But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus dramatically points out Judas by highlighting that the very hand reaching for food is the one actively plotting betrayal. This isn't just a statement of fact, but a profound moment where Jesus isolates the traitor, emphasizing that this is a personal battle between Himself and Judas, separate from the other disciples.
But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just shared the Passover meal with his disciples and instituted the Lord's Supper, a profound moment of remembrance. He then points out that one of them will betray him, and immediately follows this startling statement by identifying the betrayer's presence right there at the table. This declaration underscores the painful reality of betrayal occurring even within the most intimate fellowship, highlighting Jesus' awareness of Judas's treachery while still extending grace.
Imagine sharing a meal with someone you know is plotting your downfall. Jesus experienced this, pointing out the traitor sitting right beside Him.
Jesus' words, 'But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table,' reveal His profound awareness and sorrow. The word 'behold' is a call to attention, drawing everyone's gaze to a hidden reality. Even as the Passover meal, a symbol of liberation and covenant, was underway, the shadow of betrayal loomed large. Jesus wasn't surprised; He saw Judas's inner state and the actions to come, even as Judas participated in the sacred meal.
Jesus pointedly separates the betrayer from the rest of the disciples. What does this intense focus on one person reveal?
Jesus' emphasis on 'with me' rather than 'with you' is crucial. It highlights that the betrayal was a personal act against Him, not against the group as a whole. While the other disciples were united with Jesus in the covenant meal, Judas, by his intention and actions, stood apart, even while physically present. This wasn't about exclusion from the meal itself, but a stark declaration of his spiritual separation from Jesus and the community of faith due to his impending act.
Jesus felt the sting of false friendship. This wasn't just a historical event; it was a deeply personal sorrow.
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The betrayal by Judas was a profound source of sorrow for Jesus. It wasn't merely an abstract prophecy being fulfilled, but a deeply painful experience of human unfaithfulness from someone so close. This moment underscores the depth of Jesus' suffering, showing that He not only faced physical agony but also the emotional anguish of being betrayed by a trusted follower. It speaks to the reality that even the most devoted hearts can be wounded by the falseness of those they hold dear.
Understand the original words
cheir · Greek Noun
A physical part of the body used metaphorically in Scripture to denote agency, power, possession, or personal involvement in an action. In this context, it emphasizes the personal, intimate nature of the betrayal.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To hand over, deliver up, or act as an informer against someone, often involving a breach of trust or friendship. It is used specifically of Judas’s act against Jesus.
ho huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus referring to Himself, derived from Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority as the eschatological Judge and King.
horizō · Greek Verb
A term often associated with the sovereign plan or decree of God. In this context, it signifies that Jesus’ suffering and death were not accidental but fulfilled the divine necessity of the Father's will.
ouai · Greek Interjection
An interjection expressing deep grief, distress, or impending judgment. It functions as a solemn pronouncement of doom upon those who set themselves against God’s purposes.
This verse highlights the profound sorrow Jesus experienced knowing betrayal was imminent, even during the intimate setting of the Passover meal and the institution of the Lord's Supper.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Last Supper
Jesus shares a final Passover meal with his disciples in Jerusalem, instituting the Lord's Supper and predicting his betrayal.
Night of c. AD 30
Judas Betrays Jesus
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, betrays Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest
Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane after being identified by Judas's kiss.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus is tried by Jewish leaders and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, then crucified.
This passage directly parallels Luke 22:21, with Jesus also identifying that one of the disciples present will betray him, highlighting the shared sorrow and foreknowledge of the event.
John 13:21John’s Gospel offers a more detailed account of Jesus addressing Judas's betrayal during the Last Supper, emphasizing Jesus's awareness and the sorrow it caused him.
Psalm 41:9Jesus's words here echo this Old Testament lament, where David speaks of a close friend turning against him, showing that betrayal by those trusted has a long history and was foreseen in Scripture.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26This passage describes the institution of the Lord's Supper, which immediately follows Jesus's words about betrayal in Luke, linking the sacred meal to his sacrificial offering and the fellowship broken by Judas's actions.
pooleLuke 22:21: "But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table."
See Poole on "Luke 22:15"
vincentLuke 22:21: "But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table."
Betrayeth (παραδιδόντος)The present participle: is now engaged in betraying.With me"He does not say with you: thus separating the traitor from the rest of the disciples, and showing that now he alone has to do with that wretch, as with an enemy" (Bengel).
Jesus dramatically points out Judas by highlighting that the very hand reaching for food is the one actively plotting betrayal. This isn't just a statement of fact, but a profound moment where Jesus isolates the traitor, emphasizing that this is a personal battle between Himself and Judas, separate from the other disciples.
Jesus has just shared the Passover meal with his disciples and instituted the Lord's Supper, a profound moment of remembrance. He then points out that one of them will betray him, and immediately follows this startling statement by identifying the betrayer's presence right there at the table. This declaration underscores the painful reality of betrayal occurring even within the most intimate fellowship, highlighting Jesus' awareness of Judas's treachery while still extending grace.
Jesus has just shared the Passover meal with his disciples and instituted the Lord's Supper, a profound moment of remembrance. He then points out that one of them will betray him, and immediately follows this startling statement by identifying the betrayer's presence right there at the table. This declaration underscores the painful reality of betrayal occurring even within the most intimate fellowship, highlighting Jesus' awareness of Judas's treachery while still extending grace.
"But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”" — Jesus dramatically points out Judas by highlighting that the very hand reaching for food is the one actively plotting betrayal. This isn't just a statement of fact, but a profound moment where Jesus…
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Last reviewed October 2026