Mark 14:18

KJV

And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as they {G846} sat {G345} and {G2532} did eat {G2068}, Jesus {G2424} said {G2036}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} One {G1520} of {G1537} you {G5216} which {G3588} eateth {G2068} with {G3326} me {G1700} shall betray {G3860} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As they were reclining and eating, Yeshua said, "Yes! I tell you that one of you is going to betray me."

Berean Standard Bible

And while they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you who is eating with Me will betray Me.”

American Standard Version

And as they sat and were eating, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you shall betray me, even he that eateth with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
As Jesus and His disciples shared the intimate Passover meal, a moment of profound fellowship and remembrance, Jesus abruptly declared a shocking truth: one of those present, sharing food with Him at that very table, would betray Him. This solemn announcement pierced the solemnity of the supper, revealing Christ's divine foreknowledge and setting the stage for the climactic events of His passion, highlighting the painful reality of treachery from within His closest circle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:18 is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' final hours before His crucifixion. It follows the preparations for the Passover meal ([Mark 14:12-17](/mark/14-12-17 "Mark 14:12-17 - Preparations for Passover")), emphasizing the sacred and intimate setting of the Last Supper. This verse immediately precedes the institution of the [Lord's Supper](/mark/14-22-25 "Mark 14:22-25 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"), where Jesus redefines the Passover symbols in light of His impending sacrifice. The declaration of betrayal serves as a stark contrast to the covenantal fellowship being established, underscoring the depth of the treachery that is about to unfold and setting the stage for Judas's subsequent actions, detailed in [Mark 14:43-45](/mark/14-43-45 "Mark 14:43-45 - Judas Betrays Jesus").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The meal described is the Passover Seder, an annual Jewish feast commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Sharing a meal in ancient Near Eastern culture was a deeply significant act, symbolizing peace, covenant, and trust. To "eat bread with" someone meant to be in a relationship of loyalty and friendship. Betrayal by a table companion was considered a profound violation of this sacred bond, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend"). The disciples would have been reclining at the table, a common practice for formal meals, which further emphasizes the intimacy of the setting. Jesus' words would have been particularly shocking given the cultural weight of shared meals, making the betrayal not just a political act but a deep personal and spiritual offense.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Jesus was fully aware of the events to come, including His betrayal, yet He willingly proceeded with God's redemptive plan. This is not a random occurrence but part of a divine purpose, as seen in [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Sovereign Plan for Christ's Suffering"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Betrayal and Suffering**, showing the depth of human sin and the pain Christ endured, not only physically but emotionally, from one of His own. Lastly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Discipleship and Authenticity**, prompting reflection on the true nature of commitment to Christ, as not all who follow are genuinely transformed, a theme explored further in passages like [1 John 2:19](/1_john/2-19 "1 John 2:19 - Those Who Left Us").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** This word, transliterated from the Hebrew "amen," signifies "truly," "firmly," or "surely." When Jesus uses "Verily I say unto you," it serves as a solemn declaration, an emphatic affirmation of truth, signaling that what follows is of utmost importance and carries divine authority. It demands the listener's full attention and belief, underscoring the certainty of the impending betrayal.
* **eateth (Greek, _esthíō'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to eat," this word here describes the act of consuming food, specifically in the context of a shared meal. Its significance in this verse is profound, as it emphasizes the intimacy and fellowship implied by sharing a table. In ancient culture, eating together established a bond of trust and loyalty. The betrayer is not an outsider, but one who literally "eats with" Jesus, highlighting the depth of the treachery.
* **betray (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb means "to surrender," "to yield up," or "to hand over." While it can have neutral connotations of delivering something, in this context, it carries the sinister meaning of handing over to an enemy for judgment or death. It precisely describes Judas's act of delivering Jesus to the authorities, an act of treachery that violated the sacred trust of their relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as they sat and did eat":** This clause establishes the setting as the Passover meal, a time of intimate fellowship and sacred remembrance. The disciples are reclining at the table, signifying a relaxed yet significant gathering. The act of eating together underscores the bond of community and trust shared among them.
* **"Jesus said":** This simple phrase introduces Jesus' direct speech, indicating that He is about to make a profound and personal revelation. His words are not a question or a musing, but a definitive statement.
* **"Verily I say unto you":** This is a powerful and characteristic phrase of Jesus, often translated as "Truly I tell you" or "Amen, I say to you." It serves as a solemn oath or an emphatic declaration, signaling that the statement to follow is of absolute truth and divine certainty, demanding serious attention from His listeners.
* **"One of you which eateth with me":** This is the shocking core of Jesus' revelation. The phrase "one of you" immediately creates suspense and distress among the disciples, as they all wonder who it could be. The added detail "which eateth with me" intensifies the horror, emphasizing that the betrayer is not an external enemy but an intimate companion, one who shares the covenant meal, highlighting the profound violation of trust.
* **"shall betray me.":** This is the stark, unambiguous prediction of the treacherous act. The future tense "shall betray" indicates the certainty of the event. The direct object "me" personalizes the betrayal, making it clear that Jesus Himself will be the victim of this ultimate act of disloyalty from within His own circle.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:18 employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' declaration clearly predicts the imminent betrayal by one of His own disciples, building dramatic tension toward the events of [Mark 14:43-45](/mark/14-43-45 "Mark 14:43-45 - Judas Betrays Jesus"). There is also profound **Irony** at play: the betrayal is announced during the Passover meal, a celebration of deliverance and covenant, by one who is sharing in this sacred act of fellowship. This juxtaposition of sacred intimacy with heinous treachery creates a stark and painful contrast. Furthermore, the narrative utilizes **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, knowing the outcome of the story, understands the identity of the betrayer (Judas Iscariot) even as the disciples are left in bewildered distress, asking "Is it I?" ([Mark 14:19](/mark/14-19 "Mark 14:19 - Disciples' Distress")). This device enhances the emotional impact and highlights Jesus' unique divine knowledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:18 profoundly illustrates the tension between human treachery and divine sovereignty. Jesus' foreknowledge of the betrayal underscores His omniscience and the fact that even the most heinous acts of human sin are not outside of God's overarching redemptive plan. This betrayal, far from thwarting God's purposes, was paradoxically woven into the very fabric of salvation history, fulfilling ancient prophecies and paving the way for the atoning sacrifice of Christ. It speaks to the deep suffering of the Son of God, not merely physical, but the agony of betrayal by a trusted friend, yet His willing submission to this suffering for the sake of humanity's redemption.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Prophecy of Betrayal")
* [John 13:21-30](/john/13-21-30 "John 13:21-30 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The announcement of betrayal at the Last Supper is a poignant reminder that even in the most intimate and sacred communities, the reality of sin and treachery can manifest. This moment compels us to examine our own hearts and allegiances. It challenges us to consider whether our outward acts of fellowship truly reflect an inward commitment to Christ, or if there are areas of our lives where we might, in effect, "betray" Him through disobedience, compromise, or lack of genuine love. Jesus, in His perfect humanity, experienced the deep pain of being wronged by one He loved, yet in His divine sovereignty, He allowed this betrayal to unfold as part of God's greater redemptive plan. This offers comfort that even in the face of profound personal betrayals or disappointments, God remains in control, working all things for His purposes. It calls us to vigilance, discernment, and steadfast loyalty to Christ, even when surrounded by those who may not be truly committed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of betrayal challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty amidst human free will and sin?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, "betray" Christ in our daily lives or within our faith communities?**
* **What comfort or challenge does Jesus' response to betrayal offer you when you experience hurt or disloyalty from others?**
* **How can this passage encourage greater discernment and authenticity in your relationships within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus announce the betrayal at the Last Supper, and how did the disciples react?**

