John 13:30

KJV

He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

KJV (with Strong's)

He {G1565} then {G3767} having received {G2983} the sop {G5596} went {G1831} immediately {G2112} out {G1831}: and {G1161} it was {G2258} night {G3571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As soon as he had taken the piece of matzah, Y’hudah went out, and it was night.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as he had received the morsel, Judas went out into the night.

American Standard Version

He then having received the sop went out straightway: and it was night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:30 captures the precise moment Judas Iscariot departed from the Last Supper, marking the definitive step into his act of betrayal against Jesus. This concise verse, laden with dramatic irony and profound symbolism, signifies the culmination of Judas's choice to abandon the light and embrace the spiritual darkness that would lead to Christ's arrest and crucifixion. It underscores the solemnity and gravity of the hour, setting the stage for Jesus's final teachings to His faithful disciples before His passion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of the Last Supper, specifically after Jesus has revealed that one of His disciples would betray Him. The preceding verses (John 13:21-29) build intense suspense as the disciples wonder who the betrayer is. Jesus identifies Judas by giving him the sop, a gesture that, while potentially an act of honor in ancient dining customs, here serves as the definitive sign of betrayal. Crucially, [John 13:27](/john/13-27 "John 13:27 - Satan Enters Judas") explicitly states that "after the sop Satan entered into him." Thus, Judas's immediate departure in [John 13:30](/john/13-30 "John 13:30 - Judas Departs") is not merely a physical exit but a spiritual turning point, initiating the dark events of Jesus's passion. The verse acts as a dramatic pivot, concluding the intimate meal and ushering in Jesus's final, profound discourses with the remaining disciples (John 14-16) before His arrest.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper takes place during the Passover festival, a pivotal annual Jewish celebration commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. Sharing a meal, especially the Passover meal, was a deeply intimate and covenantal act in ancient Jewish culture. The act of dipping a morsel (sop) and giving it to someone was a common gesture of hospitality, honor, or special attention from the host. For Jesus to offer the sop to Judas, even as a sign of betrayal, highlights the profound irony and the depth of Judas's treachery—betraying one with whom he had shared such intimate fellowship. The mention of "night" is not just a temporal marker but resonates with the ancient world's understanding of darkness as a time when evil deeds are done and danger lurks, contrasting sharply with the safety and fellowship of day.

* **Key Themes:** John 13:30 contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **culmination of betrayal**, showing Judas's decisive step from intention to action, a betrayal foretold by Jesus himself (e.g., [John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus Chooses Judas")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **divine sovereignty and foreknowledge**, demonstrating that even this heinous act of betrayal was within Jesus's divine plan and control, as hinted in [John 13:11](/john/13-11 "John 13:11 - Jesus Knew His Betrayer"). Jesus is not a victim of circumstances but is purposefully moving towards His "hour." Finally, the phrase "and it was night" introduces the profound **symbolism of darkness versus light**. Jesus is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), and Judas's departure into the night signifies his embrace of spiritual darkness, aligning himself with the forces of evil (cf. [Luke 22:53](/luke/22-53 "Luke 22:53 - The Hour of Darkness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sop (Greek, _psōmíon'_):** (G5596) Diminutive from a derivative of the base of ψώχω; a crumb or morsel (as if rubbed off), i.e. a mouthful. In this context, it refers to a piece of bread, likely dipped in a sauce, given by Jesus to Judas. While typically a gesture of honor or intimacy, here it becomes the pre-arranged signal for identifying the betrayer, turning a common act of hospitality into a profound moment of revelation and separation.
* **immediately (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** (G2112) Adverb from εὐθύς; directly, i.e. at once or soon. This word emphasizes the swiftness and decisiveness of Judas's departure. It conveys a sense of urgency and finality, indicating that once the sign was given and Satan had entered him, Judas wasted no time in executing his dark purpose. There was no hesitation, no second thoughts, just an immediate exit to fulfill his sinister mission.
* **night (Greek, _nýx'_):):** (G3571) A primary word; "night" (literally or figuratively). Beyond its literal meaning of the time of day, "night" here carries immense symbolic weight. It represents the spiritual darkness that Judas embraced, the triumph of evil forces, and the beginning of Jesus's "hour" of suffering and the powers of darkness. It starkly contrasts with Jesus, who is the Light, and signifies the departure from divine fellowship into moral and spiritual obscurity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He then having received the sop":** This clause identifies Judas as the recipient of the sop, the pre-arranged sign from Jesus. The act of "receiving" implies acceptance and participation in the unfolding drama. It highlights that Judas willingly took the sop, knowing its significance, thereby sealing his commitment to the betrayal. This moment is the point of no return for Judas, transitioning from internal intention to external action, facilitated by Jesus's direct, albeit sorrowful, identification.
* **"went immediately out":** This phrase describes Judas's swift and decisive departure. The adverb "immediately" underscores the urgency and finality of his exit. It signifies not just a physical leaving of the room but a spiritual separation from the fellowship of Christ and His disciples. Having received the sop and with Satan having entered him, Judas wasted no time in setting his betrayal in motion, indicating a hardened resolve and a complete commitment to his dark path.
* **"and it was night.":** This concluding clause is profoundly symbolic. While literally stating the time of day, "night" functions as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual darkness that Judas was entering. It represents the moral and spiritual obscurity of his actions, the triumph of evil forces (as Satan had just entered him), and the beginning of Jesus's "hour" of suffering, when the powers of darkness would seemingly prevail. It casts a somber shadow over the entire scene, marking the transition from intimate fellowship to the unfolding of the passion narrative.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, particularly in the phrase "and it was night." Beyond its literal meaning, "night" symbolizes the spiritual darkness that Judas embraces, the evil forces at work, and the impending "hour of darkness" for Jesus. It stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who is the Light of the World, emphasizing the moral and spiritual chasm Judas crosses. There is also a strong element of **dramatic irony**, as the act of giving a "sop," which could traditionally signify honor or intimacy, becomes the very sign of betrayal. This inversion of meaning heightens the tragedy of Judas's choice. Furthermore, the immediate departure of Judas serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent commencement of Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion, marking the end of His public ministry and the beginning of His passion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:30 is a pivotal moment that encapsulates profound theological truths. It highlights the stark reality of human free will coexisting with divine sovereignty; Judas freely chose his path, yet his actions ultimately served God's redemptive plan. The verse underscores the pervasive nature of spiritual darkness and the tragic consequences of rejecting the Light. It also sets the stage for the ultimate demonstration of God's love through Christ's sacrifice, which would overcome the very darkness that Judas embraced. The immediate departure into the night signifies a point of no return, a decisive step into the enemy's domain, yet even this act is woven into the tapestry of God's overarching purpose for salvation.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Prophecy of Betrayal") - "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." This Old Testament prophecy finds its fulfillment in Judas's betrayal, emphasizing the divine foreknowledge of these events.
* [Luke 22:53](/luke/22-53 "Luke 22:53 - The Hour of Darkness") - "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness." This verse from Luke's Gospel echoes the symbolism of "night" in John 13:30, referring to the "hour" when the forces of darkness are given permission to act against Jesus.
* [1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - Walking in the Light") - "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth." This New Testament passage directly contrasts walking in darkness with walking in light, providing a theological commentary on Judas's choice to depart into the night.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:30 serves as a powerful and somber reminder of the critical choices we face in our spiritual journey. Judas's immediate departure into the night, after receiving the sop, symbolizes a decisive turning away from the light of Christ and into the embrace of spiritual darkness. For believers, this moment underscores the profound importance of guarding our hearts against compromise, subtle temptations, and the insidious influences of evil. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are there areas where we are choosing darkness over light, self-interest over loyalty to Christ? The verse also highlights Jesus's unwavering resolve and divine control, even in the face of the deepest betrayal. This offers immense comfort, reminding us that God's sovereign plan will prevail regardless of human choices, whether good or ill. We are called to walk continually in the light, cultivating genuine fellowship with Christ and His body, ensuring that darkness does not consume us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sops" or invitations to compromise might I be receiving in my life that could lead me away from Christ?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be choosing spiritual "night" over the "light" of Christ's truth and presence?**
* **How does Judas's immediate departure challenge me to be decisive in my commitment to Christ and resist the pull of sin?**
* **How does Jesus's response to betrayal, knowing His divine purpose, encourage me in times of personal betrayal or difficulty?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus give Judas the sop if He knew he would betray Him?**

