John 13:26

KJV

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611}, He {G1565} it is {G2076}, to whom {G3739} I shall give {G1929} a sop {G5596}, when I {G1473} have dipped {G911} it. And {G2532} when he had dipped {G1686} the sop {G5596}, he gave {G1325} it to Judas {G2455} Iscariot {G2469}, the son of Simon {G4613}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered, “It’s the one to whom I give this piece of matzah after I dip it in the dish.” So he dipped the piece of matzah and gave it to Y’hudah Ben-Shim‘on from K’riot.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore answereth, He it is, for whom I shall dip the sop, and give it him. So when he had dipped the sop, he taketh and giveth it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the intimate setting of the Last Supper, following His announcement that one disciple would betray Him, Jesus responds to a whispered inquiry from the beloved disciple, John. He reveals the betrayer's identity through a specific, customary act of hospitality: He will give a dipped morsel, or "sop," to the one. Immediately after this declaration, Jesus dips the sop and hands it to Judas Iscariot, thereby confirming the identity of His betrayer and setting in motion the final, pivotal events leading to His crucifixion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - The Last Supper and Betrayal"). It immediately follows Jesus's profound act of humility in washing His disciples' feet, a powerful lesson in servant leadership ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")). After this, Jesus reveals His foreknowledge of betrayal, stating that "one of you will betray me" ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")). This announcement plunges the disciples into distress, prompting them to question one another. Peter, ever impetuous, signals to the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (traditionally identified as John) to ask Jesus directly for the betrayer's identity ([John 13:23-25](/john/13-23-25 "John 13:23-25 - Peter Prompts John")). John 13:26 is Jesus's direct, though subtly delivered, answer to this private inquiry, immediately followed by Judas taking the sop and departing into the night ([John 13:27-30](/john/13-27-30 "John 13:27-30 - Judas Departs")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is a meal, likely the Passover Seder, though John's Gospel emphasizes its theological significance over ritualistic detail. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a profound act of fellowship, trust, and even covenant. To betray someone with whom you had shared bread was considered the deepest form of treachery, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"). The act of dipping a morsel of bread (a "sop" or _psōmíon_) in a communal dish and giving it to a guest was a common gesture of honor, special attention, or favor, particularly to a distinguished guest or a close friend. By performing this act for Judas, Jesus highlights the profound irony and depth of the betrayal, as it comes from one who was not only a companion but also one who received a personal gesture of intimacy and favor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores [Jesus's divine foreknowledge and sovereignty](/john/6-64 "John 6:64 - Jesus Knows Who Will Betray Him"). He is not a passive victim but fully aware of the unfolding events, acting with deliberate purpose even in the face of betrayal. Secondly, it illuminates the **nature of betrayal**, emphasizing its profound irony when it comes from within the most intimate circle. The gesture of the sop, typically a mark of honor, becomes the very sign that identifies the traitor, highlighting the tragic contrast between outward appearance and inner spiritual corruption. Lastly, the verse showcases **Jesus's purposeful action** as He orchestrates the fulfillment of prophecy and His redemptive mission, even using the very act of betrayal as a catalyst for His ultimate sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sop (Greek, _psōmíon'_):** (G5596) A diminutive from a derivative of the base of ψώχω (psōchō, to rub), meaning "a crumb or morsel (as if rubbed off), i.e. a mouthful." This refers to a small piece of bread, often dipped in a sauce or broth. In the context of the Last Supper, it signifies a common, intimate act of sharing a meal, making its use as a sign of betrayal particularly poignant.
* **dipped (Greek, _embáptō'_):** (G1686) From ἐν (en, in) and βάπτω (baptō, to dip), meaning "to whelm on, i.e. wet (a part of the person, etc.) by contact with a fluid." This verb describes the physical action Jesus performs, taking the morsel and immersing it. The act itself is simple, but its significance is profound, as it serves as the specific, pre-announced sign of the betrayer.
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** (G1325) A prolonged form of a primary verb, meaning "to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)." Here, it signifies Jesus's deliberate and active bestowal of the sop upon Judas. It is not an accidental or passive act but a purposeful handing over, fulfilling His earlier statement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered, \"He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it].\""**: This clause reveals Jesus's method of identifying the betrayer. Rather than naming Judas directly and publicly, which might have provoked immediate reactions or prevented the divine plan from unfolding, Jesus chooses a private, symbolic action. The future tense "I shall give" and "when I have dipped" emphasizes Jesus's complete control and foreknowledge over the events. He is not reacting to circumstances but purposefully enacting His will, even in this moment of profound personal betrayal.
* **"And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon."**: This clause describes the immediate fulfillment of Jesus's preceding statement. The act of dipping and giving the sop is carried out by Jesus Himself, confirming the identity of the betrayer to the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John). The explicit naming of "Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon" leaves no doubt as to the individual. This act, typically a gesture of honor and intimacy at a shared meal, becomes the stark, ironic sign of the deepest betrayal, underscoring the profound tragedy of Judas's choice.

