Matthew 26:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as they {G846} did eat {G2068}, he said {G2036}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, that {G3754} one {G1520} of {G1537} you {G5216} shall betray {G3860} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and as they were eating, he said, "Yes, I tell you that one of you is going to betray me."

Berean Standard Bible

And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.”

American Standard Version

and as they were eating, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:21 captures a profoundly solemn and pivotal moment during the Last Supper, where Jesus, amidst intimate fellowship with His twelve disciples, delivers a shocking and sorrowful revelation: one of them will betray Him. This declaration shatters the peaceful atmosphere of the Passover meal, immediately introducing themes of divine foreknowledge, human treachery, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the darkest of human acts. It sets the stage for the dramatic events of Jesus's passion, highlighting the deep pain of betrayal from within His closest circle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate narrative of Jesus's final days leading up to His crucifixion. It follows Jesus's explicit predictions of His impending death and resurrection, as well as the plot by the chief priests and elders to seize and kill Him [Matthew 26:1-5](/matthew/26-1-5 "Matthew 26:1-5 - Plot to Kill Jesus"). The preceding verses describe the disciples' preparation for the Passover meal [Matthew 26:17-19](/matthew/26-17-19 "Matthew 26:17-17 - Preparation for the Passover"), emphasizing the sacred, traditional setting of this final supper. Jesus's declaration of betrayal immediately precedes the institution of the Lord's Supper [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"), where He reinterprets the Passover elements as symbols of His body and blood, establishing the New Covenant. The revelation of the betrayer thus serves as a stark contrast to the profound intimacy and redemptive purpose of the meal that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper was a Passover Seder, a foundational Jewish observance commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover"). This annual feast was deeply embedded in Jewish identity, symbolizing liberation and covenant. Sharing a meal, especially the Passover, was a profound act of fellowship, trust, and covenantal solidarity. For one to betray another with whom they shared a meal was considered an act of extreme perfidy, violating sacred hospitality and trust. The setting in Jerusalem during the Passover festival meant the city was bustling with pilgrims, and the political climate was tense, with Roman occupation and the Jewish religious authorities keenly aware of Jesus's growing influence and potential for disruption. The act of "betrayal" would involve handing Jesus over to these authorities, an act with severe political and religious implications.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating that Jesus was fully aware of the events unfolding, even the specific act of betrayal by one of His inner circle. This knowledge highlights His control over circumstances, even those driven by human sin, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, the verse introduces the profound theme of **Human Treachery and Sin**, particularly the insidious nature of betrayal from within a trusted relationship. The act of "handing over" the Messiah for personal gain serves as a stark reminder of humanity's fallen state and the capacity for profound evil, even among those who walked closely with God. Finally, it foreshadows the **Suffering of the Messiah**, as this betrayal is the direct catalyst for Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion, which are central to God's redemptive plan for humanity's salvation [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Greek, _esthíō_):** This verb, referring to the act of eating, emphasizes the intimate setting of the Passover meal. The fact that the betrayal is announced while they are "eating" highlights the profound irony and the violation of sacred fellowship. It underscores the depth of the treachery, coming from one who shared the most basic and intimate act of communion with Jesus.
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn_):** Derived from the Hebrew "amen," this word functions as a solemn, emphatic affirmation. Jesus's use of "Verily I say unto you" (or "Amen, I say to you") is a characteristic linguistic marker throughout the Gospels, signaling a declaration of absolute truth and divine authority. It demands the disciples' immediate and serious attention, underscoring the gravity and certainty of the revelation that follows.
* **betray (Greek, _paradídōmi_):** This verb means "to surrender," "yield up," "intrust," or "transmit." In this context, it carries the strong connotation of delivering someone to their enemies, specifically for judgment or death. It implies a treacherous act of handing over, often for a price or personal gain. For Judas, it was the act of delivering Jesus to the authorities, knowing their intent to harm Him, thereby fulfilling the dark side of its meaning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as they did eat":** This clause establishes the setting – the Passover meal, a time of fellowship, remembrance, and sacred tradition. The act of eating together signifies intimacy and shared life, making the subsequent revelation all the more shocking and painful. It highlights the profound irony of betrayal occurring at a table of communion.
* **"he said, Verily I say unto you":** This is Jesus's characteristic and emphatic declaration, "Amen, I say to you." It underscores the absolute truth and solemnity of His words, demanding the disciples' full attention. It signals a weighty and certain revelation, coming from divine authority.
* **"that one of you shall betray me.":** This is the core of the revelation. The phrase "one of you" is particularly devastating, as it points to an insider, someone from His closest circle, rather than an external enemy. The verb "betray" (paradídōmi) signifies handing over or delivering up, implying a treacherous act that will lead to Jesus's suffering and death. This statement immediately introduces tension, sorrow, and confusion among the disciples, setting the stage for the dramatic events to follow.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus's declaration explicitly predicts the betrayal that will lead to His crucifixion, building suspense and preparing the audience for the unfolding drama. This prophecy also serves as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, where the audience is aware of Judas's identity and his impending treachery, while the disciples in the narrative remain ignorant and distressed, asking "Is it I?" The setting itself, a Passover meal, is rich with **Symbolism**. The Passover lamb, sacrificed for the deliverance of Israel, foreshadows Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God, whose betrayal and sacrifice will bring about a new deliverance. The communal act of eating, typically a sign of unity and trust, becomes a stage for the revelation of ultimate disunity and treachery, creating a powerful **Juxtaposition** between fellowship and betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:21 is a profound theological statement, demonstrating Jesus's divine foreknowledge and His active submission to God's redemptive plan, even when it involved the deepest human treachery. It highlights the paradox of God's sovereignty working through human sin. While Judas's act was a heinous sin, it was simultaneously part of God's predetermined plan for the atonement of humanity. This verse underscores that the cross was not an accident but a divinely orchestrated event, with even the betrayer playing an unwitting role in God's grand design for salvation. It also speaks to the reality of sin's pervasive nature, capable of infiltrating even the most intimate circles, yet God's purposes remain unshaken.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [John 13:18-19](/john/13-18-19 "Fulfillment of Scripture Regarding Betrayal")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "God's Plan and Human Agency")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:21 serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of sin, even within the most sacred communities, and the profound pain of betrayal. For believers, it prompts deep introspection: are there areas in our lives where we might, even subtly, "betray" Christ through our actions, priorities, or lack of faithfulness? It calls us to cultivate genuine loyalty, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Jesus, examining our hearts for any hidden motives that might compromise our relationship with Him. Furthermore, for those who have experienced the sting of betrayal, Jesus's response—facing it with calm resolve, divine purpose, and unwavering love—offers a powerful model of grace, steadfastness, and trust in God's sovereign plan. It reminds us that even the darkest human acts cannot thwart God's ultimate redemptive purposes, offering hope and comfort in the face of human brokenness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's foreknowledge of the betrayal challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty and human free will?**
* **In what ways might we, as followers of Christ, be susceptible to "betraying" Him in our daily lives, perhaps not through overt treachery, but through compromise or neglect?**
* **How can Jesus's calm and purposeful response to betrayal inform our own reactions when we experience pain or injustice from others?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the pervasive nature of sin, even within the closest circles of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus allow Himself to be betrayed, knowing it would happen?**

