John 13:27 (KJV)

What does John 13:27 mean?

John 13:27 describes the moment during the Last Supper when, after Judas receives a piece of bread from Jesus, Satan enters into him, prompting Jesus to tell Judas to carry out his intended action quickly. This verse marks the point where Judas’s decision to betray Jesus becomes final and unstoppable.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to Judas in the presence of the other disciples. The act of giving Judas the "sop" (a piece of bread dipped in a dish) is a sign of identification, and immediately after, the verse says Satan enters Judas, showing a shift from temptation to actual possession or control. Jesus’s command, “That thou doest, do quickly,” is both a release and an acknowledgment that the betrayal is now set in motion.

The Greek behind John 13:27

• "Σατανᾶς" (Satanas, transliterated "Satan") refers to the adversary or accuser, and its use here highlights the spiritual seriousness of Judas’s action, suggesting more than just human betrayal.
• "εἰσῆλθεν" (eisēlthen, transliterated "entered") means to go into or enter, and in this context, it is often understood as indicating a decisive moment when Judas comes under Satan’s direct influence.
• "ὃ ποιεῖς ποίησον τάχιον" (ho poieis poiēson tachion, “That thou doest, do quickly”) uses the Greek word "ταχιον" (tachion, “quickly”), which emphasizes urgency and inevitability, showing that Jesus is not trying to stop Judas but is instead allowing events to proceed.

Why John 13:27 matters

• John 13:27 clarifies that Judas’s betrayal is not just a personal decision but is portrayed as being influenced by a spiritual force, which deepens the gravity of the moment.
• The verse shows Jesus’s awareness and control over the situation, as he does not try to prevent Judas but instead directs him to act swiftly.
• This moment connects to the larger narrative of Jesus’s path to the cross, making clear that the betrayal is part of a greater plan and not a surprise to Jesus.