Mark 14:18-21 in the King James Version of the Bible reads:

18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

This passage occurs during the Last Supper, a significant event in the life of Jesus and his disciples. The Last Supper is a symbol of the covenant made between God and humanity and is a focal point in the Christian faith. In this particular passage, Jesus makes a startling announcement to his disciples: one of them will betray him.

The themes present in this passage are betrayal and the foreknowledge of Jesus. Firstly, the theme of betrayal is central to this passage. Jesus reveals that one of his closest followers will betray him, causing distress and sorrow among the disciples. This betrayal ultimately leads to Jesus' crucifixion, illustrating the profound impact of betrayal on the life and death of Jesus.

Another important theme is the foreknowledge of Jesus. Despite knowing that one of his disciples will betray him, Jesus continues to fulfill his divine purpose. This passage highlights Jesus' awareness of his impending fate and his willingness to carry out God's plan, even in the face of betrayal.

The context of this passage is also crucial to its interpretation. The Last Supper was a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, as it was during this meal that he instituted the ritual of Holy Communion. Additionally, the events of the Last Supper lead directly to Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Therefore, this passage is significant in foreshadowing the events that will soon unfold.

Symbolism is abundant in this passage as well. The act of sharing a meal was an important social and spiritual tradition in the time of Jesus. By sharing a meal with his disciples, Jesus is not only reinforcing their bond but also symbolizing the unity and fellowship of his followers. The act of dipping the bread in the dish, a common custom during meals, takes on new significance as Jesus uses it as a means of identifying his betrayer.

The phrase "the Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him" holds deep symbolic meaning as it references the prophecies of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion found in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Isaiah. This statement underscores the fulfillment of ancient prophecies in Jesus' life and ministry, emphasizing his divine role as the Messiah.

Lastly, Jesus' statement "woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born" is a powerful declaration of judgment. This emphasizes the severity of betraying Jesus and the grave consequences it holds. It also signifies the absolute sovereignty of God's will and judgment over human actions.

In conclusion, Mark 14:18-21 is a profound and significant passage in the life and ministry of Jesus. It reveals the themes of betrayal and the foreknowledge of Jesus, while also carrying deep symbolism and implications for the events to come. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of faith, human nature, and the divine plan of salvation.