Answer: Jesus giving Judas the sop served multiple purposes. Firstly, it was the specific sign Jesus had designated to identify the betrayer to John and Peter, fulfilling His earlier statement in [John 13:26](/john/13-26 "John 13:26 - Jesus Identifies the Betrayer"). Secondly, it highlights the depth of Judas's treachery; even a gesture of intimacy and hospitality from Jesus was met with betrayal. The act also underscores Jesus's complete foreknowledge and control over the events, demonstrating that He was not a helpless victim but sovereignly orchestrating His path to the cross, even through the actions of His betrayer. This act, therefore, was not an endorsement of Judas's sin but a fulfillment of prophecy and a revelation of divine purpose.

**What is the significance of "it was night" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "and it was night" carries profound symbolic meaning beyond simply stating the time of day. It represents the spiritual darkness that Judas was entering, signifying his complete alignment with the forces of evil. It also foreshadows the "hour of darkness" for Jesus, the period of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, when the power of evil would seemingly triumph. In the Gospel of John, Jesus consistently presents Himself as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), making Judas's departure into the night a stark contrast and a powerful metaphor for choosing moral and spiritual obscurity over divine illumination. It marks the transition from the fellowship of light to the unfolding of the passion narrative under the shadow of sin and rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:30, with Judas's departure into the night, dramatically sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. While Judas embraces the darkness, Jesus, the true [Light of the World](/john/9-5 "John 9:5 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), remains to fulfill His mission. His willingness to allow the betrayal, even orchestrating its timing, demonstrates His sovereign control over all events, including those intended for evil, to bring about ultimate good. The darkness that Judas enters is the very darkness that Jesus will confront and overcome on the cross. Jesus's subsequent teachings to His disciples in [John 14-16](/john/14 "John 14 - Jesus's Farewell Discourses") are filled with promises of the Holy Spirit, peace, and His abiding presence, contrasting sharply with the spiritual void Judas chose. The "night" of betrayal and suffering ultimately gives way to the dawn of resurrection, where Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness is definitively secured, fulfilling prophecies and establishing the new covenant through His shed blood, as foreshadowed by the very meal from which Judas departed. The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), willingly enters the deepest night to bring eternal light to all who believe.

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

Isaiah 59:7

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction [are] in their paths.

Job 24:13

¶ They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

Job 24:15

The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth [his] face.

Luke 22:53

When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

Romans 3:15

Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:

Proverbs 4:16

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.