Albert Barnes Commentary John 13:2

"And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon`s [son], to betray him," — John 13:2 (ASV)

Supper being ended. This translation expresses too much. The original means while they were at supper; and that this is the meaning is clear from the fact that we find them still eating after this. The Arabic and Persian translations give it this meaning. The Latin Vulgate renders it like the English.

The devil. The leader or prince of evil spirits.

Having now put it into the heart. Literally, having cast it into the heart. Compare to Ephesians 6:16: The fiery darts of the wicked. See Acts 5:3; Luke 22:3. The meaning of this passage is that Satan inclined the mind of Judas to do this, or he tempted him to betray his Master.

We do not know precisely how this was done, but we know that it was by means of his avarice. Satan could tempt no one unless there was some inclination of the mind, some natural or depraved propensity that he could make use of.

He presents objects in alluring forms fitted to that propensity, and under the influence of a strong or a corrupt inclination, the soul yields to sin. In the case of Judas, it was the love of money; and it was necessary to present to him only the possibility of obtaining money, and it found him ready for any crime.