Luke 22:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G4133}, behold {G2400}, the hand {G5495} of him that betrayeth {G3860} me {G3165} is with {G3326} me {G1700} on {G1909} the table {G5132}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“But look! The person who is betraying me is here at the table with me!

Berean Standard Bible

Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:21 captures a moment of profound dramatic irony and poignant revelation during the Last Supper, as Jesus declares that the very hand of His betrayer is present with Him at the table. This stark announcement, made amidst the sacred institution of the New Covenant, underscores the shocking intimacy of the impending act of treachery and highlights Jesus' divine foreknowledge of the suffering He was about to endure, even at the hands of one of His closest companions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper, where He transforms the Passover meal into a profound symbol of His body broken and blood shed for the new covenant ([Luke 22:14-20](/luke/22-14-20 "Luke 22:14-20 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper")). The atmosphere shifts abruptly from sacred communion to the chilling revelation of betrayal, creating a stark contrast that heightens the dramatic tension. The disciples' subsequent bewildered questioning, "Lord, is it I?" ([Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Question")) and their immediate dispute over who among them was the greatest ([Luke 22:23-24](/luke/22-23-24 "Luke 22:23-24 - The Disciples' Dispute Over Greatness")), further emphasize their lack of comprehension regarding the gravity of Jesus' words and the true nature of His kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sharing a meal in ancient Near Eastern culture was a deeply significant act, symbolizing fellowship, trust, and even covenant. To share bread with someone meant entering into a bond of loyalty. For a host, offering hospitality was sacred; for a guest, accepting it implied respect and fidelity. Therefore, betrayal by someone with whom one shared a meal, especially the Passover meal—a celebration of liberation and covenant renewal—was considered the ultimate violation of trust and an act of profound treachery. The setting in an upper room in Jerusalem during the Passover festival adds layers of symbolic weight to Jesus' words, as the Lamb of God is about to be betrayed by one of His own.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:21 contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **intimate betrayal**, highlighting the profound pain of treachery coming from within Jesus' inner circle, a violation of the sacred bond of fellowship symbolized by the shared table. This verse also emphasizes Jesus' **divine foreknowledge and sovereignty**, demonstrating that His suffering was not an unforeseen tragedy but part of God's deliberate plan, known to Him in advance. This foreknowledge is a testament to His divine nature and control over all events, even the darkest acts of human sin. Furthermore, the event serves as a **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy**, particularly [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Trusted Friend"), which speaks of a trusted companion who "did eat of my bread" lifting up his heel against the psalmist. Finally, the verse creates a stark **contrast** between the light of sacred communion and the darkness of human sin and treachery, underscoring the spiritual battle at play and the profound cost of redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú_):** This imperative word, often translated as "lo!" or "see!", functions as an interjection designed to grab immediate attention and emphasize the shocking nature of the revelation. It signals a dramatic shift in the narrative, drawing the disciples' focus—and the reader's—to the profound and unsettling truth Jesus is about to utter.
* **betrayeth (Greek, _paradídōmi_):** Derived from _pará_ (beside, by) and _dídōmi_ (to give), this verb literally means "to hand over," "to deliver up," or "to surrender." While it can be used in neutral contexts (e.g., handing over a tradition), in the context of Jesus' passion, it carries the strong connotation of delivering someone over to their enemies for harm or judgment. Here, it precisely describes Judas's treacherous act of surrendering Jesus to the authorities, emphasizing the active and intentional nature of his disloyalty.
* **hand (Greek, _cheír_):** This term refers to the physical hand, but biblically, it often serves as a powerful metaphor for action, power, agency, or presence. In this verse, "the hand" signifies not merely physical proximity but the active involvement and personal agency of the betrayer. Its placement "on the table" underscores the shared fellowship and intimate bond that is about to be violated, making the betrayal all the more grievous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But, behold,"**: This opening phrase signals an abrupt and dramatic shift in tone and subject matter. The conjunction "But" (G4133, _plḗn_) introduces a stark contrast to the preceding institution of the Lord's Supper, immediately drawing attention to a grave and unsettling truth. "Behold" (G2400, _idoú_) acts as an urgent interjection, commanding the disciples' and the reader's immediate attention to the shocking revelation that follows.
* **"the hand of him that betrayeth me"**: This clause identifies the betrayer not by name, but by his imminent action and a symbolic gesture of intimacy. "The hand" (G5495, _cheír_) represents the active agency and personal involvement of the one who will "betray" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) Jesus. The phrasing emphasizes the profound pain of being betrayed by someone close, rather than an external enemy.
* **"is with me on the table."**: This final phrase highlights the shocking proximity and shared fellowship between Jesus and His betrayer. The preposition "with" (G3326, _metá_) denotes accompaniment, while "on the table" (G1909, _epí_ G5132, _trápeza_) specifies the location, emphasizing that the act of betrayal is coming from within the intimate circle of those sharing the sacred Passover meal. This detail intensifies the sense of personal violation and tragic irony.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:21 is rich in literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, as Jesus speaks with full knowledge of Judas's impending act, while the disciples remain largely unaware of the betrayer's identity, leading them to question "Who is it?" or "Is it I?" This creates tension and underscores Jesus' divine omniscience. **Foreshadowing** is also powerfully employed, as Jesus' words directly point to the imminent betrayal, arrest, and subsequent suffering, setting the stage for the Passion narrative. The phrase "the hand... on the table" functions as potent **Symbolism**, where the "hand" represents agency and the "table" symbolizes fellowship and covenant. The presence of the betrayer's hand on the shared table vividly symbolizes the profound violation of trust and intimacy. Finally, the verse exemplifies **Juxtaposition**, placing the sacred act of instituting the New Covenant immediately before the revelation of betrayal, highlighting the stark contrast between divine love and human depravity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:21 is a pivotal moment that profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. It reveals the depth of human sin and treachery, even within the closest circles, yet simultaneously affirms God's unwavering sovereignty. Jesus' foreknowledge and willingness to proceed despite the betrayal demonstrate His complete submission to the Father's will and His resolute commitment to the cross. This act of betrayal, far from thwarting God's plan, was divinely orchestrated and permitted to bring about the ultimate act of salvation. It underscores that God can and does use human sin, not as an endorsement of it, but to accomplish His righteous purposes, ultimately leading to the triumph of grace and the establishment of the New Covenant in Christ's blood.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Trusted Friend")
* [Matthew 26:23](/matthew/26-23 "Matthew 26:23 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer")
* [Acts 1:16](/acts/1-16 "Acts 1:16 - Peter on Judas's Betrayal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:21 offers profound insights for believers navigating the complexities of faith and relationships in a fallen world. Jesus' experience of intimate betrayal reminds us that even the most devoted followers of Christ are not immune to the pain of disloyalty, even from those within our closest circles. His composure and foreknowledge in the face of such treachery offer a powerful model of trusting God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances are deeply painful and human actions are profoundly sinful. This verse serves as a sober call to self-examination, prompting us to consider our own hearts and allegiances. Just as the disciples asked, "Lord, is it I?" ([Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Question")), we are challenged to assess our loyalty to Christ, ensuring that no hidden compromise or worldly desire leads us to betray Him, whether overtly or subtly, in our thoughts, words, or deeds. Ultimately, meditating on Jesus' pain helps us appreciate the immense depth of His sacrifice and His humanity, strengthening our empathy with Him and deepening our gratitude for His unwavering love and faithfulness, even unto death.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when I experience betrayal, especially from those I trust and consider close to me?**
* **In what ways might I, like Judas, be tempted to compromise my loyalty to Christ for worldly gain, comfort, or acceptance?**
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge and composure in the face of betrayal strengthen my faith in God's sovereign plan for my own life, even amidst suffering or injustice?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus allow Judas to betray Him if He knew it was going to happen?**

