Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of John - Chapter 13 - Verse 26

13:26
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.

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, Jesus responds to a question about who will betray him by indicating that it will be the one to whom he gives a piece of bread after dipping it. The act of giving a sop was a gesture of honor and friendship in ancient times. By giving the sop to Judas Iscariot, Jesus essentially identified him as the betrayer. This moment marked a somber turning point in the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion.

It is important to note that Jesus knew ahead of time that Judas would betray him, as foretold in Scripture. This revelation highlights the depth of Jesus' understanding of human nature and his acceptance of his own fate. Despite the betrayal, Jesus still treated Judas with kindness and grace, offering him the sop as a final opportunity for repentance.

By understanding the significance of this verse, readers can gain insight into the complex dynamics of loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness. It serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and trials that Jesus faced during his earthly ministry, and the ultimate sacrifice he made for the salvation of humanity.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse from the Bible where Jesus gives a sop to Judas Iscariot is the demonstration of Jesus' love and grace even towards those who would ultimately betray him. By sharing a meal and offering the sop to Judas, Jesus shows compassion and kindness, illustrating the depth of his forgiveness and willingness to extend grace to all, even to those who would turn against him. This act also serves as a reminder of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where he died for all, including those who would reject him. Additionally, the word study of "sop" in this context can shed light on the significance of the act itself. The sharing of a sop was a common gesture of friendship and trust in that cultural context, making Judas' betrayal all the more poignant. By delving into the symbolism and cultural nuances of this action, we can deepen our understanding of the complexities of human nature and divine love as portrayed in this powerful moment in the Bible.

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore answereth, He it is, for whom I shall dip the sop, and give it him. So when he had dipped the sop, he taketh and giveth it to Judas, [the son] of Simon Iscariot.
Previous VerseNext Verse