John 13:30
He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
Original Language Analysis
λαβὼν
having received
G2983
λαβὼν
having received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
1 of 10
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψωμίον
the sop
G5596
ψωμίον
the sop
Strong's:
G5596
Word #:
4 of 10
a crumb or morsel (as if rubbed off), i.e., a mouthful
ἐκεῖνος
He
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
He
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 10
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
Historical Context
Passover lambs were slaughtered at twilight (Exodus 12:6, 'between the evenings'), and the meal eaten after dark. Jerusalem's narrow streets would be dangerous at night, yet Judas navigated them to betray Jesus. The timing fulfilled Scripture—Jesus would die the next day (Preparation Day) as the true Passover Lamb when lambs were being slaughtered (John 19:14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's phrase 'it was night' symbolize Judas's spiritual condition beyond just the time of day?
- What does Judas's immediate departure teach about how sin, once fully embraced, drives us away from Christ?
- Are there areas of your life where you're choosing darkness over the light of Christ's presence?
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Analysis & Commentary
He then having received the sop went immediately out (ἐξῆλθεν εὐθύς, exēlthen euthys)—the adverb euthys (immediately, at once) appears 51 times in the Gospels, always denoting urgency. Judas's instant departure after receiving Satan shows how demonic possession drives toward destruction. He exits the light of Christ's presence into literal and spiritual darkness.
And it was night (ἦν δὲ νύξ, ēn de nyx)—John's stark, four-word sentence carries profound symbolism. Literally, Passover meals occurred after sunset. Spiritually, Judas departed the Light of the World (John 8:12) into the dominion of darkness (Luke 22:53, Colossians 1:13). Night represents ignorance, evil, and separation from God (John 9:4, Romans 13:12). Judas chose darkness.