King James Version

What Does Mark 14:20 Mean?

Mark 14:20 in the King James Version says “And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:20 · KJV

Context

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.

21

The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

22

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is one of the twelve (εἷς τῶν δώδεκα, heis tōn dōdeka)—Jesus repeats this phrase (from v. 10), emphasizing the betrayer's intimate circle membership. That dippeth with me in the dish (ὁ ἐμβαπτόμενος μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ εἰς τὸ τρύβλιον, ho embaptomenos met emou eis to tryblion)—the present participle indicates ongoing action: one currently dipping into the common bowl. Sharing the bowl signified close fellowship and trust.

This detail narrows identification slightly but doesn't single out Judas uniquely—all shared the common dish. Yet it heightens the betrayal's horror: Judas's hand reached into the same bowl as Jesus's hand, an act of intimacy while plotting murder. This fulfills Psalm 41:9 about the trusted friend who "did eat of my bread." The "dish" (τρύβλιον, tryblion) likely held charoset or bitter herbs for Passover. Jesus's answer both reveals and conceals—specific enough to be remembered later, vague enough to give Judas opportunity to repent. Divine omniscience confronts human treachery, yet grace provides final opportunity for Judas to turn back.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Passover meals involved communal dishes into which participants dipped bread or bitter herbs. Sharing food from common dishes expressed unity and covenant loyalty. The hand-to-hand proximity in the dish made betrayal even more shocking. John 13:26 adds detail: Jesus gave Judas a morsel after dipping it, a gesture of friendship and final appeal. Ancient Near Eastern hospitality codes made betraying someone with whom you'd shared food the ultimate breach of trust. Jesus's identification of the betrayer fulfilled Scripture while giving Judas repeated chances to repent—yet Judas hardened his heart.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of hands in the same dish intensify understanding of Judas's intimate betrayal of Jesus?
  2. What does Jesus's continued fellowship with Judas (sharing the meal) despite knowing his intent reveal about divine mercy?
  3. In what ways might we "dip in the dish" with Jesus (participate in Christian community) while harboring secret sin or divided loyalty?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὁ1 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθεὶς3 of 16

“he 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)

εἶπεν4 of 16

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς5 of 16

“unto them”

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

Εἷς6 of 16

“It is one”

G1520

one

ἐκ7 of 16

“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

τῶν8 of 16
G3588

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

δώδεκα9 of 16

“the twelve”

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

ὁ10 of 16
G3588

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

ἐμβαπτόμενος11 of 16

“that dippeth”

G1686

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

μετ'12 of 16

“with”

G3326

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

ἐμοῦ13 of 16

“me”

G1700

of me

εἰς14 of 16

“in”

G1519

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

τὸ15 of 16
G3588

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

τρύβλιον16 of 16

“the dish”

G5165

a bowl

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 14:20 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 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 13:26Mark 14:43Matthew 26:47John 6:71Luke 22:47Matthew 26:23

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