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Book of John - Chapter 13 - Verse 21

13:21
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Meaning

This verse, found in the book of John, reveals a crucial moment in Jesus' life. After speaking to his disciples about his impending betrayal, Jesus was troubled in spirit. This demonstrates the humanity of Jesus, as he was deeply affected by the betrayal that he knew was about to take place. The phrase "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me" carries immense weight, highlighting the personal nature of the betrayal he was about to face. Even though Jesus knew that someone close to him would betray him, he still showed love and grace towards his disciples. This verse serves as a reminder to us all of the pain and suffering that Jesus endured, and the ultimate sacrifice he made for humanity. It also prompts us to reflect on the importance of loyalty, trust, and the difficult choices we all face in our own lives.

Theological Overview

In the theological interpretation of the verse, "When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me," it highlights the humanity of Jesus. Despite being the Son of God, he experienced deep sorrow when he knew that one of his disciples would betray him. This demonstrates his empathy and vulnerability as a human being, showing that he understands the pain and betrayal that we all may face in our lives.

Additionally, the phrase "Verily, verily, I say unto you" emphasizes the importance and truthfulness of Jesus' words. It signifies that what he is about to reveal is of utmost significance and should be heeded by his disciples. Jesus' foreknowledge of his betrayal further underscores his divine nature, as only someone who is omniscient could know the future with such certainty.

Furthermore, a word study of the term "betray" in this context sheds light on the magnitude of the act. The Greek word used here is "παραδώσει," which conveys the idea of a deliberate and treacherous betrayal. This betrayal would ultimately lead to Jesus' crucifixion, fulfilling the prophecies and paving the way for the salvation of humanity.

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