Strong’s Greek 5596, ψωμίον (psōmion), denotes a small piece of bread given or taken during a meal. In the only four New Testament occurrences—all in John 13—it is the “morsel” Jesus offers to Judas Iscariot at the Last Supper.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. John 13:26 – “Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.’ Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.”
2. John 13:26 – Second use in the same verse, narrating the act of dipping.
3. John 13:27 – “After Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him.”
4. John 13:30 – “So Judas took the morsel and went out at once. And it was night.”

Historical and Cultural Background

First-century meals featured shared dishes from which diners would scoop food with small pieces of bread. Customarily, a host might honor a guest by dipping a morsel into a common bowl and handing it directly to that person. Thus the act carried social and relational weight—it was both intimate and respectful.

At the Passover context of John 13, the morsel would likely have been dipped into a mixture of bitter herbs, vinegar, or charoseth, all part of the Passover elements that recalled Israel’s redemption. This setting links the giving of the morsel to themes of covenant faithfulness and redemption, sharpening the tragedy of betrayal by one so honored.

Theological Significance

1. Identification of the Betrayer

Jesus’ deliberate act disclosed the betrayer without publicly denouncing him. The morsel became a silent but unmistakable sign to the beloved disciple (John 13:24-26) and fulfills the Scripture, “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9).

2. Sovereignty and Omniscience of Christ

By controlling the moment of revelation, Jesus demonstrates foreknowledge and sovereign authority over His impending passion. The morsel shows that events unfold not by Judas’ cunning but by divine intent (John 13:18-19).

3. Moral Crisis Point

John records that “after Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him” (John 13:27). Receiving the bread symbolized a decisive internal surrender to evil. The same gesture of fellowship that could humble and soften a disciple instead hardens Judas, illustrating human responsibility in the face of divine grace.

4. Light and Darkness Motif

The closing note, “And it was night” (John 13:30), turns the physical scene into moral commentary. The morsel marks the transition from the light of Christ’s presence to the darkness of betrayal, judgment, and ultimately the cross, yet also the dawn of redemption.

Implications for Ministry and Discipleship

• Pastoral Sensitivity: The episode warns that outward participation in sacred meals (Communion, fellowship) does not guarantee inward loyalty. Shepherds must urge self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28).
• Servant Leadership: Jesus, who has just washed the disciples’ feet, extends bread even to His betrayer, modeling love toward enemies. Ministry often requires extending grace while knowing some may abuse it.
• Spiritual Warfare: Judas’ acceptance of the morsel occasions Satan’s entry, reminding believers to guard their hearts lest small compromises give the enemy foothold (Ephesians 4:27).
• Assurance of God’s Plan: Despite human treachery, God’s salvific plan proceeds. Leaders can take courage that opposition cannot thwart divine purposes (Acts 4:27-28).

Related Themes and Further Study

• Table fellowship in Scripture: Genesis 18:8; Luke 15:2; Acts 2:46.
• Betrayal motifs: Judges 16:18-19; 2 Samuel 15:31; Matthew 26:48-50.
• Passover typology and the Lord’s Supper: Exodus 12; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Luke 22:14-20.
• The contrast between Peter and Judas in John 13-18 as models of failure and restoration.

Conclusion

The fourfold use of ψωμίον spotlights a single, poignant act that bridges hospitality and treachery. The morsel given by the Savior highlights His love, exposes hidden sin, and propels the redemptive events of the cross. For the church, it stands as a call to earnest devotion, discerning fellowship, and unwavering trust in the sovereign Lord who turns even betrayal into the pathway of salvation.