Luke 22:21-23
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)
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Jesus pointedly says "the hand of him that betrays me is with me", specifically separating Judas from the rest of the disciples, marking him as an enemy now alone in Jesus's spiritual battle. The phrase "is betraying" (using the present tense) emphasizes that Judas's betrayal isn't a future event, but a present reality actively unfolding at that very moment.
Jesus has just instituted the Lord's Supper, explaining its meaning to His disciples. But the somber reality of betrayal weighs heavily on Him, prompting Him to point out that the hand of the one who will hand Him over is right there with them at the table. This painful declaration is part of Jesus' repeated allusions to the betrayal during this final meal, perhaps even as a last attempt to reach Judas.
Imagine sitting at a table, knowing one of your closest friends is about to stab you in the back. Jesus knew. How could He remain so calm?
In Luke 22:21, Jesus declares, "But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table." This isn't a cry of surprise or panic. It's a statement of absolute awareness and sovereign control. Even as betrayal unfolds, Jesus is fully present and in command.
It’s one thing for an enemy to attack, but what about betrayal from someone sharing your bread? Jesus highlights this profound intimacy turned treachery.
Jesus's words, 'the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table,' carry a sting because of the intimacy of the setting. This wasn't a distant enemy; it was someone sharing His meal, His space, His fellowship.
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
This verse highlights the tension and sorrow of the Last Supper, occurring on the very night of Judas's betrayal. It underscores Jesus' awareness of Judas's treachery even as they shared the Passover meal, setting the stage for His arrest and subsequent crucifixion.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Gathering of Disciples
Jesus conducted His public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering a core group of twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot, who would be present at key events.
c. 30 AD, Nisan 13
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, met with the chief priests and agreed to hand Jesus over to them for a sum of money.
c. 30 AD, Nisan 14 (Evening)— this verse
The Last Supper
Jesus shared a final Passover meal with His twelve disciples in Jerusalem, instituting the Lord's Supper and predicting His betrayal.
c. 30 AD, Nisan 14 (Night)
Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane
Judas led temple guards to the Garden of Gethsemane, identified Jesus with a kiss, and Jesus was arrested.
This Old Testament psalm eerily foreshadows intimate betrayal, with the psalmist lamenting, 'Even my close friend in whom I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.' This highlights that the pain of betrayal, even by those closest, is a theme God has long known and allowed to be recorded.
Matthew 26:21-25This parallel account in Matthew provides more detail on Jesus' repeated warnings to Judas and the disciples' questioning, underscoring the deep sorrow and foreknowledge Jesus had about the betrayal that was about to unfold.
John 13:21-30John's Gospel offers another perspective on this moment, emphasizing Jesus' love even as he identifies Judas and the ensuing spiritual darkness that fell upon the supper, showing the gravity of Judas's choice.
Acts 1:16-20This passage describes the aftermath of Judas's betrayal, showing how his role was ultimately filled, illustrating the consequences of his actions and how God's plan continued despite human treachery.
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 pointedly says "the hand of him that betrays me is with me", specifically separating Judas from the rest of the disciples, marking him as an enemy now alone in Jesus's spiritual battle. The phrase "is betraying" (using the present tense) emphasizes that Judas's betrayal isn't a future event, but a present reality actively unfolding at that very moment.
Jesus has just instituted the Lord's Supper, explaining its meaning to His disciples. But the somber reality of betrayal weighs heavily on Him, prompting Him to point out that the hand of the one who will hand Him over is right there with them at the table. This painful declaration is part of Jesus' repeated allusions to the betrayal during this final meal, perhaps even as a last attempt to reach Judas.
Jesus has just instituted the Lord's Supper, explaining its meaning to His disciples. But the somber reality of betrayal weighs heavily on Him, prompting Him to point out that the hand of the one who will hand Him over is right there with them at the table. This painful declaration is part of Jesus' repeated allusions to the betrayal during this final meal, perhaps even as a last attempt to reach Judas.
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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.
c. 30 AD, Nisan 14-15
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus was tried by the Jewish authorities and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, then crucified on the day of Passover.
"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 pointedly says "the hand of him that betrays me is with me", specifically separating Judas from the rest of the disciples, marking him as an enemy now alone in Jesus's spiritual battle. The p…
