King James Version

What Does John 13:27 Mean?

John 13:27 in the King James Version says “And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 13:27 · KJV

Context

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.

29

For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After the sop Satan entered into him (εἰσῆλθεν εἰς ἐκεῖνον ὁ Σατανᾶς, eisēlthen eis ekeinon ho Satanas)—not mere external temptation but demonic possession. John 13:2 says Satan had already "put into" Judas's heart to betray Jesus; now Satan personally indwells him. This progression shows how entertaining sin opens the door to Satan's dominion. The aorist tense marks a definitive moment of satanic control.

That thou doest, do quickly (ὃ ποιεῖς ποίησον τάχιον)—Jesus sovereignly commands the timing of His own betrayal. Not passivity but active submission to the Father's will. He is not victim but victor, orchestrating even evil toward redemptive purposes (Acts 2:23). The imperative mood shows Christ's authority even over His betrayer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism recognized demonic possession as real spiritual danger. Jesus's command to Judas reflects His sovereign control over the Passion timeline—He would die at Passover, fulfilling typology as the Lamb of God (Exodus 12). Judas's departure initiated the final hours before crucifixion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the progression from temptation (v.2) to possession (v.27) warn against 'small' compromises with sin?
  2. What does Jesus's sovereign command over His betrayal teach about God's control over evil?
  3. Are there areas where you're giving Satan a foothold through unrepented sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

μετὰ2 of 19

“after”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὸ3 of 19
G3588

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

ψωμίον4 of 19

“the sop”

G5596

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

τότε5 of 19
G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

εἰσῆλθεν6 of 19

“entered”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς7 of 19

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἐκεῖνον8 of 19

“him”

G1565

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

ὁ9 of 19
G3588

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

Σατανᾶς10 of 19

“Satan”

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

λέγει11 of 19

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

οὖν12 of 19

“Then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτῷ13 of 19

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ14 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς15 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Ὃ16 of 19
G3739

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

ποίησον17 of 19

“That thou doest”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ποίησον18 of 19

“That thou doest”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τάχιον19 of 19

“quickly”

G5032

more swiftly, i.e., (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily

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 13:27 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 13:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:3John 13:2Ecclesiastes 9:3Proverbs 1:16Acts 5:3James 1:13-15

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