John 13 25

John 13:25 kjv

He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

John 13:25 nkjv

Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?"

John 13:25 niv

Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?"

John 13:25 esv

So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, "Lord, who is it?"

John 13:25 nlt

So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, "Lord, who is it?"

John 13 verses

John 13 25 Meaning

John 13:25 describes the uniquely intimate and trusted position of the Beloved Disciple relative to Jesus during the Last Supper. Reclining close enough to lean his head back onto Jesus' chest, he asks Jesus, at Peter's prompting, to identify the betrayer. This moment highlights the disciple's unparalleled access to Jesus' personal confidence and the specific revelation of divine truth, a physical posture mirroring profound spiritual proximity and trust.

John 13 25 Context

This verse is situated in the Upper Room discourse during the Last Supper, immediately after Jesus predicts His betrayal by one of the disciples (John 13:21). The preceding verses (John 13:1-20) detail Jesus washing the disciples' feet, teaching humility and servant leadership, a deeply symbolic act. The revelation of the betrayer causes consternation among the disciples (John 13:22), and Simon Peter, not being close enough to directly question Jesus from his position, signals to the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (likely John himself) to ask on their behalf (John 13:23-24). The historical-cultural context of reclining at a Passover meal is crucial. Guests would recline on low couches, leaning on their left arm, freeing their right hand for eating. This posture meant that one's head would be close to or even on the breast of the person to their left. The position of honor or special favor was at the right side (where one's head would naturally fall on the host's chest). This physical arrangement facilitated a private conversation, setting the stage for the intimate query in John 13:25.

John 13 25 Word analysis

• He then (οὖν οὗτος, oun houtos): This refers directly to "the disciple whom Jesus loved" mentioned in the preceding verses (John 13:23-24). "Oun" (then/therefore) links back to Peter's urging, highlighting the immediate action taken. It emphasizes this disciple's unique role as an intermediary.
• reclining (ἀναπεσὼν, anapesōn): An aorist participle, indicating a completed action that is the state of being. It literally means "having fallen back" or "having lain down." This describes the typical posture for banquets in the ancient world, not sitting upright. It conveys ease, intimacy, and the nature of shared fellowship. This posture physically enables the action of "leaning on" the one to one's right.
• on Jesus' breast (ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος Ἰησοῦ, epi to stēthos Iēsou):
  • ἐπὶ (epi): The preposition "on" or "upon," here conveying the physical resting on Jesus.
  • τὸ στῆθος (to stēthos): The chest, breast, or bosom. This signifies the area over the heart, symbolizing deepest emotions and thoughts. For one to recline this closely meant a position of utmost intimacy and trust, placing the disciple’s head very close to Jesus' heart. It's the most physically privileged position possible at a Roman-style table setup.
  • Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou): Jesus, in the genitive case, indicating possession.
• saith unto him (λέγει αὐτῷ, legei autō): "Says to him." The verb is in the present tense, giving immediacy to the action. It implies a direct, verbal communication, a whisper, reinforcing the confidential nature of the question that follows.
• Lord, who is it? (Κύριε, τίς ἐστιν; Kyrie, tis estin?):
  • Κύριε (Kyrie): "Lord." A term of respect and submission, commonly used by the disciples addressing Jesus.
  • τίς ἐστιν; (tis estin?): "Who is it?" or "Who is this?" A direct, terse question. It seeks specific identification of the betrayer, confirming the general unease felt by all the disciples.

Words-Group analysis:

• He then, reclining on Jesus' breast: This phrase emphasizes the exceptional physical proximity and honor. The posture ("reclining") defines the setting of intimate table fellowship, but "on Jesus' breast" singles out the Beloved Disciple as occupying the most favored place. This is a deliberate Johannine literary detail to signify spiritual insight and closeness. It illustrates not merely physical closeness, but the highest level of personal favor and trust from Jesus, symbolizing a deeper spiritual union or attunement. This disciple acts as the bridge between Peter's fervent inquiry and Jesus' whispered response.

John 13 25 Bonus section

The specific Greek term for "breast" (stēthos) or sometimes kolpos (bosom) when used in contexts of intimacy (like John 1:18, where the Son is in the "bosom" of the Father) conveys a deep personal relationship and sharing of confidences. It represents the innermost part of a person, where thoughts and emotions reside. Thus, reclining "on Jesus' breast" is a vivid metaphor for being in Jesus' confidence, privy to His innermost thoughts and feelings. This positions the Beloved Disciple not just as a casual attendee but as one profoundly integrated into Jesus' emotional and spiritual reality, a spiritual prototype for any believer who seeks deep communion and understanding of Christ's heart.

John 13 25 Commentary

John 13:25 stands as a profound moment of both human and divine intimacy during the Last Supper. The scene graphically portrays the "disciple whom Jesus loved" in a position of supreme physical and spiritual closeness to Christ. His reclining on Jesus' breast indicates not just physical proximity but symbolizes an unmediated access to Jesus' heart and mind. This disciple becomes the sole human confidant in a moment of extreme tension—the revelation of betrayal. Peter's reliance on him to ask the pivotal question underlines this disciple's unique privilege and trusted role within the inner circle. The specific question "Lord, who is it?" reflects the collective disciples' perplexity, but the private nature of the response (given in John 13:26, not in this verse) is directed solely through the intimate connection of the one leaning on Jesus. This incident is often seen as foreshadowing the importance of intimate, prayerful fellowship with Christ, where true understanding and revelation are received. It serves as a spiritual metaphor for drawing near to Jesus' very being to receive truth and comfort amidst confusion.