Definition: And he answered and said, He that dippeth [his] hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Matthew 26:23. It's a really potent and scary part of Jesus’s final words before his crucifixion. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling someone – likely one of his disciples – that he knows they are going to betray him. He’s warning them about a specific action they might take. Let's unpack the parts: “And he answered and said…” : This tells us Jesus isn’t just talking; he’s actively responding. “…He that dippeth [his] hand with me in the dish…” : This is where it gets really heavy. "Dippeth" means to dip, to touch lightly or quickly. So, this describes a very deliberate and quick action. It's not just a casual touch; it’s a forceful, almost desperate gesture. "...the same shall betray me." : This is the key part. “Betray” means to lie or deceive someone. This verse says that this specific action – this very quick and deliberate touch – will be the reason they ultimately betray him. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a profound truth: Jesus is anticipating betrayal. It’s not just about one person; it's about the entire group of people who are with him, including his followers. It suggests that he knows they're close to acting against him, possibly even before he's fully executed. Why is this important? This verse highlights several themes: Jesus’s Foreknowledge: It speaks to Jesus’s deep understanding of the future and his ability to see what will happen. The Danger of Discipleship: It’s a warning about the potential for betrayal within the group he's leading. A Final, Dramatic Warning: It’s a very dramatic and final message delivered in the midst of a crucial moment. In short, this verse is a powerful prediction that Jesus understands his impending betrayal and anticipates it with terrible seriousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Matthew 26? Discuss the context surrounding this verse (like what was happening at the time)? Explore its symbolic meaning in a more literary way?