Mark 14:18-21

14:18 While they were at the table 1  eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, 2  one of you eating with me will betray me.” 3  14:19 They were distressed, and one by one said to him, “Surely not I?” 14:20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips his hand 4  with me into the bowl. 5  14:21 For the Son of Man will go as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had never been born.”

1 tn Grk “while they were reclined at the table.”

sn 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.

2 tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”

3 tn Or “will hand me over”; Grk “one of you will betray me, the one who eats with me.”

4 tn Grk “one who dips with me.” The phrase “his hand” has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

5 sn One who dips with me in the bowl. The point of Jesus’ comment here is not to identify the specific individual per se, but to indicate that it is one who was close to him – somebody whom no one would suspect. His comment serves to heighten the treachery of Judas’ betrayal.