Mark 3:19

KJV

And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Judas {G2455} Iscariot {G2469}, which {G3739} also {G2532} betrayed {G3860} him {G846}: and {G2532} they went {G2064} into {G1519} an house {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Y'hudah from K'riot, the one who betrayed him. Then he entered a house;

Berean Standard Bible

and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

American Standard Version

and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. And he cometh into a house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:19 concludes the pivotal account of Jesus's selection of the twelve apostles, presenting the final name on the list: Judas Iscariot, immediately identified by his future, tragic act of betrayal. This brief verse then shifts the scene, noting that Jesus and His newly formed inner circle withdrew into a house, marking a transition from their public commissioning to a more private setting for instruction and communal life, even as the shadow of impending treachery is cast over the nascent group.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to Jesus's deliberate selection of the twelve apostles, which begins in [Mark 3:13](/mark/3-13 "Mark 3:13 - Jesus Appoints the Twelve"). Following a night of prayer on a mountain, Jesus "called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him" ([Mark 3:13](/mark/3-13 "Mark 3:13 - Jesus Calls His Disciples")). The preceding verses ([Mark 3:14-19](/mark/3-14-19 "Mark 3:14-19 - The Calling of the Twelve Apostles")) meticulously list the names of the eleven other apostles, emphasizing their dual commission: "to be with him, and to be sent out to preach and have authority to cast out demons" ([Mark 3:14-15](/mark/3-14-15 "Mark 3:14-15 - The Purpose of the Apostles")). The abrupt and chilling parenthetical clause regarding Judas's betrayal in [Mark 3:19](/mark/3-19 "Mark 3:19 - Judas Iscariot and the House") creates a stark contrast to the hopeful establishment of the apostolic band, immediately introducing an element of divine foreknowledge and human tragedy. The subsequent mention of entering a house then signals a shift from the public, authoritative act of calling disciples to the more intimate, domestic sphere of their shared life and ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The selection of twelve disciples by a rabbi was not uncommon in first-century Judaism, but Jesus's choice was unique in its authority and purpose, establishing a new "Israel" around Himself. The number twelve likely symbolizes the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating a new covenant community. The disciples, mostly Galilean fishermen, were ordinary men, contrasting with the religious elite of Jerusalem. Judas Iscariot, whose epithet likely means "man of Kerioth" (a town in Judea), would have been the sole Judean among the predominantly Galilean group, potentially setting him apart culturally or regionally. The act of "going into an house" reflects the common practice of itinerant teachers and their followers, who would often rely on hospitality for lodging and a place for more intimate teaching sessions, away from the crowds and public scrutiny. This domestic setting would have been a place for deeper instruction, communal meals, and rest, essential for sustaining a demanding ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. The immediate identification of Judas as the betrayer highlights the theme of **divine foreknowledge and sovereignty**, demonstrating that Jesus was not surprised by Judas's actions but rather incorporated them into His redemptive plan, even as human free will remained operative. The inclusion of Judas among the chosen twelve also underscores the **complex nature of discipleship**, revealing that outward association with Christ does not guarantee inner transformation or genuine faithfulness; proximity to the Savior does not equate to salvation. Furthermore, the abrupt transition "into an house" subtly introduces the theme of the **practicality and demands of ministry**, showing that even after momentous spiritual events, the daily rhythms of life and the need for private instruction and community persist. This domestic setting often serves as a backdrop for Jesus's teaching and healing, emphasizing the intimate and personal aspects of His ministry in contrast to His public declarations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judas (Greek, _Ioúdas'_):** Of Hebrew origin (יהוּדָה, _Yehudah'_), this name means "praised." While a common and honorable name in Jewish tradition (e.g., Judah, son of Jacob; Judas Maccabeus), its association with Iscariot here immediately subverts its positive connotation, foreshadowing the infamy it will acquire. The name itself, meaning "praise," stands in stark, tragic contrast to the act of betrayal.
* **Iscariot (Greek, _Iskariṓtēs'_):** This epithet is of Hebrew origin, likely meaning "man of Kerioth" (אִישׁ and קִרְיָא, _ish qiryā'_). Kerioth was possibly a town in Judea, distinguishing Judas as the only Judean among the predominantly Galilean apostles. This geographical identifier becomes a permanent, distinguishing, and ultimately damning label, separating him not only by origin but by destiny from the other eleven.
