And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], to betray him;

And {G2532} supper {G1173} being ended {G1096}, the devil {G1228} having now {G2235} put {G906} into {G1519} the heart {G2588} of Judas {G2455} Iscariot {G2469}, Simon's {G4613} son, to {G2443} betray {G3860} him {G846};

They were at supper, and the Adversary had already put the desire to betray him into the heart of Y’hudah Ben-Shim‘on from K’riot.

The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.

And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,

Context of John 13:2

The verse John 13:2 sets a somber tone for one of the most pivotal moments in Christian history: the Last Supper. This intimate Passover meal, shared between Jesus and His twelve disciples, is characterized by profound teachings, the institution of the Lord's Supper, and an act of humble service—Jesus washing His disciples' feet (see John 13:5). Amidst this sacred fellowship, the verse reveals the dark undercurrent of impending betrayal. It establishes that the act of betrayal by Judas Iscariot was not a spontaneous decision but influenced by a powerful spiritual adversary. The supper, though not yet formally concluded as the institution of the new covenant, was underway, creating a stark contrast between divine love and human treachery.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Devil's Influence: This verse explicitly states that "the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot...to betray him." This highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the direct involvement of Satan in human affairs, particularly in attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan. While the devil instigates, Judas's heart was receptive to such an evil suggestion, indicating his own culpability.
  • Human Responsibility and Free Will: Despite the devil's instigation, the act of betrayal remained Judas's choice. The Bible consistently presents individuals as morally accountable for their actions, even when influenced by external forces. Judas was not coerced against his will but yielded to the temptation, likely fueled by greed (as suggested in Matthew 26:15).
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Though not stated directly in this verse, Jesus frequently alluded to His impending betrayal, knowing it was part of God's sovereign plan to fulfill Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Psalm 41:9). This verse sets the stage for the unfolding of that divine purpose, even through the darkest of human actions.
  • The Reality of Betrayal: The betrayal of Jesus by one of His closest disciples is a profound and painful reminder of the reality of treachery, even within intimate circles. It underscores the depth of human sin and the vulnerability of even the most righteous.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put into the heart" in the Greek is ballō eis tēn kardian (βάλλω εἰς τὴν καρδίαν). Ballō means "to cast," "to throw," or "to put forth." This suggests an active, deliberate injection of an idea or impulse into Judas's inner being. It's not merely a suggestion but a powerful, insidious implantation of the intent to betray. The "heart" (kardia) in biblical usage refers not just to emotions but to the core of a person's being—their will, intellect, and moral center. This indicates that the devil's influence was deep-seated and aimed at the very core of Judas's decision-making.

Practical Application

John 13:2 serves as a solemn warning and a call to vigilance.

  • Spiritual Discernment: It reminds us that spiritual forces of evil are real and actively seek to tempt and corrupt. We must be discerning about the thoughts and desires that enter our hearts, recognizing that not all impulses are from God.
  • Guarding the Heart: Just as Judas's heart was receptive to the devil's suggestion, we are called to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) against evil influences, unchecked greed, or other destructive desires that can make us vulnerable to temptation.
  • God's Sovereignty Amidst Evil: Despite the devil's schemes and human sin, God's ultimate plan is never derailed. This verse, though dark, is a prelude to the greatest act of love and redemption through Christ's sacrifice, proving that God can even use the actions of evil for His good purposes.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • James 1:13

    ¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
  • James 1:17

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
  • Acts 5:3

    But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?
  • Revelation 17:17

    For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
  • Ephesians 2:3

    Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
  • John 6:70

    Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
  • John 6:71

    He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

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