King James Version

What Does Mark 14:18 Mean?

Mark 14:18 in the King James Version says “And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

Mark 14:18 · KJV


Context

16

And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

17

And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

18

And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

19

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

20

And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As they sat and did eat (ἀνακειμένων αὐτῶν καὶ ἐσθιόντων, anakeimenōn autōn kai esthiontōn)—they reclined (Roman dining posture) while eating the Passover. Verily I say unto you (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, amēn legō hymin)—Jesus's solemn formula introduces weighty pronouncements. One of you which eateth with me shall betray me (εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν παραδώσει με ὁ ἐσθίων μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ, heis ex hymōn paradōsei me ho esthiōn met emou)—devastating announcement during intimate fellowship.

The phrase "eateth with me" emphasizes covenant betrayal—sharing meals created sacred bonds in ancient Near Eastern culture. Judas wasn't a distant enemy but an intimate friend. This fulfills Psalm 41:9: "mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." The present participle "eateth" (ὁ ἐσθίων) shows the betrayer was currently at table—the horror of Judas eating covenant meal while plotting treachery. Yet Jesus's foreknowledge didn't prevent His love—He shared this final meal knowing full well Judas's intent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sharing meals signified covenant loyalty and friendship in ancient culture. Betrayal by a table companion was considered the ultimate treachery (Psalm 41:9). Jesus's announcement during Passover—the meal celebrating deliverance—carried profound irony: deliverance would come through betrayal and death. The disciples' shocked response (v. 19) shows they trusted one another and couldn't fathom such betrayal. Yet Jesus's prediction prepared them—when betrayal occurred, they would know He foresaw it and wasn't a passive victim but willingly gave Himself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does betrayal by an intimate friend (one "eating with me") deepen understanding of Jesus's suffering?
  2. What does Jesus's continued fellowship with Judas despite knowing his intent reveal about divine patience and grace?
  3. How should Jesus's fulfillment of Psalm 41:9 strengthen confidence in His messianic identity and Scripture's reliability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἀνακειμένων2 of 21

sat

G345

to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)

αὐτῶν3 of 21

as they

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

καὶ4 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἐσθίων5 of 21

did eat

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

εἶπεν6 of 21

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

7 of 21

which

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς8 of 21

Jesus

G2424

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

Ἀμὴν9 of 21

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω10 of 21

I say

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

ὑμῖν11 of 21

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι12 of 21
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἷς13 of 21

One

G1520

one

ἐξ14 of 21

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν15 of 21

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

παραδώσει16 of 21

shall betray

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

με17 of 21

me

G3165

me

18 of 21

which

G3588

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

ἐσθίων19 of 21

did eat

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

μετ'20 of 21

with

G3326

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

ἐμοῦ21 of 21

me

G1700

of me


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 14:18 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 Mark 14:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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