John 13:28
Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
Original Language Analysis
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
3 of 10
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἔγνω
knew
G1097
ἔγνω
knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
4 of 10
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
for what
G4314
πρὸς
for what
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 10
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τί
intent
G5101
τί
intent
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 10
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Historical Context
In a culture of honor and shame, Jesus's discretion protected Judas from public exposure and potential mob violence from the other disciples. The intimate Upper Room setting—likely fewer than 20 people reclining closely—makes their incomprehension more striking. Jesus's private communication with Judas preserved his dignity even in betrayal.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Jesus protect Judas's reputation rather than expose him publicly to the other disciples?
- What does the disciples' inability to discern Judas's true character teach about the danger of religious hypocrisy?
- How can you cultivate genuine heart-level discipleship rather than mere external conformity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
No man at the table knew for what intent he spake this (οὐδεὶς ἔγνω... πρὸς τί εἶπεν, oudeis egnō... pros ti eipen)—the verb ginōskō (to know, perceive) emphasizes their complete incomprehension. Even John, the beloved disciple who had just leaned on Jesus's breast (v.23), misses the significance. This reveals how Jesus shielded Judas's reputation to the very end, allowing him privacy for potential repentance.
The disciples' ignorance also demonstrates that Judas's external discipleship appeared genuine. His hypocrisy was so practiced that those who lived with him for three years detected nothing. This warns against mere external religion without heart transformation.