Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:23

What does Matthew 26:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:23 means

Jesus answers by indicating the betrayer is the one who shares the same dish with him—'he that dipped his hand with me in the dish.' The gesture identifies intimacy and opportunity: the traitor is among the close company and shares in the same meal. This detail narrows the suspicion and points to Judas without naming him. The reference to dipping underscores normal fellowship practices turned grim by betrayal; it powerfully contrasts communal meal-sharing with the solitary act of treachery.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he made answer and said, He who puts his hand into the plate with me, the same will be false to me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he answering said, `He who did dip with me the hand in the dish, he will deliver me up;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he answering said: He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, he shall betray me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he answering said, He that dips his hand with me in the dish, he it is who shall deliver me up.

Context

This answer comes in reply to the disciples’ anxious questioning and clarifies that betrayal comes from within their shared intimacy. It moves the narrative toward identifying Judas specifically. The detail of shared dish-underlines the theme of corrupted fellowship and prefigures the later action where the betrayer will strike, turning table-fellowship into the site of betrayal.

v.22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began to say unto him every one, Is it I, Lord?

v.23This passage

v.24The Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born.

Cross references

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

  • John 13:26

    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.

  • Luke 22:21

    But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

  • Psalms 41:9

    Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Who did eat of my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me.

  • John 13:18

    I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me.

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