John 13:27

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

And {G2532} after {G3326} the sop {G5596}{G5119} Satan {G4567} entered {G1525} into {G1519} him {G1565}. Then {G3767} said {G3004} Jesus {G2424} unto him {G846}, That {G3739} thou doest {G4160}, do {G4160} quickly {G5032}.

As soon as Y’hudah took the piece of matzah, the Adversary went into him. “What you are doing, do quickly!” Yeshua said to him.

And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”

And after the sop, then entered Satan into him. Jesus therefore saith unto him, What thou doest, do quickly.

John 13:27 marks a pivotal and somber moment during the Last Supper, immediately following Jesus’ identification of His betrayer by giving him a piece of bread (the "sop"). This verse reveals the tragic culmination of Judas Iscariot’s spiritual decline and Jesus’ full awareness of the unfolding divine plan.

Context

This verse occurs during the intimate setting of the Passover meal, Jesus' final supper with His disciples before His crucifixion. Jesus has just declared that one of them would betray Him (John 13:21). To identify the betrayer, Jesus gives a dipped morsel of bread to Judas. The act of sharing a meal, especially dipping bread together, was a sign of close fellowship, making Judas's subsequent betrayal even more shocking and poignant.

Key Themes

  • Satanic Influence and Possession: The phrase "Satan entered into him" signifies Satan's full control over Judas, a progression from earlier influence to direct possession. This highlights the spiritual warfare at play and the profound evil behind the act of betrayal. It suggests that Judas, having opened himself to sin and greed (as seen in John 12:6), became a willing instrument for the devil's purposes.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: Jesus' words, "That thou doest, do quickly," are not a command to sin, but an acknowledgment of His divine control over the unfolding events. Jesus knew precisely what Judas was about to do and was not surprised. This demonstrates God's sovereignty, allowing His plan of salvation to proceed, even through the wicked acts of men. Yet, Judas remains fully responsible for his choices and actions.
  • The Nature of Betrayal: The verse underscores the profound treachery involved in Judas's act. To betray someone with whom one has shared such intimacy, especially after receiving a gesture of kindness, is a deep violation of trust.

Linguistic Insights

The "sop" (Greek: psōmion) refers to a morsel of bread, often dipped in a sauce or broth. This was a common practice during meals, and Jesus' act of giving it to Judas was a specific, deliberate identification. The phrase "Satan entered into him" (Greek: eisēlthen eis ekeinon ho Satanas) is very strong, indicating a complete indwelling and control, contrasting with earlier mentions where Satan merely "put into the heart" (Greek: ebalen eis tēn kardian) the thought of betrayal (John 13:2).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a solemn reminder of several truths:

  • The Danger of Unchecked Sin: Judas's path from greed to betrayal illustrates how unaddressed sin can lead to spiritual ruin and becoming an instrument of evil. It warns against allowing temptation to fester in the heart.
  • The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: The direct mention of Satan's involvement emphasizes that evil acts often have a spiritual dimension, reminding believers to be vigilant and rely on God's strength against spiritual forces of wickedness.
  • God's Unwavering Plan: Even in the face of the darkest betrayal, God's sovereign plan cannot be thwarted. Jesus willingly walked the path to the cross, knowing every detail, demonstrating His ultimate love and obedience.

Judas departed immediately to carry out his dark deed, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Matthew 26:14-16 details Judas's prior agreement to betray Jesus.

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.

  • Luke 22:3

    Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

  • John 13:2

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

  • 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?

  • Proverbs 1:16

    For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

  • 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 1:15

    Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

  • Matthew 12:45

    Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

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