John 13:21

KJV

When 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When Jesus {G2424} had {G2036} thus {G5023} said {G2036}, he was troubled {G5015} in spirit {G4151}, and {G2532} testified {G3140}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, that {G3754} one {G1520} of {G1537} you {G5216} shall betray {G3860} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After saying this, Yeshua, in deep anguish of spirit, declared, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that one of you will betray me.”

Berean Standard Bible

After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.”

American Standard Version

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in the spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:21 marks a profoundly solemn and pivotal moment during the Last Supper, immediately following Jesus' humble act of washing His disciples' feet. With a heart deeply burdened, Jesus reveals a shocking and distressing truth to His closest followers: one of them, a trusted member of their inner circle, is about to betray Him. This declaration not only underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge but also highlights the immense emotional and spiritual anguish He experienced in the face of impending treachery, setting the stage for the dramatic events leading to His crucifixion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a dramatic turning point within the narrative of [John 13](/john/13 "John Chapter 13 - The Last Supper and Betrayal"). It immediately follows Jesus' profound demonstration of servant leadership through the foot-washing (cf. [John 13:1-20](/john/13-1-20 "John 13:1-20 - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet")). The atmosphere shifts abruptly from intimate instruction and humble service to one of intense sorrow and foreboding. Jesus' declaration shatters the peace of the supper, creating a palpable tension among the disciples, who are depicted as confused and distressed, wondering who the betrayer could be (cf. [John 13:22](/john/13-22 "John 13:22 - Disciples' Reaction to Betrayal Prophecy")). This revelation initiates the sequence of events that will culminate in Judas's departure and Jesus' subsequent arrest and crucifixion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Passover meal, a sacred Jewish feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This meal was traditionally a time of intimate fellowship, remembrance, and covenant renewal. Within this context, an act of betrayal, especially from someone sharing a meal, was considered a profound violation of hospitality and trust, carrying immense social and moral opprobrium. The act of dipping bread in a common dish, as later described in [John 13:26](/john/13-26 "John 13:26 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer"), was a gesture of friendship and intimacy. For one to then betray the host was an act of deep treachery, echoing the sentiment of [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"). Jesus' emotional response ("troubled in spirit") is therefore not merely personal anguish but also a reflection of the cultural weight of such a betrayal within the sacred context of the Passover.
* **Key Themes:** John 13:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' full humanity**, revealing His profound emotional depth and capacity for sorrow and distress in the face of human sin and treachery, as also seen when He was [troubled at Lazarus' tomb](/john/11-33 "John 11:33 - Jesus Troubled at Lazarus' Tomb") and [before His crucifixion](/john/12-27 "John 12:27 - Jesus Troubled Before the Cross"). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereignty**, demonstrating that He is fully aware of the impending betrayal and its perpetrator, even though it is part of God's redemptive plan. This foreknowledge is a consistent theme throughout John, emphasizing Jesus' divine nature and control over all events, even His own death. Lastly, the verse confronts the stark reality of **sin and betrayal**, particularly from within the most intimate circles, serving as a somber reminder of the pervasive nature of evil and the freedom of human choice, even in the context of divine purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **troubled (Greek, _tarássō'_):** From G5015, meaning "to stir or agitate (roil water)." This word signifies a deep internal agitation, a profound emotional and spiritual disturbance. It is not a superficial discomfort but an intense inner turmoil, indicating the depth of Jesus' anguish at the impending betrayal by one of His own.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc." Here, it refers to Jesus' inner being, His deepest self, indicating that the distress was not merely physical or emotional but reached the core of His spiritual essence.
* **betray (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, meaning "to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit." While it can mean to deliver or hand over in a neutral sense, in this context, it carries the sinister connotation of treachery and handing over someone to an enemy, implying a breach of trust and a deliberate act of disloyalty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jesus had thus said":** This phrase links the present declaration to Jesus' preceding actions and teachings, specifically the foot-washing and His discourse on servant leadership. It underscores that this profound statement about betrayal is not an isolated event but arises directly from the intimate context of the Last Supper.
* **"he was troubled in spirit":** This clause reveals Jesus' deep emotional and spiritual anguish. The word "troubled" (ταράσσω, _tarássō_) signifies an intense inner agitation, not merely sadness but a profound disturbance of His innermost being. This highlights His full humanity, experiencing the pain of impending treachery and the knowledge of Judas's choice.
* **"and testified, and said":** This emphasizes the solemnity and certainty of Jesus' subsequent declaration. "Testified" (μαρτυρέω, _martyréō_) implies a formal, authoritative, and truthful declaration, underscoring the gravity and prophetic nature of His words. It's not a casual remark but a weighty pronouncement.
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto you":** The double "Verily" (ἀμήν, ἀμήν, _amēn, amēn_) is a characteristic Johannine emphatic phrase. It serves as a solemn affirmation of truth, signaling that what follows is of utmost importance, absolute certainty, and divine authority. It commands the disciples' full attention to the shocking revelation.
* **"that one of you shall betray me":** This is the shocking core of the statement. The phrase "one of you" (εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν, _heîs ex hymōn_) points to the intimacy of the betrayal – it is not an outside enemy, but someone within their trusted circle. "Shall betray me" (παραδώσει με, _paradōsei me_) directly names the act of treachery, which will lead to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, fulfilling divine prophecy.