Answer: Jesus allowed Himself to be betrayed not because He was powerless, but because His betrayal was a crucial part of God's divine plan for humanity's salvation. As the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), He willingly submitted to the Father's will, knowing that His suffering and death were necessary to atone for the sins of the world. His foreknowledge, as shown in [Matthew 26:21](/matthew/26-21 "Matthew 26:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal"), demonstrates His sovereignty, not His helplessness. This aligns with Old Testament prophecies, such as [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"), which Jesus Himself referenced [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus References Psalm 41:9"). His allowing the betrayal underscores that the cross was not an unforeseen tragedy but a divinely orchestrated event for redemptive purposes.

**How did the disciples react to Jesus's statement about betrayal?**

Answer: The disciples' immediate reaction, as recorded in the subsequent verses [Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Distress"), was one of profound distress, confusion, and disbelief. They were "exceeding sorrowful" and began to ask Jesus, one by one, "Lord, is it I?" This reveals their genuine love for Jesus, their shock that such an act could come from within their trusted circle, and their self-examination. They did not immediately suspect Judas, highlighting his deceptive nature and the insidious way sin can operate. Their questioning underscores the shocking nature of Jesus's revelation and their own vulnerability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:21, though a declaration of impending betrayal, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the act of treachery itself, but in how Jesus, the Son of God, sovereignly integrates this act into His redemptive mission. His foreknowledge of Judas's betrayal [John 6:64](/john/6-64 "John 6:64 - Jesus Knew From the Beginning") demonstrates His divine nature and His control over all circumstances, even the darkest human sin. The betrayal, rather than derailing God's plan, serves as the catalyst for the events leading to the cross, where Jesus, as the perfect sacrificial Lamb [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood"), willingly lays down His life for the sins of humanity. Thus, Judas's act, though wicked, ultimately served God's greater purpose of salvation. Jesus's submission to this betrayal, even from one of His own, underscores His profound humility and obedience to the Father's will [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"), culminating in His victory over sin and death through the resurrection [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ's Resurrection for Our Justification"), offering hope and new life 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

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 6:70

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

John 6:71

He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Revelation 2:23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Psalms 55:12

For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

Psalms 55:14

We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company.