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,
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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.
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
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.