Mark 14:20
And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Passover meals involved communal dishes into which participants dipped bread or bitter herbs. Sharing food from common dishes expressed unity and covenant loyalty. The hand-to-hand proximity in the dish made betrayal even more shocking. John 13:26 adds detail: Jesus gave Judas a morsel after dipping it, a gesture of friendship and final appeal. Ancient Near Eastern hospitality codes made betraying someone with whom you'd shared food the ultimate breach of trust. Jesus's identification of the betrayer fulfilled Scripture while giving Judas repeated chances to repent—yet Judas hardened his heart.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the image of hands in the same dish intensify understanding of Judas's intimate betrayal of Jesus?
- What does Jesus's continued fellowship with Judas (sharing the meal) despite knowing his intent reveal about divine mercy?
- In what ways might we "dip in the dish" with Jesus (participate in Christian community) while harboring secret sin or divided loyalty?
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Analysis & Commentary
It is one of the twelve (εἷς τῶν δώδεκα, heis tōn dōdeka)—Jesus repeats this phrase (from v. 10), emphasizing the betrayer's intimate circle membership. That dippeth with me in the dish (ὁ ἐμβαπτόμενος μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ εἰς τὸ τρύβλιον, ho embaptomenos met emou eis to tryblion)—the present participle indicates ongoing action: one currently dipping into the common bowl. Sharing the bowl signified close fellowship and trust.
This detail narrows identification slightly but doesn't single out Judas uniquely—all shared the common dish. Yet it heightens the betrayal's horror: Judas's hand reached into the same bowl as Jesus's hand, an act of intimacy while plotting murder. This fulfills Psalm 41:9 about the trusted friend who "did eat of my bread." The "dish" (τρύβλιον, tryblion) likely held charoset or bitter herbs for Passover. Jesus's answer both reveals and conceals—specific enough to be remembered later, vague enough to give Judas opportunity to repent. Divine omniscience confronts human treachery, yet grace provides final opportunity for Judas to turn back.