John 13:23 kjv
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
John 13:23 nkjv
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.
John 13:23 niv
One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.
John 13:23 esv
One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side,
John 13:23 nlt
The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table.
John 13 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jn 1:18 | The only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has made Him known. | Parallel intimacy (Jesus/Father, Disciple/Jesus). |
| Jn 13:1 | ...having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. | Jesus' general sacrificial love for disciples. |
| Jn 13:24 | Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus who it was of whom He spoke. | Peter's query highlighting this disciple's unique access. |
| Jn 13:25 | He, leaning back on Jesus' breast, said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" | Clarifies the physical posture for private address. |
| Jn 19:26-27 | When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by... | Jesus entrusts His mother to this same disciple. |
| Jn 20:2-9 | ...she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved... | This disciple, implied as John, outruns Peter to the tomb. |
| Jn 21:7 | Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" | This disciple recognizes the risen Jesus on the shore. |
| Jn 21:20-24 | Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following... | Peter's concern for this disciple and his unique longevity. |
| Lk 16:22-23 | ...Lazarus was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom... | "Abraham's bosom" symbolizes a place of comfort and favor. |
| Isa 40:11 | He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm... | God's tender care, like a shepherd carrying lambs in his bosom. |
| Pr 5:20 | For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, And embrace the bosom of a seductress? | "Bosom" here signifies intimate embrace (cautionary). |
| Ruth 4:16 | So Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom... | Bosom signifying nurturing care and acceptance. |
| Mt 26:20 | Now when evening came, He sat down with the twelve. | Confirms the evening meal setting. |
| Mk 14:18 | As they reclined at table and were eating, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you..." | Confirms reclining posture at Passover/Last Supper. |
| Lk 7:37-38 | ...a woman who was a sinner… stood at His feet behind Him weeping... | Another instance of people reclining at a meal and access to feet. |
| Lk 22:14 | When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. | Synoptic parallel for the setting of the Last Supper. |
| Jn 15:9 | As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. | Jesus’ agape love for all disciples, mirrored from the Father. |
| 1 Jn 4:8,16 | God is love. | Foundation of Jesus’ perfect love. |
| Eph 5:2 | And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us... | Christ's self-sacrificial love for His own. |
| Rom 5:8 | But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. | The demonstration of agape love for humanity. |
| Ps 41:9 | Even my close friend, whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. | Juxtaposes Judas's betrayal with intimate companionship. |
| Phil 2:6 | who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God. | Implicit connection to Jn 1:18, Christ's intimacy with the Father. |
John 13 verses
John 13 23 Meaning
John 13:23 introduces a significant and intimate detail within the setting of the Last Supper. It describes "one of His disciples" in a posture of profound closeness, "leaning on Jesus' bosom," specifically highlighting that this was the disciple "whom Jesus loved." This verse reveals not only a particular physical proximity at a shared meal, reflective of custom for intimate relationships in that culture, but also points to a unique spiritual bond of deep affection and trust between Jesus and this unnamed individual, traditionally identified as John, the author of this Gospel.
John 13 23 Context
John 13 is set during the Last Supper, a pivotal evening immediately preceding Jesus' crucifixion. The chapter begins with Jesus washing the disciples' feet, a profound act of humble servanthood, and a powerful demonstration of the love He "loved them to the end." Following this act, Jesus announces that one of them will betray Him, causing distress and confusion among the disciples. It is in this atmosphere of profound revelation, impending suffering, and an unshakeable bond with His loyal followers, that the verse details the beloved disciple's intimate position. This setting emphasizes the contrasting loyalty of some disciples, like the beloved one, against the imminent betrayal by Judas, underscoring the spiritual significance of closeness to Christ during times of great trial.
John 13 23 Word analysis
Now there was leaning (ἦν ἀνακείμενος - ēn anakímenos):
- was (ἦν - ēn): Imperfect tense of "to be," indicating a continuous state or ongoing action. The disciple was in the act of reclining.