Answer: Jesus' allowance of Judas's betrayal, despite His foreknowledge, is a profound demonstration of God's divine sovereignty working in conjunction with human free will to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Jesus knew that His suffering and death were necessary according to God's predetermined plan for the salvation of humanity. This event was not a surprise to God, but rather a fulfillment of ancient prophecies, such as those found in [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Trusted Friend") and [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of Betrayal"). While Judas acted out of his own sinful choices and motives, God, in His infinite wisdom, incorporated this act of betrayal into His perfect plan to bring about the atoning sacrifice of Christ. As Peter later preached, Jesus was "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Deliberate Plan")). This illustrates that God can use even the darkest human actions to achieve His righteous and glorious ends, without condoning the sin itself.

**What was the significance of Judas's "hand... on the table"?**

Answer: The detail that the betrayer's "hand... on the table" ([Luke 22:21](/luke/22-21 "Luke 22:21 - The Betrayer's Hand")) emphasizes the profound intimacy and trust that was being violated. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal, particularly the Passover feast, was a sacred act of fellowship, covenant, and deep personal bond. To have one's hand on the same table as another signified shared life, mutual reliance, and loyalty. Therefore, the betrayer's hand being "with me on the table" underscores the shocking nature of the treachery—it was not an attack from an external enemy, but a betrayal from within Jesus' inner circle, from someone who had shared His closest fellowship. This detail heightens the sense of personal pain and the heinousness of Judas's act, fulfilling prophetic words about a trusted friend who "did eat of my bread" lifting up his heel ([Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:21, though a dark moment of betrayal, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive purpose of Jesus' entire passion. The fact that Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, was betrayed by one He had discipled and shared intimate fellowship with, highlights the depth of the sin He came to conquer. Yet, this betrayal was not a defeat but a necessary step in God's sovereign plan to bring about salvation. Jesus willingly embraced this suffering, including the pain of intimate treachery, as part of His mission to become the perfect sacrifice for all humanity. He is the true Passover Lamb ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")) whose blood established the New Covenant, offering reconciliation and eternal life to all who believe ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). His willingness to endure such profound injustice and personal agony demonstrates the unparalleled depth of God's love for a fallen world ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Ultimately, Jesus' betrayal, suffering, and death led to His glorious resurrection and exaltation ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), providing the pathway for all who were once alienated by sin to be brought into intimate fellowship with God through Him.

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

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

John 13:26

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.

Matthew 26:21

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

Matthew 26:24

The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

John 13:21

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.

John 13:22

Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

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.