Devine Scripture

Mark 14:20

What does Mark 14:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:20 means

Jesus answers that it is one of the twelve, the one dipping with Him in the dish. The sign is intimate and ambiguous enough not to spark a public scene, yet clear to those watching closely. Sharing the dish highlights closeness and heightens the horror of betrayal. Jesus narrows the field to the innermost circle, underlining that proximity to Him does not equal loyalty. At the same time, He retains restraint, not naming Judas outright here in Mark. His calm control and prophetic clarity show He is not trapped; He walks knowingly toward His appointed hour.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, It is one of the twelve, one who is putting his bread with me into the same plate.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he answering said to them, `One of the twelve who is dipping with me in the dish;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who saith to them: One of the twelve, who dippeth with me his hand in the dish.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he answered and said to them, One of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish.

Context

The disciples’ anxious questions are met with a sober indicator: the betrayer shares the dish with Jesus. This deepens the sense of treachery and prepares for the theological explanation in the next verse—Scripture must be fulfilled, yet the betrayer is truly culpable. The atmosphere at the table is heavy, but Jesus will now take bread and cup and give them saving significance. The betrayal identification frames the institution of the Lord’s Supper, linking the cross’s darkness with the covenant’s light for many who will benefit from His sacrifice.

v.19They began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I?

v.20This passage

v.21For the 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.

  • Mark 14:43

    And straightway, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

  • Matthew 26:47

    And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

  • Matthew 26:23

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

  • 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.

  • John 6:71

    Now he spake of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

  • Luke 22:47

    While he yet spake, behold, a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them; and he drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

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