, with the Passover rituals and the impending betrayal, to demonstrate His unending love.

The Devil's Seed and Human Choice

Who is truly in control when a disciple betrays his Master? The text points to both a spiritual adversary and a human heart.

The verse clearly states 'the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.' This reveals a profound spiritual reality:

Satan's Influence: The devil actively works to sow seeds of betrayal and destruction. He 'puts' these wicked thoughts and desires into people's hearts, seeking to fulfill his destructive agenda.
Judas's Role: However, the verse doesn't absolve Judas. He is identified as 'Simon's son,' and the phrasing implies that the devil worked through Judas's heart. While Satan instigated, Judas had a heart with a predisposition or openness to this wicked suggestion, likely fueled by his avarice.
The commentators agree: the devil's influence doesn't excuse the human act. Wickedness is a collaboration between spiritual forces and the choices of the human heart.

Understand the original words

Original language

devilδιάβολος

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.

betrayπαραδίδωμι

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.

heartκαρδία

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.

Historical context

Written: Likely around 30-33 AD.
Author: Traditionally understood as the Apostle John, though some scholars debate this.
Location: Jerusalem, during the Passover feast.
Genre: Gospel narrative, marked by theological reflection and symbolic action.

Historical background

The verse highlights the intense spiritual battle unfolding during Jesus' final meal. While Jesus demonstrates ultimate love and foresight, Satan actively works through Judas, setting the stage for the Passion narrative.

c. AD 30, Nisan 13— this verse
The Last Supper Begins
Jesus and his disciples gather for a meal, identified by many scholars as the Passover supper, but marked by Jesus' knowledge that his 'hour' had come. Judas Iscariot's betrayal plot is already underway, with Satan influencing his heart.
c. AD 30, Nisan 13 (evening)
Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet
During the supper, Jesus performs the act of washing his disciples' feet, a profound symbolic gesture of service and love, even for Judas.
c. AD 30, Nisan 13 (evening)
Jesus Predicts Betrayal
Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him, leading to a series of exchanges and questions among the disciples.
c. AD 30, Nisan 13 (evening)
Judas Departs
Following Jesus' words and the presentation of the sop, Judas leaves the supper, presumably to enact his betrayal.

Key themes

01Satanic influence on betrayal
02The 'hour' of Jesus
03Love persisting through betrayal

Cross-references

Luke 22:3

This passage parallels John 13:2 by explicitly stating that Satan entered into Judas, showing the direct supernatural influence behind the betrayal.

Matthew 26:14-16

This narrative shows Judas actively seeking out the chief priests and agreeing to betray Jesus, illustrating the human decision and negotiation that followed Satan's initial suggestion.

Acts 1:16-20

This passage reflects on Judas's betrayal from a historical perspective, highlighting the motivation of greed and the tragic outcome, reinforcing the gravity of the event initiated by Satan's influence.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

This passage describes the institution of the Lord's Supper, which occurred during the same final meal where Judas's betrayal was imminent, highlighting the contrast between Christ's loving act and the impending treachery.

Scholarly commentary

John 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…
vincent

John 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…

calvin

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What John 13:2 means

Original language

devilδιάβολος

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.

betrayπαραδίδωμι

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.

heartκαρδία

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.

Historical background

c. AD 30, Nisan 13— this verse

The Last Supper Begins

Jesus and his disciples gather for a meal, identified by many scholars as the Passover supper, but marked by Jesus' knowledge that his 'hour' had come. Judas Iscariot's betrayal plot is already underway, with Satan influencing his heart.

c. AD 30, Nisan 13 (evening)

Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet

During the supper, Jesus performs the act of washing his disciples' feet, a profound symbolic gesture of service and love, even for Judas.

c. AD 30, Nisan 13 (evening)

Jesus Predicts Betrayal

Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him, leading to a series of exchanges and questions among the disciples.

c. AD 30, Nisan 13 (evening)

Judas Departs

Following Jesus' words and the presentation of the sop, Judas leaves the supper, presumably to enact his betrayal.

Scholarly commentary

John 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…
vincent

John 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…

calvin

Frequently asked questions

What does John 13:2 mean?

Explain the meaning of John 13:2

What is the context of John 13:2?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "devil" mean in the original Greek?”
“Why did Traditionally understood as the Apostle John, though some scholars debate this. write John 13:2?”
“How does satanic influence on betrayal show up in John 13:2?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about John 13:2 is available in the Sola app.