After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus's soul was deeply troubled, not just by the impending betrayal, but by the sheer horror of one so intimately connected to him, one who shared in his sacred meal, choosing such unimaginable wickedness. This wasn't merely a prediction, but a profound grief and solemn testimony, meant to shock even the betrayer into reflection.
After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished washing His disciples' feet, an act of profound humility and love, and is now re-seated with them. As He speaks about the meaning of His actions, a deep sadness grips His spirit because He knows one of the very men He just served is about to hand Him over to His enemies. This revelation causes unease among the disciples, who begin to look at each other, wondering who among them could possibly commit such a betrayal.
Even Jesus felt distress when facing betrayal. What does this tell us about his humanity and our own struggles?
John tells us Jesus was 'troubled in his spirit.' This wasn't just a show; it was a deep, internal distress. commentators note that this 'spirit' refers to his soul or inner being, indicating a genuine emotional and mental anguish.
A Man of Sorrows
Jesus doesn't just predict his betrayal; he declares it directly to his closest friends. Why such a stark announcement?
The repeated 'Truly, truly' (or 'Verily, verily') signals the immense gravity of Jesus' statement. He wasn't just sharing information; he was testifying to a profound and devastating truth.
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Purpose of the Warning
Understand the original words
tarassō · Greek Verb
In the Gospels, this expresses the emotional agitation, distress, or inner disturbance Jesus experienced when confronting sin, rejection, or the reality of His coming suffering. It signifies the genuine human experience of the Son of God.
amēn · Greek Adverb
A common formula in John’s Gospel, often translated 'Amen, amen,' used by Jesus to underscore the absolute authority, certainty, and divine truth of His following statement.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To hand someone over, often to an enemy or authority; in this context, it refers to the deliberate act of delivering Jesus into the hands of those who would put Him to death.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Learners or followers of a teacher; in the New Testament, it refers specifically to those who have committed themselves to follow Jesus, learn His teachings, and embrace His life.
This verse captures a deeply human moment for Jesus, revealing his sorrow and foreknowledge of betrayal during the intimate setting of the Last Supper, just hours before his arrest and crucifixion.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus institutes the Last Supper
During the Passover meal, Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Jesus predicts Judas' betrayal
Jesus, troubled in spirit, directly predicts that one of his close followers will betray him, causing distress among the disciples.
c. AD 30
Judas identifies himself to the chief priests
Judas Iscariot approaches the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, solidifying his role as the traitor.
c. AD 30
Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane
Guided by Judas, temple guards and Roman soldiers arrest Jesus after he prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30
Jesus is tried and condemned
Jesus undergoes trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, ultimately being condemned to crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Jesus is crucified
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha and dies, fulfilling prophecies and the divine plan for salvation.
This Old Testament psalm speaks of a close friend turning against the speaker, a direct parallel to Jesus' experience with Judas, highlighting the deep pain of betrayal from within.
Matthew 26:21-25This passage from Matthew recounts the same event, emphasizing Jesus' declaration and the disciples' individual reactions and questions, providing a fuller picture of the immediate aftermath.
Luke 22:21-23Luke's account of the Last Supper also describes Jesus' sorrow and announcement of betrayal, focusing on the disciples' distress and their shared uncertainty about who it could be.
Zechariah 11:12-13This prophetic passage describes a shepherd (representing God or His anointed) being valued at thirty pieces of silver, which is then cast to the potter—a prophecy directly fulfilled by Judas's betrayal and payment.
John 12:4-7This earlier passage in John reveals Judas's inner corruption and Jesus' awareness of it, setting the stage for the betrayal and showing that Jesus knew the traitor's heart long before this moment.
calvinJohn 13:21-29: "When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me."
- When Jesus had said these words, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I tell you, that one of you will betray me. 22. The disciples, therefore, looked on one another, doubting of whom he spoke. 23. And one of the disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying at table in Jesus' bosom. 24. Therefore Simon Peter…
bensonJohn 13:21: "When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me."
John 13:21-22 . When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit — To think of so ungrateful and impious a design in one so near him, and so much obliged to him; and testified — As they sat together, and were eating the paschal-supper, Mark 14:18 ; Verily, one of you shall betray me — Verily, how incredible soever what I now say may appe…
Jesus's soul was deeply troubled, not just by the impending betrayal, but by the sheer horror of one so intimately connected to him, one who shared in his sacred meal, choosing such unimaginable wickedness. This wasn't merely a prediction, but a profound grief and solemn testimony, meant to shock even the betrayer into reflection.
Jesus has just finished washing His disciples' feet, an act of profound humility and love, and is now re-seated with them. As He speaks about the meaning of His actions, a deep sadness grips His spirit because He knows one of the very men He just served is about to hand Him over to His enemies. This revelation causes unease among the disciples, who begin to look at each other, wondering who among them could possibly commit such a betrayal.
Jesus has just finished washing His disciples' feet, an act of profound humility and love, and is now re-seated with them. As He speaks about the meaning of His actions, a deep sadness grips His spirit because He knows one of the very men He just served is about to hand Him over to His enemies. This revelation causes unease among the disciples, who begin to look at each other, wondering who among them could possibly commit such a betrayal.
"After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke." — Jesus's soul was deeply troubled, not just by the impending betrayal, but by the sheer horror of one so intimately connected to him, one who shared in his sacred meal, choosing such unimaginable wick…
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Last reviewed October 2026