John 13:25
What does John 13:25 mean?
A plain-English look at John 13:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 13:25 means
Leaning back against Jesus, the beloved disciple asks, “Lord, who is it?” The question is brief and respectful, addressed privately to the One who knows hearts. The form of address, “Lord,” acknowledges Jesus’ authority even amid bewilderment. This moment models seeking truth from Jesus rather than guessing. The closeness allows for confidential disclosure, sparing the group immediate turmoil. The question invites Jesus to expose the hidden scheme in His own time and way.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
KJV
King James Version · 1611He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He, then, resting his head on Jesus' breast, said to him, Lord, who is it?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and that one having leant back on the breast of Jesus, respondeth to him, `Sir, who is it?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He therefore, leaning on the breast of Jesus, saith to him: Lord, who is it?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But he, leaning on the breast of Jesus, says to him, Lord, who is it?
Context
This inquiry flows from Peter’s prompting (verse 24) and sets the stage for Jesus’ identifying sign in verse 26. The intimacy of the setting explains how Jesus can answer without everyone at the table understanding, as verses 28–29 will later show. Immediately after this question, Jesus will take the morsel, dip it, and hand it to Judas Iscariot.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 44:4
And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
- Esther 7:5
Then spake the king Ahasuerus and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
- John 21:20
Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also leaned back on his breast at the supper, and said, Lord, who is he that betrayeth thee?
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