King James Version

What Does John 13:26 Mean?

John 13:26 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. sop: or, morsel

John 13:26 · KJV


Context

24

Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

25

He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

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. sop: or, morsel

27

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

28

Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop (ψωμίον, psōmion)—a morsel of bread dipped in sauce, wine, or bitter herbs, typically a gesture of honor at a Passover meal. By identifying the betrayer through this act, Jesus demonstrates both sovereign knowledge and one final offer of fellowship to Judas. The psōmion was culturally significant: the host would dip bread and give it to a favored guest.

Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon (Ἰούδας Σίμωνος Ἰσκαριώτης)—John's full identification underscores the specificity and certainty of Jesus's knowledge. Despite receiving this honored morsel, Judas remains unmoved. This moment crystallizes the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility: Jesus knows, yet Judas chooses.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

At a first-century Jewish meal, especially Passover, the host offering a choice morsel to a guest was an act of special favor and intimacy. Jesus's gesture was culturally loaded with meaning—a final invitation to repent. The disciples reclined at table, making the exchange subtle enough that others didn't comprehend its significance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's tender gesture toward Judas challenge your understanding of divine mercy toward those who reject Him?
  2. What does the disciples' failure to recognize Judas reveal about the subtlety of spiritual betrayal?
  3. In what ways might you be receiving Christ's gracious offerings while harboring a divided heart?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἀποκρίνεται1 of 19

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

2 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς3 of 19

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Ἐκεῖνός4 of 19

He

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἐστιν5 of 19

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

6 of 19

to whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ7 of 19

when I

G1473

i, me

βάψας8 of 19

have dipped

G911

to whelm, i.e., cover wholly with a fluid; in the new testament only in a qualified or special sense, i.e., (literally) to moisten (a part of one's pe

τὸ9 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψωμίον10 of 19

a sop

G5596

a crumb or morsel (as if rubbed off), i.e., a mouthful

ἐπιδώσω11 of 19

I shall give

G1929

to give over (by hand or surrender)

καὶ12 of 19

it And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐμβάψας13 of 19

when he had dipped

G1686

to whelm on, i.e., wet (a part of the person, etc.) by contact with a fluid

τὸ14 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψωμίον15 of 19

a sop

G5596

a crumb or morsel (as if rubbed off), i.e., a mouthful

δίδωσιν16 of 19

he gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

Ἰούδᾳ17 of 19

it to Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

Σίμωνος18 of 19

the son of Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Ἰσκαριώτη19 of 19

Iscariot

G2469

inhabitant of kerioth; iscariotes (i.e., keriothite), an epithet of judas the traitor


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 13:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 13:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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