John 13:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:27 records the chilling moment during the Last Supper when Satan fully possessed Judas Iscariot immediately after Jesus gave him the sop, a gesture identifying him as the betrayer. Following this, Jesus commanded Judas to swiftly execute his intended deed, revealing His complete awareness of the unfolding divine plan and His sovereign control over the events leading to His crucifixion. This pivotal verse underscores the profound spiritual battle at play and the tragic culmination of Judas's spiritual decline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intimate and highly charged atmosphere of the Last Supper, specifically after Jesus has announced that one of His disciples would betray Him ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")). The disciples are perplexed, and Peter prompts John, who is reclining next to Jesus, to ask who it is ([John 13:23-25](/john/13-23-25 "John 13:23-25 - The Disciples Inquire About the Betrayer")). Jesus then reveals the betrayer by giving him a piece of bread dipped in wine or broth, the "sop," a customary act of hospitality that here becomes a sign of identification and, tragically, a catalyst for Satan's final entry into Judas. The immediate departure of Judas after this verse marks a dramatic shift in the narrative, moving from the private fellowship of the supper to the public events of betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. The subsequent discourse of Jesus, beginning in [John 13:31](/john/13-31 "John 13:31 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"), shifts to themes of His glorification and the new commandment of love, highlighting the stark contrast between Judas's darkness and the light of Christ's love.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Passover meal, an annual Jewish feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This meal was deeply symbolic, involving specific rituals like the breaking of bread and drinking of wine. Sharing a meal, especially dipping bread together from a common bowl, was a profound act of fellowship and trust in ancient Near Eastern culture. To betray someone with whom one had shared such an intimate meal was considered an egregious violation of hospitality and loyalty. Jesus' act of giving the sop to Judas, while identifying him, also served as a final, poignant gesture of grace and invitation to repentance, even in the face of certain knowledge of betrayal. The swiftness of Judas's departure, often occurring under the cover of night, would have added to the clandestine and sinister nature of his mission, aligning with the forces of darkness at work.

* **Key Themes:** John 13:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**. Jesus' foreknowledge of Judas's betrayal and His command to "do quickly" demonstrate His complete control over the unfolding events, even the darkest aspects of His passion. This aligns with the broader Johannine emphasis on Jesus' authority over His own life and death, as seen in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life"). Yet, Judas remains fully accountable for his choices, highlighting the tension between God's sovereign plan and human free will. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Spiritual Warfare and the Power of Darkness**. The explicit statement "Satan entered into him" signifies the culmination of Satan's influence over Judas, which began earlier with merely putting the thought of betrayal into his heart ([John 13:2](/john/13-2 "John 13:2 - Satan's Initial Influence on Judas")). This highlights the reality of demonic forces at work in the world and their ability to exploit human weakness and sin. Finally, it speaks to the **Nature of Betrayal and Discipleship**. Judas, one of the twelve, an intimate companion of Jesus, becomes the instrument of His betrayal, serving as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked sin and hypocrisy within the community of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Satan (Greek, _Satanâs'_):** Derived from a Chaldean origin, this word literally means "the accuser" or "the adversary," referring to the devil. In this context, it signifies the personal, malevolent spiritual entity who is the ultimate antagonist to God and His people. His "entering into" Judas denotes not merely influence, but a complete indwelling and control, indicating a profound spiritual surrender by Judas to the forces of evil.
* **entered (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** This verb, formed from "into" (eis) and "to come" (érchomai), means "to enter" or "to come in." Its use here is crucial, distinguishing from earlier mentions of Satan merely "putting into the heart" ([John 13:2](/john/13-2 "John 13:2 - Satan's Initial Influence on Judas")). The verb implies a full, decisive penetration and occupation, indicating that Judas's will had become fully aligned with Satan's purpose, making him a vessel for the devil's dark agenda.
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This versatile verb means "to make or do" in a very wide application. In Jesus' command, "That thou doest, do quickly," it refers to the act Judas is about to perform—the betrayal. Jesus' use of this imperative is not a command to sin, but an acknowledgment and acceleration of an already determined action, demonstrating His sovereign awareness and control over the events of His passion. It highlights that even the wicked acts of men fit into God's ultimate plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after the sop Satan entered into him."**: This clause describes the immediate consequence of Jesus' act of giving the sop to Judas. The "sop" (Greek: _psōmíon_), a morsel of bread, was a sign of intimacy and hospitality. For Satan to enter immediately after this gesture signifies the profound spiritual turning point for Judas. It marks the culmination of Judas's spiritual decline, moving from temptation and avarice to full demonic possession, rendering him a willing instrument for the devil's plan to betray the Son of God.
* **"Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly."**: Jesus' words are not a command for Judas to sin, but rather an authoritative statement acknowledging and permitting the inevitable. Jesus, in His divine foreknowledge and sovereignty, knew precisely what Judas was about to do. His imperative "do quickly" serves to accelerate the divine timetable, demonstrating that the betrayal, though a wicked act by Judas, was part of God's predetermined plan for the redemption of humanity through the cross. It underscores Jesus' complete control even in the face of ultimate betrayal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the act of sharing the sop, traditionally a gesture of fellowship and trust, becomes the very trigger for an act of profound betrayal and demonic possession. This subversion of a sacred custom intensifies the tragedy of Judas's fall. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; Jesus' command "do quickly" not only propels the narrative forward but also subtly hints at the urgency and inevitability of the passion events that are about to unfold. The explicit mention of "Satan entered into him" serves as **Personification** of evil, giving a tangible, active role to the spiritual adversary rather than merely describing an internal struggle. This vivid imagery underscores the spiritual dimension of the betrayal, portraying it as a direct assault by the forces of darkness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:27 is a profound theological statement on the nature of evil, divine sovereignty, and the path to redemption. It reveals that the betrayal of Christ was not a random act but a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan, orchestrated even through the agency of Satan and the willing sin of Judas. This highlights the paradox of God's sovereignty, where even the darkest human actions can be woven into His perfect will without absolving human responsibility. The "entering" of Satan signifies a complete surrender to evil, a culmination of unchecked sin that began with greed and dishonesty, serving as a solemn warning against allowing sin to fester. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice on the cross, where the power of sin and death, seemingly triumphant, is decisively defeated.

