King James Version

What Does John 13:30 Mean?

John 13:30 in the King James Version says “He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.”

John 13:30 · KJV

Context

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.

30

He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

31

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

32

If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He then having received the sop went immediately out (ἐξῆλθεν εὐθύς, exēlthen euthys)—the adverb euthys (immediately, at once) appears 51 times in the Gospels, always denoting urgency. Judas's instant departure after receiving Satan shows how demonic possession drives toward destruction. He exits the light of Christ's presence into literal and spiritual darkness.

And it was night (ἦν δὲ νύξ, ēn de nyx)—John's stark, four-word sentence carries profound symbolism. Literally, Passover meals occurred after sunset. Spiritually, Judas departed the Light of the World (John 8:12) into the dominion of darkness (Luke 22:53, Colossians 1:13). Night represents ignorance, evil, and separation from God (John 9:4, Romans 13:12). Judas chose darkness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Passover lambs were slaughtered at twilight (Exodus 12:6, 'between the evenings'), and the meal eaten after dark. Jerusalem's narrow streets would be dangerous at night, yet Judas navigated them to betray Jesus. The timing fulfilled Scripture—Jesus would die the next day (Preparation Day) as the true Passover Lamb when lambs were being slaughtered (John 19:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's phrase 'it was night' symbolize Judas's spiritual condition beyond just the time of day?
  2. What does Judas's immediate departure teach about how sin, once fully embraced, drives us away from Christ?
  3. Are there areas of your life where you're choosing darkness over the light of Christ's presence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
λαβὼν1 of 10

“having received”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

οὖν2 of 10

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὸ3 of 10
G3588

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

ψωμίον4 of 10

“the sop”

G5596

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

ἐκεῖνος5 of 10

“He”

G1565

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

εὐθέως6 of 10

“immediately”

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἐξῆλθεν7 of 10

“out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἦν8 of 10

“it was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ9 of 10

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

νύξ10 of 10

“night”

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

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 13:30 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 13:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 59:7Proverbs 4:16Romans 3:15Job 24:13-15Luke 22:53

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