John 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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
When Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
When Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
in spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
in spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐμαρτύρησεν
testified
G3140
ἐμαρτύρησεν
testified
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
9 of 21
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Matthew 26:21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.Mark 14:18And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.John 13:18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.John 12:27Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.John 11:33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
Historical Context
Betrayal by table companions violated ancient Near Eastern hospitality sacred bonds. Sharing bread created covenant loyalty obligations. Judas' betrayal was cultural sacrilege compounding moral evil. John writes to assure Christians that Jesus knowingly went to the cross—not caught by surprise but sovereignly orchestrating redemption through even the betrayer's treachery.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' emotional turmoil reveal about His full humanity and compassion?
- How does Jesus' foreknowledge of betrayal yet continued love for Judas display divine grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit (ἐταράχθη τῷ πνεύματι, etarachthē tō pneumati)—Jesus experiences deep emotional distress. The passive verb suggests both external circumstances and internal wrestling. This is genuine humanity; the Word made flesh feels anguish at impending betrayal. Earlier Jesus was "troubled in spirit" at Lazarus' tomb (11:33); here betrayal by an intimate friend causes spiritual turmoil.
And testified (ἐμαρτύρησεν,emarturēsen)—solemn witness. Verily, verily marks authoritative pronouncement. One of you shall betray me (παραδώσει με, paradōsei me)—"betray" literally means "hand over." Jesus knows which disciple will deliver Him to death yet has broken bread with him. The phrase "one of you" emphasizes proximity and intimacy—not an outsider but an insider commits treachery. This fulfills Psalm 41:9, "mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."