New Testament
Matthew 26:23
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He answered, "The one who dipped his hand into the bowl with me — he's the one who will betray me.
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And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
What Matthew 26:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus reveals that one of his close disciples will betray him. The act of dipping bread into the same bowl signifies intimacy and fellowship, highlighting the betrayal's gravity. Jesus is indicating that the person who shares this meal with him, someone he trusts, will turn against him. This moment foreshadows the events leading to his crucifixion, emphasizing the pain of betrayal from a trusted friend. The use of the bowl symbolizes the closeness of their relationship, making the betrayal even more poignant. Jesus's knowledge of this betrayal shows his divine insight and the fulfillment of prophecy, as he prepares for the suffering ahead. This moment is crucial in the narrative of the Last Supper, where themes of loyalty, trust, and the impending sacrifice are intertwined, setting the stage for the events that follow in the Passion narrative.
How to apply Matthew 26:23 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of trust in our relationships. It encourages us to reflect on our own actions and how they may affect those we are close to. We should strive to be loyal and supportive, avoiding betrayal in our interactions with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17–30)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
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Keep studying Matthew 26:23
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:23 mean about betrayal?
Matthew 26:23 highlights the gravity of betrayal by revealing that one of Jesus' closest disciples will turn against him. The act of dipping bread in the same bowl symbolizes intimacy and trust, making the betrayal even more painful. This moment underscores the themes of loyalty and the deep connections we share with others, while also foreshadowing the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.
Why is the act of dipping bread significant in this verse?
Dipping bread into the same bowl signifies a close bond and fellowship between Jesus and his disciples. In the cultural context of the time, sharing a meal was an act of intimacy and trust. By indicating that the one who dips with him will betray him, Jesus emphasizes the depth of the betrayal, as it comes from someone he considers a friend.
How does this verse relate to the theme of prophecy?
This verse relates to the theme of prophecy as it reveals Jesus' foreknowledge of his betrayal, fulfilling the predictions made in the Old Testament about the suffering Messiah. Jesus' awareness of the impending betrayal demonstrates his divine insight and the inevitability of the events leading to his crucifixion, reinforcing the belief that these occurrences were part of a larger divine plan.
What can we learn about trust from Matthew 26:23?
Matthew 26:23 teaches us about the fragility of trust in relationships. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of our actions and their impact on those we care about. The verse encourages us to cultivate loyalty and integrity in our interactions, highlighting the importance of being supportive and trustworthy to avoid causing harm or betrayal to others.
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