Answer: Jesus announced the betrayal to demonstrate His divine foreknowledge and sovereignty over all events, including the darkest acts of human sin. It was not a surprise to Him, but part of God's preordained plan for redemption ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Sovereign Plan")). By announcing it, Jesus also fulfilled Old Testament prophecy concerning the betrayal by a close friend ([Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Prophecy of Betrayal")). The disciples' reaction, as described in [Mark 14:19](/mark/14-19 "Mark 14:19 - Disciples' Distress"), was one of profound distress and confusion. They began to ask Him, "Is it I?", each wondering if he could be the one capable of such a heinous act. This highlights their self-examination and their inability to comprehend such treachery from within their intimate circle, even as Judas remained silent or sought to deflect suspicion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:18, with its stark announcement of betrayal, is a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Christ's passion, pointing directly to His ultimate fulfillment as the suffering Servant. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly entered into the human experience of profound betrayal, not as a victim of fate, but as the sovereign Lord who knew all things and submitted to the Father's will. His foreknowledge of Judas's treachery ([John 13:18-19](/john/13-18-19 "John 13:18-19 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")) underscores that His crucifixion was not a tragic accident, but the culmination of God's redemptive plan, "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). The very act of betrayal, intended for evil, was precisely the means through which the Lamb of God would be "handed over" to accomplish the world's salvation ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Thus, even in the face of the deepest human depravity, Christ's mission to redeem humanity through His sacrificial death on the cross was perfectly fulfilled, demonstrating His supreme love and obedience that triumphed over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")).

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 6:70

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

John 6:47

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

Mark 14:25

Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

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 6:32

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

John 5:19

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.