Devine Scripture

John 21:20

What does John 21:20 mean?

A plain-English look at John 21:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 21:20 means

Peter, turning around, noticed the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John himself) following them. The text recalls John's intimate posture at the Last Supper, leaning on Jesus' breast and asking about the betrayer, a detail that underscores his special closeness to Christ. Peter's observation of John's presence and his characteristic desire to know more about others' situations immediately prompts a question regarding John's future, showing his human curiosity even after his own profound moment with Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Peter, turning round, saw the disciple who was dear to Jesus coming after them--the disciple who was resting on his breast at the last meal, and said, Lord, who is it who will be false to you?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Peter having turned about doth see the disciple whom Jesus was loving following, (who also reclined in the supper on his breast, and said, `Sir, who is he who is delivering thee up?')

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Peter turning about, saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his breast at supper and said: Lord, who is he that shall betray thee?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Peter, turning round, sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned at supper on his breast, and said, Lord, who is it that delivers thee up?

Context

Following Jesus' command to Peter, this verse shifts the focus to the presence of the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John). Peter's observation of John and the brief flashback to the Last Supper serve to reintroduce John into the narrative. This reintroduction sets the stage for Peter's inquisitive question about John's future, contrasting with his own recently revealed destiny.

v.19Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

v.20This passage

v.21Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

Cross references

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

  • 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 13:23

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

  • 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.

  • John 20:2

    She runneth therefore, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we know not where they have laid him.

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