John 13:21When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me."
The setting
Jerusalem, ~30 AD. Thursday evening. Upper room. Jesus and twelve disciples reclining around low table for Passover meal. Jesus has just washed their feet.
The emotion here: heartbroken but resolved to continue God's plan
The original word
etarachthē (ἐταράχθη) — deep inner turmoil, like being shaken by earthquake
Why it matters
This happened during the meal when Judas had already made his deal with the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver
Read with care
What most readers miss in John 13:21
Jesus was 'troubled in spirit' - the same word used when He wept at Lazarus' tomb
Common misconceptionMany think Jesus was surprised by Judas' betrayal, but He knew from the beginning and was grieving the necessary loss of someone He loved.
The thread continues
Verses that echo John 13:21
Bible Genome reading
John 13:21 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
John 13:21 comes from the book of John, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to John. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 25% and a tone that is lamenting. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include betrayal, anguish. Notable phrases: troubled in spirit; one of you will betray me.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does John 13:21 mean to you, today?
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