Mark Chapter 14 · Verse 18
And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
as they
G846
αὐτῶν
as they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐσθίων
did eat
G2068
ἐσθίων
did eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
5 of 21
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
9 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 #:
10 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
G3754
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 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
παραδώσει
shall betray
G3860
παραδώσει
shall betray
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
16 of 21
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσθίων
did eat
G2068
ἐσθίων
did eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
19 of 21
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
Cross References
Historical Context
Sharing meals signified covenant loyalty and friendship in ancient culture. Betrayal by a table companion was considered the ultimate treachery (Psalm 41:9). Jesus's announcement during Passover—the meal celebrating deliverance—carried profound irony: deliverance would come through betrayal and death. The disciples' shocked response (v. 19) shows they trusted one another and couldn't fathom such betrayal. Yet Jesus's prediction prepared them—when betrayal occurred, they would know He foresaw it and wasn't a passive victim but willingly gave Himself.
Questions for Reflection
- How does betrayal by an intimate friend (one "eating with me") deepen understanding of Jesus's suffering?
- What does Jesus's continued fellowship with Judas despite knowing his intent reveal about divine patience and grace?
- How should Jesus's fulfillment of Psalm 41:9 strengthen confidence in His messianic identity and Scripture's reliability?
Analysis & Commentary
As they sat and did eat (ἀνακειμένων αὐτῶν καὶ ἐσθιόντων, anakeimenōn autōn kai esthiontōn)—they reclined (Roman dining posture) while eating the Passover. Verily I say unto you (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, amēn legō hymin)—Jesus's solemn formula introduces weighty pronouncements. One of you which eateth with me shall betray me (εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν παραδώσει με ὁ ἐσθίων μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ, heis ex hymōn paradōsei me ho esthiōn met emou)—devastating announcement during intimate fellowship.
The phrase "eateth with me" emphasizes covenant betrayal—sharing meals created sacred bonds in ancient Near Eastern culture. Judas wasn't a distant enemy but an intimate friend. 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." The present participle "eateth" (ὁ ἐσθίων) shows the betrayer was currently at table—the horror of Judas eating covenant meal while plotting treachery. Yet Jesus's foreknowledge didn't prevent His love—He shared this final meal knowing full well Judas's intent.