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From _pará_ (beside, by) and _dídōmi_ (to give), this verb literally means "to hand over" or "to deliver up." While it can be used neutrally (e.g., to hand over a tradition), in this context, it carries the full weight of treachery and malicious intent. It specifically refers to Judas's act of delivering Jesus into the hands of His enemies, an act of profound disloyalty and a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative. The use of the past tense ("betrayed him") even at the point of his introduction highlights divine foreknowledge and the certainty of this future event.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** This term refers to a dwelling, which can be a literal building or, by implication, a family or household. In the Gospels, the "house" often serves as a significant setting for Jesus's private teaching, healing, and intimate fellowship with His disciples, contrasting with the public spaces where He preached to crowds. Here, it signifies a transition from the public act of commissioning to the private, communal life of the newly formed apostolic group.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him:"** This clause immediately introduces the twelfth and final apostle, Judas, with a chilling and definitive descriptor. The parenthetical "which also betrayed him" is a proleptic statement, meaning it refers to a future event as if it has already happened. This serves as a powerful instance of divine foreknowledge, indicating that Jesus was fully aware of Judas's ultimate destiny even as He chose him. It sets a somber and foreboding tone, contrasting sharply with the hopeful establishment of the apostolic band.
* **"and they went into an house."** This second clause marks a physical and contextual transition. After the public act of calling and commissioning the twelve on the mountain, Jesus and His newly formed group move into a private dwelling. This "house" likely served as a base for their operations, a place for rest, teaching, and more intimate fellowship, away from the pressing crowds. It signifies the practical reality of their itinerant ministry and the need for a space of community and instruction.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, where the tragic destiny of Judas is revealed immediately upon his introduction. The phrase "which also betrayed him" is a proleptic statement, anticipating a future event and creating a sense of dramatic irony for the reader, who knows what is to come, even as the narrative unfolds in real-time for the characters. This immediate revelation of Judas's treachery also creates a profound **Juxtaposition** between the divine calling and the human failure, placing the hopeful formation of the apostolic core directly alongside the dark shadow of betrayal. Furthermore, the abrupt shift from the public, authoritative act of selecting the apostles on a mountain to the private, domestic setting of "an house" functions as a **Transition**, signaling a change in the narrative's focus from grand pronouncements to the more intimate, daily realities of Jesus's ministry and the disciples' communal life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:19, though brief, is pregnant with profound theological implications, particularly concerning divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus's choice of Judas, knowing full well his future betrayal, underscores the mysterious interplay between God's perfect foreknowledge and human free will. This is not a passive foreknowledge but an active incorporation of even the darkest human sin into the divine plan for salvation. Judas's act, while a heinous betrayal, was ultimately instrumental in fulfilling prophecy and bringing about the atoning work of Christ on the cross. This verse thus affirms that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human wickedness; rather, He can even use human sin to accomplish His sovereign will, demonstrating His ultimate control over history and salvation.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")
* [Acts 1:16](/acts/1-16 "Acts 1:16 - Judas's Betrayal Foretold")
* [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus Knows His Betrayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:19 presents a sobering truth about the nature of discipleship and the reality of human brokenness, even within the closest circles of faith. The inclusion of Judas Iscariot, immediately identified as the one who would betray Jesus, serves as a stark reminder that outward association or even a divine calling does not guarantee genuine commitment or faithfulness of heart. For believers today, this verse prompts deep introspection: are our hearts truly devoted to Christ, or are there hidden motives or unaddressed areas that could lead to spiritual compromise? It challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith, ensuring that our loyalty is unwavering and our walk is consistent with our confession. Furthermore, Judas's presence in the apostolic band, despite Jesus's foreknowledge, offers profound comfort: God's plan is not derailed by human failure or treachery. Even in the face of betrayal and adversity, God remains sovereign, orchestrating all events, even the darkest ones, to fulfill His redemptive purposes. We can find peace knowing that our ultimate salvation rests not on our perfect faithfulness, but on the unfailing faithfulness of Christ, who knew what awaited Him and still walked the path to the cross.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immediate identification of Judas as the betrayer challenge or comfort your understanding of God's sovereignty and human free will?**
* **What does Judas's inclusion among the twelve teach us about the difference between outward religious association and genuine, heart-level discipleship?**
* **In what areas of your own life might you be tempted to compromise your loyalty to Christ, and how can you guard against such temptations?**
* **How does the knowledge that God's plan cannot be thwarted, even by betrayal, impact your trust in Him during difficult or uncertain times?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose Judas if He knew he would betray Him?**

