John 13:26
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκρίνεται
answered
G611
ἀποκρίνεται
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 19
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ἐκεῖνός
He
G1565
Ἐκεῖνός
He
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
4 of 19
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ᾧ
to whom
G3739
ᾧ
to whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
βάψας
have dipped
G911
βάψας
have dipped
Strong's:
G911
Word #:
8 of 19
to whelm, i.e., cover wholly with a fluid; in the new testament only in a qualified or special sense, i.e., (literally) to moisten (a part of one's pe
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψωμίον
a sop
G5596
ψωμίον
a sop
Strong's:
G5596
Word #:
10 of 19
a crumb or morsel (as if rubbed off), i.e., a mouthful
καὶ
it And
G2532
καὶ
it And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐμβάψας
when he had dipped
G1686
ἐμβάψας
when he had dipped
Strong's:
G1686
Word #:
13 of 19
to whelm on, i.e., wet (a part of the person, etc.) by contact with a fluid
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψωμίον
a sop
G5596
ψωμίον
a sop
Strong's:
G5596
Word #:
15 of 19
a crumb or morsel (as if rubbed off), i.e., a mouthful
δίδωσιν
he gave
G1325
δίδωσιν
he gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
16 of 19
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Ἰούδᾳ
it to Judas
G2455
Ἰούδᾳ
it to Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
17 of 19
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
Historical Context
At a first-century Jewish meal, especially Passover, the host offering a choice morsel to a guest was an act of special favor and intimacy. Jesus's gesture was culturally loaded with meaning—a final invitation to repent. The disciples reclined at table, making the exchange subtle enough that others didn't comprehend its significance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's tender gesture toward Judas challenge your understanding of divine mercy toward those who reject Him?
- What does the disciples' failure to recognize Judas reveal about the subtlety of spiritual betrayal?
- In what ways might you be receiving Christ's gracious offerings while harboring a divided heart?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop (ψωμίον, psōmion)—a morsel of bread dipped in sauce, wine, or bitter herbs, typically a gesture of honor at a Passover meal. By identifying the betrayer through this act, Jesus demonstrates both sovereign knowledge and one final offer of fellowship to Judas. The psōmion was culturally significant: the host would dip bread and give it to a favored guest.
Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon (Ἰούδας Σίμωνος Ἰσκαριώτης)—John's full identification underscores the specificity and certainty of Jesus's knowledge. Despite receiving this honored morsel, Judas remains unmoved. This moment crystallizes the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility: Jesus knows, yet Judas chooses.