Mark 1:6

1:6 John wore a garment made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ¹ 

Mark 8:8

8:8 Everyone ²  ate and was satisfied, and they picked up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.

Mark 14:20

14:20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips his hand ³  with me into the bowl. ⁴ 

[1:6]  ¹ sn John’s lifestyle was in stark contrast to many of the religious leaders of Jerusalem who lived in relative ease and luxury. While his clothing and diet were indicative of someone who lived in the desert, they also depicted him in his role as God’s prophet (cf. Zech 13:4); his appearance is similar to the Prophet Elijah (2 Kgs 1:8). Locusts and wild honey were a common diet in desert regions and locusts (dried insects) are listed in Lev 11:22 among the “clean” foods.

[8:8]  ² tn Grk “They.”

[14:20]  ³ tn Grk “one who dips with me.” The phrase “his hand” has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

[14:20]  ⁴ sn One who dips with me in the bowl. The point of Jesus’ comment here is not to identify the specific individual per se, but to indicate that it is one who was close to him – somebody whom no one would suspect. His comment serves to heighten the treachery of Judas’ betrayal.