- leaning (ἀνακείμενος - anakímenos): This is the participle form of the verb "to recline" or "to lean back." It describes the common posture for banquets in the ancient Roman world. Guests would lie on their left side on low couches arranged around a U-shaped table, using their left arm for support, leaving their right hand free for eating. This posture inherently suggests informality and an extended, intimate meal, not a formal sitting arrangement. It places one guest's head near the chest or lap of the guest next to them.
on Jesus' bosom (ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ - en tō kólpō toú Iēsoú):
- bosom (κόλπος - kólpos): This Greek word refers literally to the lap, the chest area, or the hollow space formed by the folds of a garment over the chest. In the context of reclining at a meal, it refers to the position where a person's head would naturally fall if they were leaning back on the chest of the person next to them on the couch. This position implies extreme closeness, honor, favor, and trust, similar to how a beloved child might rest on a parent's lap or a confidant might share an intimate space.
one of His disciples (εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ - heis ek tōn mathētōn autoú):
- one of His disciples: Initially vague, but consistently in John's Gospel (chapters 19, 20, 21), this phrase identifies "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Traditional Christian understanding identifies this disciple as John, the son of Zebedee, and author of the Fourth Gospel. This self-referential humility, coupled with a deep claim to intimacy, defines his narrative perspective.
whom Jesus loved (ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς - hon ēgápa ho Iēsoús):
- loved (ἠγάπα - ēgápa): This is the imperfect tense of agapaō, a verb denoting deep, divine, self-sacrificial, and unconditional love, characteristic of God's love for humanity. The imperfect tense indicates an ongoing, continuous state of love, not just a momentary affection. It highlights the profound nature of Jesus' love for this specific disciple, a love that also reflects His greater love for all who are His.
Words-group Analysis:
- "leaning on Jesus' bosom": This phrase paints a vivid picture of physical closeness and, by extension, spiritual intimacy. In a cultural context, this position indicated the guest of honor or one sharing extreme familiarity and trust. It allowed for private conversation and conveys a profound bond. This setup contrasts sharply with the betrayal that is about to unfold.
- "one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved": This self-designation by the Gospel writer (John) serves as a recurring motif in this Gospel. It emphasizes a unique spiritual relationship with Jesus that grants him privileged insight and understanding of Christ's person and mission. It highlights that his authority as an eyewitness stems from an intimate bond of love with Jesus, not merely from being a chosen apostle. The repetition of "Jesus loved" signifies a central theme in John's Gospel—the transformative power of divine love.
John 13 23 Bonus section
The consistent anonymous self-referencing throughout John's Gospel as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" suggests several theological and literary purposes. Firstly, it embodies humility, shifting focus from the individual to the relationship itself. Secondly, it elevates love (agape) as the foundational quality for true discipleship and apostolic authority, arguably presenting a counterpoint or complementary form of leadership to Peter's role. Lastly, it invites readers to identify with this disciple, implying that such intimacy with Christ is not exclusive but attainable through faith and abiding in His love, becoming, in essence, a "beloved disciple" oneself. The "bosom" motif also echoes the profound theological truth in John 1:18, where the Son is in the "bosom of the Father," suggesting that the intimacy Jesus shares with this disciple is a reflection of His own intimacy with God. This verse therefore offers not only historical insight but also profound spiritual lessons on relationship, privilege, and the nature of Christ's divine love.
John 13 23 Commentary
John 13:23 is a succinct yet profoundly significant verse, offering a window into the depth of intimacy between Jesus and one of His apostles. The physical posture of "leaning on Jesus' bosom" transcends mere comfort; it signifies a position of profound trust, honor, and favored status in ancient table etiquette. This privileged spot allowed for private conversation, as seen in the subsequent verses when Peter motions for this disciple to inquire about the betrayer. The crucial qualifier, "whom Jesus loved," defines the identity of this disciple, traditionally understood to be John, the Gospel's author. This descriptor isn't merely biographical; it highlights a spiritual truth. It implies a mutual connection forged in the unyielding agape love of Jesus, granting this disciple a unique proximity to Christ's heart and mind. In the shadow of impending betrayal, this moment underscores the steadfast, personal bond Jesus shares with those who truly cling to Him, offering a glimpse into the intimate fellowship available to all who abide in His love.