Devine Scripture

John 13:24

What does John 13:24 mean?

A plain-English look at John 13:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 13:24 means

Simon Peter motions to the beloved disciple, urging him to ask Jesus who the betrayer is. Peter remains the natural leader—eager for clarity, yet cautious. He does not blurt out a challenge across the table but relies on the one nearest to Jesus to seek a discreet answer. The gesture shows the disciples’ trust in each other and their deference to Jesus. Even in confusion, they approach Him rather than speculate. Leadership here takes the form of prompting inquiry, not issuing accusations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Simon Peter therefore beckoneth to him, and saith unto him, Tell us who it is of whom he speaketh.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Simon Peter therefore beckoneth to him, and saith unto him, Tell us who it is of whom he speaketh.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Making a sign to him, Simon Peter said, Who is it he is talking about?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Simon Peter, then, doth beckon to this one, to inquire who he may be concerning whom he speaketh,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him and said to him: Who is it of whom he speaketh?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Simon Peter makes a sign therefore to him to ask who it might be of whom he spoke.

Context

This verse fits between the description of the beloved disciple’s position (verse 23) and his question (verse 25). It shows the dynamics among the disciples in a tense moment: Peter’s initiative and the beloved disciple’s access to Jesus. What follows, in verse 26, is Jesus’ sign—giving a dipped morsel to identify the betrayer—before Satan’s entry into Judas and Jesus’ command in verse 27.

v.23There was at the table reclining in Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

v.24This passage

v.25He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 21:40

    And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying,

  • Luke 1:22

    And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: and he continued making signs unto them, and remained dumb.

  • Acts 12:17

    But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison. And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place.

  • Acts 13:16

    And Paul stood up, and beckoning with the hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken:

  • Luke 5:7

    and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

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