Devine Scripture

John 13:2

What does John 13:2 mean?

A plain-English look at John 13:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 13:2 means

While they are at supper, John lifts the curtain on the unseen spiritual conflict. The devil has already stirred Judas Iscariot’s heart toward betrayal. This does not excuse Judas; it shows the sinister alliance between human sin and demonic influence. Darkness is at the table even as love is on display. The betrayal begins not with the exchange of money but with a heart yielded to evil prompting. The detail underscores that Jesus’ path to the cross includes treachery from within His closest circle. It also highlights Jesus’ composure: He will wash feet, teach, and love in the very presence of one plotting His demise.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So while a meal was going on, the Evil One having now put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to be false to him,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And supper being come, the devil already having put <FI>it<Fi> into the heart of Judas of Simon, Iscariot, that he may deliver him up,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when supper was done (the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray him),

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And during supper, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas [son] of Simon, Iscariote, that he should deliver him up,

Context

This note of satanic prompting follows the proclamation of Jesus’ steadfast love (verse 1), sharpening the contrast. The next verses will show Jesus acting with calm authority and humility, not retreating from service because of coming treachery. In verse 3 John will stress that Jesus knows His authority and origin, which explains His freedom to serve. Verses 4–5 then narrate the surprising action of footwashing. Reading verse 2 properly sets the tension: the room holds both the seed of betrayal and the Savior’s love.

v.1Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

v.2This passage

v.3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 22:3

    And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:16

    But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

  • James 1:13

    Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man:

  • Luke 22:31

    Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat:

  • Ezra 7:27

    Blessed be Jehovah, the God of our fathers, who hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of Jehovah which is in Jerusalem;

  • John 6:70

    Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?

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