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

LUKE 22:21KJV
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Luke 22:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:21 mean?

Luke 22:21 means that Jesus is telling his disciples that the person who will betray him is present at the table, sharing the meal with him and the others. Jesus is making it clear that the betrayer is not an outsider, but someone close, eating with him at that very moment.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during the Last Supper, just before his arrest. He draws their attention to the fact that the betrayer is among them, highlighting the closeness and trust that is about to be broken. This statement sets a somber tone and prepares the disciples for the shocking events that are about to unfold.

The Greek behind Luke 22:21

  • "hand" (χεῖρ, cheir): This word often refers to action or involvement. Here, it emphasizes that the betrayer is actively participating in the meal, not just present in the room.
  • "betrayeth" (παραδιδόναι, paradidonai): This Greek word means to hand over or deliver up, often with the sense of betrayal or turning someone in. It highlights the seriousness of what is about to happen to Jesus.
  • "table" (τράπεζα, trapeza): The word for table points to the shared meal, underlining the intimacy and trust of the setting, which makes the betrayal even more striking.

Why Luke 22:21 matters

  • Luke 22:21 clears up any idea that Jesus was unaware of his betrayer; instead, he knows exactly who will betray him and when.
  • The verse emphasizes the deep betrayal, since it is not from an enemy, but from someone sharing a sacred meal.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by setting the stage for the coming arrest and showing Jesus’ calm awareness and control, even as he faces betrayal.

Where else these words appear

“table” Greek G5132 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
  • Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
  • Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

“But” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

“me” Greek G1700 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
  • Acts 25:9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

“betrayeth” Greek G3860 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.