#### Literary Devices
John 13:21 is rich with **Pathos**, as Jesus' deep emotional distress ("troubled in spirit") evokes a profound sense of sorrow and empathy from the reader. This raw display of human anguish, coming from the Son of God, makes the impending betrayal even more poignant. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, directly announcing the betrayal that will unfold within hours, building dramatic tension and preparing the audience for the tragic events of the Passion. The use of **Repetition** in "Verily, verily" serves as a rhetorical device to emphasize the absolute truth and solemnity of Jesus' pronouncement, drawing immediate and focused attention to the gravity of His words. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in the fact that Jesus, who has just demonstrated ultimate humility and service by washing His disciples' feet, is about to be betrayed by one of those very individuals He served.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:21 profoundly illustrates the intersection of divine sovereignty and human free will, a central theological tension throughout Scripture. Jesus' foreknowledge of the betrayal does not negate Judas's personal responsibility for his actions. God's overarching plan for salvation, which includes the suffering and death of His Son, incorporates even the darkest human choices without dictating them. This moment highlights the cost of discipleship and the reality that even within the closest spiritual communities, sin and rebellion can fester. It also underscores the depth of God's love, in that He would allow His Son to endure such personal betrayal as part of the redemptive narrative for humanity.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Matthew 26:21-25](/matthew/26-21-25 "Matthew 26:21-25 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")
* [Acts 1:16-17](/acts/1-16-17 "Acts 1:16-17 - Judas's Betrayal Foretold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in John 13:21 is a powerful reminder that even the Lord of Glory experienced the deepest forms of human suffering, including the profound pain of betrayal from a trusted friend. This reality offers immense comfort and solidarity to those who have endured similar experiences of treachery, affirming that our Savior intimately understands our wounds. It calls us to a place of empathy and compassion for Jesus' own suffering, not just on the cross, but in the moments leading up to it. Furthermore, this verse serves as a sober call to self-examination and faithfulness. If betrayal could arise from within Jesus' inner circle, it reminds us of the constant need for vigilance against sin in our own hearts and within our communities. It challenges us to cultivate genuine loyalty, integrity, and love, ensuring our actions align with our confession of faith, and to remember that God sees and knows all, even the hidden intentions of the heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' "troubled spirit" in this verse deepen your understanding of His humanity and His suffering?**
* **In what ways does the knowledge of Jesus' foreknowledge of the betrayal impact your understanding of divine sovereignty and human responsibility?**
* **What lessons can we draw from this passage about the reality of betrayal, even within close relationships or spiritual communities?**
* **How does this verse challenge you to examine your own heart for areas where loyalty or trust might be compromised?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jesus "troubled in spirit" if He knew what was going to happen?**

Answer: Jesus' foreknowledge of the betrayal does not diminish His human capacity for emotion and suffering. While He knew Judas would betray Him, the act itself was still a profound violation of trust and friendship, deeply painful for Him to experience. His "troubled spirit" (Greek: _tarássō_, meaning agitated or disturbed) reveals His full humanity, demonstrating that He truly experienced the anguish of impending treachery, just as any person would. This emotional response underscores the reality of His suffering, not just physically on the cross, but emotionally and spiritually in the lead-up to it. It shows His perfect empathy, allowing Him to fully identify with human pain and betrayal (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Understands Our Weaknesses")).

**Does Jesus' statement "one of you shall betray me" mean Judas had no choice?**

Answer: No, Jesus' statement does not negate Judas's free will or moral responsibility. While Jesus, in His divine foreknowledge, knew what Judas would do, Judas still made the conscious decision to betray Him. The Bible consistently presents Judas as acting according to his own choices, driven by greed and a failure to truly believe in Jesus (cf. [John 12:4-6](/john/12-4-6 "John 12:4-6 - Judas's Greed")). Jesus' prophecy simply confirms that God's sovereign plan incorporates human choices, even sinful ones, without forcing them. Judas was fully accountable for his actions, as evidenced by his later remorse and suicide (cf. [Matthew 27:3-5](/matthew/27-3-5 "Matthew 27:3-5 - Judas's Remorse and Death")).

**How does this verse relate to Old Testament prophecies?**

Answer: Jesus' prediction of betrayal by a close companion directly fulfills Old Testament prophecy, most notably [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"), which states, "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, who shared my bread, has turned against me." This prophecy, spoken by David, finds its ultimate and tragic fulfillment in Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. The New Testament authors frequently highlight how events in Jesus' life, including His betrayal, were in accordance with the Scriptures, demonstrating God's meticulous plan and Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah (cf. [Acts 1:16](/acts/1-16 "Acts 1:16 - Judas's Betrayal Foretold by Scripture")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:21, with Jesus' profound emotional distress and His declaration of impending betrayal, points directly to the heart of Christ's redemptive work. The "troubled spirit" of Jesus reveals the depth of His identification with humanity's suffering, not merely as an observer but as one who fully entered into the pain of a broken world, even experiencing the ultimate breach of trust from within His own circle. This betrayal, though orchestrated by human sin, was paradoxically a necessary step in God's sovereign plan for salvation. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly allowed Himself to be "delivered over" (the meaning of _paradídōmi_) into the hands of His enemies, not as a victim of circumstance, but as the active participant in His own sacrifice. His foreknowledge and acceptance of this betrayal demonstrate His perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Thus, the pain of betrayal in [John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal") is not merely a tragic event, but a crucial element in the unfolding drama of redemption, where Christ's suffering, including the sting of treachery, becomes the means by which humanity finds reconciliation and eternal life (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:21

And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

John 13:18

¶ I 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.

Mark 14:18

And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

Luke 22:21

¶ But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me [is] with me on the table.

Luke 22:22

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

John 12:27

¶ Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 11:33

¶ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,