* [Luke 22:3](/luke/22-3 "Luke 22:3 - Satan Enters Judas")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:27 invites us to a sobering reflection on the insidious nature of sin and the reality of spiritual warfare. Judas's trajectory from disciple to betrayer serves as a stark warning: unconfessed and unrepented sin, even seemingly small compromises like greed, can open the door to deeper spiritual darkness and ultimately lead to tragic consequences. This verse reminds us that our hearts are battlegrounds, and we must be vigilant against the subtle influences of temptation that can, if unchecked, give Satan a foothold, and eventually, full control. Yet, amidst this somber reality, the passage also offers profound comfort in God's unwavering sovereignty. Even in the face of the darkest betrayal, Jesus remained in control, demonstrating that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human wickedness or demonic schemes. This should inspire us to trust in God's perfect plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, knowing that He is always working for His ultimate glory and our good. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, confess our sins, and actively resist the temptations that could lead us away from Christ, clinging instead to His grace and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Judas's spiritual decline, culminating in Satan's entry, serve as a warning for believers today regarding unchecked sin?**
* **In what ways does Jesus' command, "That thou doest, do quickly," affirm God's sovereignty even over acts of profound evil?**
* **What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts against the subtle influences of temptation and spiritual attack?**

### FAQ

**What does "the sop" refer to in John 13:27?**

Answer: "The sop" (Greek: _psōmíon_) refers to a morsel of bread, likely dipped in wine, broth, or a sauce, which Jesus gave to Judas Iscariot during the Last Supper. This was a common practice during meals in ancient Jewish culture, often extended as a gesture of honor or hospitality. In this context, however, Jesus used it as a specific, deliberate sign to identify His betrayer to the disciples, fulfilling His earlier statement in [John 13:26](/john/13-26 "John 13:26 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer"). The act itself, a gesture of intimacy, makes Judas's subsequent betrayal even more poignant and tragic.

**Does Jesus' command "That thou doest, do quickly" mean He commanded Judas to sin?**

Answer: No, Jesus' command "That thou doest, do quickly" is not an instruction for Judas to commit sin, but rather an acknowledgement and acceleration of an action Judas had already decided upon and was already carrying out in his heart. Jesus, in His divine foreknowledge, knew Judas's intentions and the predetermined role this betrayal would play in God's redemptive plan. His words demonstrate His sovereign control over the unfolding events, even the darkest aspects of His passion. It signifies that the betrayal, though a wicked act for which Judas was fully responsible, was part of the divine timetable leading to the cross, as seen in passages like [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility") and [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "God's Plan Fulfilled Through Human Actions").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:27, though a dark moment, powerfully underscores the Christ-centered narrative of redemption. The entry of Satan into Judas, precipitating the betrayal, highlights the cosmic battle between good and evil that was reaching its climax. Yet, Jesus' immediate and sovereign response, "That thou doest, do quickly," reveals that even the forces of darkness were unwittingly serving God's ultimate redemptive purpose. Christ was not a helpless victim but the sovereign Lord, willingly laying down His life ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life")) to fulfill the prophecies and accomplish salvation. The betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion, set in motion by this very moment, were the necessary steps for the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His suffering and death, Christ disarmed the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil Powers")) and triumphed over the very one who held the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Thus, Judas's act, orchestrated by Satan, paradoxically became the means by which Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil was achieved, demonstrating the profound truth that God works all things for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")).

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

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.