Jesus doesn't just state a fact; the word "behold" draws our attention to the shocking presence of betrayal right there, at the table. He's emphasizing that this isn't some distant threat, but a danger intimately seated beside Him, participating in their sacred meal. This highlights the depth of Jesus' sorrow and the profound challenge of betrayal from someone so close.
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!” And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just instituted the Lord's Supper, sharing bread and wine as a memorial of His sacrifice. Amidst this sacred moment, He reveals that one of the very men at the table with Him is actively plotting His betrayal. This statement highlights the profound personal sorrow Jesus faces, even within His closest circle, as the event unfolds.
Imagine sitting at a table with someone you know is plotting your demise. Jesus does just that, pointing to Judas right there among them.
Jesus' words, 'the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table,' are a stark reality check. The original Greek suggests Judas is currently in the act of betraying. This isn't a future event; it's happening now. Jesus highlights the chilling proximity of betrayal, sitting alongside the very disciples he loves. This emphasizes the profound pain of being betrayed by someone so close, someone sharing the same meal, the same intimate space.
Why would Jesus keep talking about the betrayal? Was it just to express His pain, or was there more going on?
The repeated allusions to Judas's betrayal weren't just about Jesus expressing His sorrow. Some ancient scholars believed Jesus, in His deep love, was giving Judas multiple opportunities to turn back. This shows Jesus' persistent hope, even in the face of certain betrayal. He separates Judas in His words ('with me', not 'with you'), signaling that this is a personal confrontation, yet still offering a chance for repentance before the act is irreversible. It’s a complex mix of sorrow, confrontation, and lingering hope.
Understand the original words
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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 occurs during the Passover meal Jesus shares with his disciples, just hours before his arrest and crucifixion. The tension is palpable as Jesus knows Judas, one of his own, is present and actively plotting his betrayal.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. During this time, Judas Iscariot is chosen as one of the twelve apostles.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Last Supper
Jesus and his twelve apostles gather for the Passover meal in Jerusalem. This is the final meal Jesus shares with his disciples before his crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest in Gethsemane
Following the Last Supper, Jesus is betrayed by Judas with a kiss and arrested by the temple guard and Roman soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus is tried before the Jewish Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, then crucified outside Jerusalem.
This passage presents Jesus' initial announcement of betrayal during the Last Supper, setting the stage for the specific identification in Luke's account.
Mark 14:18Mark also records Jesus' somber declaration about the impending betrayal by one of the twelve, emphasizing the disciples' shock and sadness.
John 13:21John's Gospel provides a more detailed, yet different, account of Jesus revealing the betrayer, focusing on a sign given to Judas and the disciples' confusion.
Psalm 41:9Jesus' words echo this Psalm, where David laments being betrayed by a close friend, highlighting the deep personal pain of such treachery.
Acts 1:16This passage explains that the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, showing the larger divine plan behind his betrayal, even amidst its personal tragedy.
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 doesn't just state a fact; the word "behold" draws our attention to the shocking presence of betrayal right there, at the table. He's emphasizing that this isn't some distant threat, but a danger intimately seated beside Him, participating in their sacred meal. This highlights the depth of Jesus' sorrow and the profound challenge of betrayal from someone so close.
Jesus has just instituted the Lord's Supper, sharing bread and wine as a memorial of His sacrifice. Amidst this sacred moment, He reveals that one of the very men at the table with Him is actively plotting His betrayal. This statement highlights the profound personal sorrow Jesus faces, even within His closest circle, as the event unfolds.
Jesus has just instituted the Lord's Supper, sharing bread and wine as a memorial of His sacrifice. Amidst this sacred moment, He reveals that one of the very men at the table with Him is actively plotting His betrayal. This statement highlights the profound personal sorrow Jesus faces, even within His closest circle, as the event unfolds.
"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!” And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was g…" — Jesus doesn't just state a fact; the word "behold" draws our attention to the shocking presence of betrayal right there, at the table. He's emphasizing that this isn't some distant threat, but a dang…
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Last reviewed October 2026
