Matthew 26:21-23
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Jesus doesn't just drop a bombshell announcement; He makes it intensely personal by saying "one of you who is eating with me." This highlights the staggering depth of Judas's betrayal – not just betraying a teacher, but a friend sharing a sacred meal, a profound act of violating intimacy and trust.
And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is sharing the Passover meal with his disciples, a solemn occasion marking a significant event in their history. As they eat, he reveals a shocking truth: one of them, sitting right there at the table, will soon betray him. This announcement deeply troubles the disciples, prompting them to question Jesus and each other about who could possibly commit such a heinous act.
Imagine sharing a meal with your closest friends, knowing one of them harbors a deadly secret against you. Jesus does just that, and His words cut through the fellowship like a knife.
Jesus drops a bombshell during the Passover meal: "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." This isn't just a casual observation; it's a profound statement made in the most intimate setting.
The Weight of Intimacy
Jesus knows the future, including the painful details of His own suffering and death. How does this knowledge impact Him, and how does He share it with His closest friends?
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This verse doesn't just reveal a traitor; it shows Jesus' deep emotional turmoil and His acceptance of God's plan, even in the face of betrayal.
A Troubled Spirit
When faced with a shocking accusation, how do you react? The disciples’ response reveals their immediate, genuine concern and their desire to be cleared.
The disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ announcement is immediate and reveals their inner state: a mixture of sorrow, confusion, and a desperate desire for self-clearing.
A Chorus of Concern
Understand the original words
amēn · Greek Adverb
An emphatic, solemn declaration used to introduce a statement of truth or importance, often highlighting the authority of the speaker. It signifies absolute certainty in the message that follows.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To deliver someone into the hands of an enemy or authority, often through treachery or a violation of a relationship of trust. Biblically, it refers to the act of turning Jesus over to his persecutors.
lypeō · Greek Adjective
A feeling of deep distress, anguish, or grief, often caused by misfortune, loss, or impending tragedy. It denotes a profound emotional reaction to a serious or alarming circumstance.
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of authority, honor, or mastery. When applied to Jesus, it acknowledges his divinity, sovereignty, and rightful claim to the obedience and worship of his followers.
This verse occurs during the Passover meal, a deeply significant Jewish observance, just moments before Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper. The tension of impending betrayal colors this sacred, intimate moment.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Last Supper
Jesus shares a final Passover meal with his disciples, a significant event in Jewish tradition where symbolic foods are eaten.
c. 30 AD
Institution of the Lord's Supper
During the Passover meal, Jesus institutes a new ritual using bread and wine to commemorate his body and blood.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Following the meal, Jesus withdraws to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, wrestling with the suffering and betrayal to come.
c. 30 AD
Betrayal and Arrest
Judas Iscariot leads temple guards to Gethsemane, identifying Jesus with a kiss and leading to his arrest.
This passage shows Jesus again identifying that the one who betrays him is present among them, even at the table, highlighting the sorrow and disbelief of the disciples.
John 13:21-22John's Gospel provides a more intimate perspective, showing Jesus' distress and the disciples' confusion as he states the betrayal is imminent, directly before revealing the betrayer.
Psalm 41:9This Old Testament psalm is directly quoted by Jesus in John's Gospel (and alluded to by Calvin's commentary here) as a prophecy of betrayal by a close companion, showing this event was foreseen.
Matthew 26:47-50This passage immediately follows the betrayal by Judas, showing the act itself and the disciples' reaction, contrasting the planned betrayal with their defensive, though misguided, response.
calvinMatthew 26:21-25: "And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me."
- And while they were eating, he said, Verily I tell you, That one of you will betray me. 22. And they became exceedingly sorrowful, and began every one of them to say to him, Lord, is it I? 23. But he answering said, He who hath dipped his hand with me in the dish will betray me. 24. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betra…
clarkeMatthew 26:21: "And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me."
One of you shall betray me - Or, will deliver me up. Judas had already betrayed him, Matthew 26:15 , and he was now about to deliver him into the hands of the chief priests, according to the agreement he had made with them.
Jesus doesn't just drop a bombshell announcement; He makes it intensely personal by saying "one of you who is eating with me." This highlights the staggering depth of Judas's betrayal – not just betraying a teacher, but a friend sharing a sacred meal, a profound act of violating intimacy and trust.
Jesus is sharing the Passover meal with his disciples, a solemn occasion marking a significant event in their history. As they eat, he reveals a shocking truth: one of them, sitting right there at the table, will soon betray him. This announcement deeply troubles the disciples, prompting them to question Jesus and each other about who could possibly commit such a heinous act.
Jesus is sharing the Passover meal with his disciples, a solemn occasion marking a significant event in their history. As they eat, he reveals a shocking truth: one of them, sitting right there at the table, will soon betray him. This announcement deeply troubles the disciples, prompting them to question Jesus and each other about who could possibly commit such a heinous act.
"And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will…" — Jesus doesn't just drop a bombshell announcement; He makes it intensely personal by saying "one of you who is eating with me." This highlights the staggering depth of Judas's betrayal – not just be…
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Last reviewed October 2026