Answer: This is one of the most profound and challenging questions in biblical theology, touching on the mystery of divine sovereignty and human free will. The text clearly states that Jesus knew Judas would betray Him (as seen in [John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus Knows His Betrayer") and [John 13:11](/john/13-11 "John 13:11 - Jesus Knew Who Would Betray Him")). Jesus chose Judas not because He wished for him to betray Him, but because Judas's betrayal, though a heinous act of human sin, was part of God's predetermined plan for the redemption of humanity. The Scriptures foretold that the Messiah would be betrayed by a close companion (e.g., [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")). Jesus chose Judas to fulfill these prophecies, demonstrating that His suffering and death were not accidental but part of a divine, sovereign design. This highlights God's ability to use even the darkest human actions to accomplish His ultimate good.

**What is the significance of the name "Iscariot"?**

Answer: The name "Iscariot" (Greek: _Iskariṓtēs_) is generally understood to mean "man of Kerioth." Kerioth was likely a town in Judea, making Judas the only apostle from Judea, distinguishing him from the other eleven who were primarily Galilean. This geographical identifier serves to uniquely identify him among the many individuals named Judas in the New Testament. While it doesn't inherently imply anything negative, it becomes inextricably linked to his infamous act of betrayal, forever marking him as "Judas, the betrayer."

**Why did Jesus and the disciples go "into an house" after the selection?**

Answer: The transition "into an house" signifies a shift from the public, authoritative act of commissioning the apostles on the mountain to a more private and intimate setting. Houses often served as a base for Jesus's ministry, providing a space for rest, private instruction, and communal fellowship away from the crowds and public scrutiny. This allowed Jesus to teach His disciples more deeply, address their questions, and prepare them for their future ministry. It underscores the practical realities of their itinerant life and the importance of both public proclamation and private discipleship in Jesus's ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:19, with its chilling introduction of Judas Iscariot as the betrayer, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the act of betrayal itself, but in how Jesus sovereignly incorporates this foreseen treachery into His redemptive mission. The immediate identification of Judas's future role highlights Jesus's divine foreknowledge and His willingness to walk a path that included suffering and betrayal for the sake of humanity's salvation. This seemingly dark detail underscores that Jesus was not a victim of circumstances but the sovereign Son of God, who deliberately embraced the path to the cross, knowing full well the cost. His choice of Judas, and His subsequent endurance of Judas's betrayal, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The betrayal was a necessary part of the divine plan, leading to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion—the very means by which He would secure eternal life for all who believe. Thus, Judas's act, though born of human sin, ultimately served to bring about the glorious fulfillment of God's covenant promises, culminating in Christ's victory over sin and death, as declared in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love") and [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory in Christ"). The "house" they entered after the selection can also be seen as a symbol of the new family of God, founded not on perfect human obedience but on the perfect work of Christ, who would ultimately lay down His life for His friends, even those who would betray Him, ensuring that His kingdom would prevail despite all human failings, as promised in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on Christ").

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

John 6:64

But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

John 12:4

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], which should betray him,

John 12:6

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

John 13:2

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

Matthew 26:14

¶ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

Matthew 26:16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

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.