Matthew 26:23
And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
3 of 16
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐμβάψας
He that dippeth
G1686
ἐμβάψας
He that dippeth
Strong's:
G1686
Word #:
6 of 16
to whelm on, i.e., wet (a part of the person, etc.) by contact with a fluid
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρα
his hand
G5495
χεῖρα
his hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
13 of 16
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Cross References
John 13:18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.Psalms 41:9Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.Luke 22:21But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
Historical Context
The 'dish' (τρύβλιον, tryblion) was a common bowl for dipping. In first-century meals, sharing food from a common dish signified unity and mutual trust. The Passover seder included multiple dippings: bitter herbs in salt water (tears of slavery) and in charoset. Jesus's statement likely occurred during one of these ritual moments.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's merciful restraint in exposing Judas challenge your response to those who wrong you?
- What does the intimacy of shared meals teach about the severity of church divisions and betrayals?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish (ὁ ἐμβάψας μετ' ἐμοῦ τὴν χεῖρα ἐν τῷ τρυβλίῳ, ho embapsas met' emou tēn cheira en tō trybliō)—During Passover, diners would dip bitter herbs or bread into charoset (a mixture symbolizing the mortar of Egyptian slavery). This shared dipping emphasized intimate fellowship—making betrayal more treacherous.
Jesus doesn't publicly expose Judas but gives a sign recognizable to John (John 13:26) while leaving others uncertain. This restraint shows mercy, giving Judas final opportunity to repent. The imagery echoes Psalm 41:9 and intensifies the covenant violation—Judas breaks fellowship at the very moment of sharing sacred food.