#### Literary Devices
The profound **Irony** is the most prominent literary device in [John 13:26](/john/13-26 "John 13:26 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer"). The act of giving a "sop" was a gesture of special favor or honor, yet Jesus bestows it upon the one who is about to betray Him. This creates a stark contrast between the outward sign of intimacy and the inward reality of treachery. Furthermore, the sop itself functions as **Symbolism**. It symbolizes shared life and fellowship, which is now corrupted and used as the very instrument of identification for the betrayer. This moment also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, immediately preceding Judas's departure and the rapid acceleration of the Passion narrative. The deliberate, controlled revelation by Jesus heightens the **Dramatic Tension** within the narrative, building towards the inevitable climax of His arrest and crucifixion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:26 profoundly illustrates the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Jesus's foreknowledge and deliberate action in identifying Judas underscore that God's plan is not thwarted by human sin but rather incorporates it, ultimately achieving His redemptive purposes. This moment reveals the depth of human depravity, as betrayal emerges from within the most intimate circle of discipleship, yet it simultaneously highlights Jesus's unwavering resolve and purposeful movement towards the cross. It is a testament to His willingness to endure the ultimate betrayal for the salvation of humanity, demonstrating that even the darkest acts can be woven into the tapestry of God's sovereign plan.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus Chooses a Devil")
* [Matthew 26:23](/matthew/26-23 "Matthew 26:23 - Dipping Hand in Dish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in [John 13:26](/john/13-26 "John 13:26 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer") is a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between divine foreknowledge and human free will. Jesus, fully aware of Judas's impending betrayal, still extends a final gesture, however ironic, before the dark deed unfolds. This challenges us to consider God's sovereignty even in the face of profound suffering and treachery, assuring us that His purposes will prevail regardless of human sin or opposition. For believers, this passage serves as a powerful call to self-examination, prompting us to consider the state of our own hearts and the depth of our loyalty to Christ. Just as the disciples asked, "Lord, is it I?" ([Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Question")), we are invited to scrutinize our motives, ensuring that no hidden sin or worldly desire compromises our devotion. Furthermore, Jesus's composed and purposeful response to betrayal offers a profound model for navigating our own experiences of hurt and disloyalty, encouraging us to trust in God's ultimate plan rather than reacting with anger or despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's foreknowledge of Judas's betrayal comfort or challenge you regarding God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances?**
* **What does the act of giving the "sop" reveal about the nature of betrayal, especially from those who are close to us?**
* **In what ways might we, like Judas, be tempted to prioritize personal gain or desires over unwavering loyalty to Christ?**
* **How can we respond to betrayal in a Christ-like manner, trusting in God's ultimate plan and seeking His guidance?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus identify Judas in such a subtle way, rather than openly exposing him?**

Answer: Jesus's method of identification in [John 13:26](/john/13-26 "John 13:26 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer") served multiple purposes. Firstly, it was a private revelation to the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John), fulfilling his whispered request without causing immediate public uproar among the other disciples, who did not fully grasp the significance of the act at the time ([John 13:28-29](/john/13-28-29 "John 13:28-29 - Disciples Misunderstand")). Secondly, it allowed the divine plan to unfold precisely as prophesied and intended. An open accusation might have led to an immediate confrontation or prevented Judas from completing his role in the Passion narrative. Thirdly, the act of giving the sop, a gesture of honor, served as a final, poignant, and deeply ironic appeal to Judas, highlighting the profound depth of his betrayal and perhaps offering a last, silent opportunity for repentance, even as it sealed his fate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 13:26](/john/13-26 "John 13:26 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer") is a pivotal moment that profoundly underscores the Christ-centered nature of salvation. Here, Jesus is not a victim of circumstance but the sovereign Lord, actively orchestrating the very betrayal that will lead to His atoning sacrifice. His foreknowledge of Judas's actions, and His deliberate handing of the sop, reveal a divine plan unfolding with precision. This act initiates the final, agonizing steps toward the cross, where Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), would willingly lay down His life. Through this betrayal, Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")), demonstrating His perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The "sop" becomes a poignant symbol of the ultimate cost of sin and the boundless depths of Christ's love, who, though betrayed by one He shared a meal with, nevertheless offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, triumphing over the powers of darkness and securing eternal redemption for all who believe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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 26:23

And he answered and said, He that dippeth [his] hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

Mark 14:19

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, [Is] it I? and another [said, Is] it I?

Mark 14:20

And he answered and said unto them, [It is] one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

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.

Luke 22:21

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

John 12:4

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], which should betray him,