Matthew 26:21
And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐσθιόντων
as they did eat
G2068
ἐσθιόντων
as they did eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
2 of 13
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
αὐτῶν
G846
αὐτῶν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 13
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
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
5 of 13
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 #:
6 of 13
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
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
John 13:21When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Historical Context
Betrayal during a shared meal was considered the ultimate violation of sacred hospitality in ancient Near Eastern culture. Eating together created a covenant bond of mutual protection and loyalty. Judas's willingness to betray Jesus immediately after sharing the Passover meal would have shocked contemporary Jewish sensibilities profoundly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's foreknowledge of betrayal without preventing Judas's participation demonstrate divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
- What does Christ's willingness to serve and eat with His betrayer teach about loving our enemies?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
One of you shall betray me (εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν παραδώσει με, heis ex hymōn paradōsei me)—The verb paradidōmi means 'hand over, deliver up,' the same word used for God delivering up Christ (Romans 8:32). Jesus's announcement shatters the Passover's joyful atmosphere. His verily (ἀμήν, amēn) adds solemn certainty to this shocking revelation.
This betrayal comes during yachad (fellowship), fulfilling Psalm 41:9: mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me (quoted in John 13:18). The intimacy of shared bread makes betrayal more heinous—covenant fellowship violated from within.