John 13:23
What does John 13:23 mean?
A plain-English look at John 13:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 13:23 means
John notes that one disciple, “whom Jesus loved,” is reclining in Jesus’ bosom. This describes table posture at a formal meal, where guests reclined close together. The phrase indicates a special closeness and favor. The beloved disciple’s intimacy with Jesus becomes the channel for confidential communication at this tense moment. Love draws near and listens. The detail also reflects how Jesus forms deep personal bonds within His wider circle. Such nearness is not a badge of superiority but of trust and friendship, which will now serve a sober purpose.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000There was at the table reclining in Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901There was at the table reclining in Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949There was at table one of his disciples, the one dear to Jesus, resting his head on Jesus' breast.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And there was one of his disciples reclining (at meat) in the bosom of Jesus, whom Jesus was loving;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now there was at table one of his disciples in the bosom of Jesus, whom Jesus loved.
Context
This note sets the scene for the exchange that follows. In verse 24, Simon Peter will signal to the beloved disciple to ask Jesus who He means. In verse 25, that disciple will lean back and pose the question. The emphasis on proximity explains how the inquiry can be private in a crowded room, allowing Jesus to answer without alerting everyone immediately.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:18
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
- John 21:24
This is the disciple that beareth witness of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his witness is true.
- John 13:25
He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
- John 11:36
The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him!
- John 19:26
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold, thy son!
- John 21:7
That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea.
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