King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:21 Mean?

Matthew 26:21 in the King James Version says “And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Matthew 26:21 · KJV


Context

19

And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

20

Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

21

And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

22

And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

23

And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One of you shall betray me (εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν παραδώσει με, heis ex hymōn paradōsei me)—The verb paradidōmi means 'hand over, deliver up,' the same word used for God delivering up Christ (Romans 8:32). Jesus's announcement shatters the Passover's joyful atmosphere. His verily (ἀμήν, amēn) adds solemn certainty to this shocking revelation.

This betrayal comes during yachad (fellowship), fulfilling Psalm 41:9: mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me (quoted in John 13:18). The intimacy of shared bread makes betrayal more heinous—covenant fellowship violated from within.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Betrayal during a shared meal was considered the ultimate violation of sacred hospitality in ancient Near Eastern culture. Eating together created a covenant bond of mutual protection and loyalty. Judas's willingness to betray Jesus immediately after sharing the Passover meal would have shocked contemporary Jewish sensibilities profoundly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's foreknowledge of betrayal without preventing Judas's participation demonstrate divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What does Christ's willingness to serve and eat with His betrayer teach about loving our enemies?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

And

G2532

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

ἐσθιόντων2 of 13

as they did eat

G2068

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

αὐτῶν3 of 13
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

εἶπεν4 of 13

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἀμὴν5 of 13

Verily

G281

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

λέγω6 of 13

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

ὑμῖν7 of 13

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι8 of 13

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἷς9 of 13

one

G1520

one

ἐξ10 of 13

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

ὑμῶν11 of 13

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

παραδώσει12 of 13

shall betray

G3860

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

με13 of 13

me

G3165

me


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 26:21 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 Matthew 26:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study