John 21 20

John 21:20 kjv

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?

John 21:20 nkjv

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?"

John 21:20 niv

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?")

John 21:20 esv

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?"

John 21:20 nlt

Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved ? the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, "Lord, who will betray you?"

John 21 verses

John 21 20 Meaning

John 21:20 describes Peter turning and observing the disciple whom Jesus loved, traditionally identified as John, following Jesus and Peter. The verse then recalls a key past event: this same disciple was the one who had intimately leaned on Jesus' breast during the Last Supper and initiated the question about who would betray Him. This acts as a clear identifying marker for the reader, underscoring the beloved disciple's unique closeness and eyewitness authority.

John 21 20 Context

John 21:20 appears in the final chapter of John's Gospel, which details Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to seven disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. This specific verse follows Jesus' significant restoration of Peter and His prophecy of Peter's future martyrdom (Jn 21:15-19), explicitly calling Peter to "Follow me." In this immediate aftermath, Peter, perhaps stirred by curiosity, concern, or even comparing destinies, turns to see the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John) following behind. The historical context reflects Roman-era dining customs where reclining posture allowed for close proximity, making the Beloved Disciple's position at the Last Supper particularly intimate and indicative of trust. Literarily, this verse reinforces the identity and unique perspective of the Beloved Disciple, a crucial witness whose account grounds the Gospel of John.

John 21 20 Word analysis

• Peter turned (Πέτρος ἐπιστραφεὶς - Petros epistrapheis): Epistrapheis is an aorist participle, denoting a distinct, immediate physical action of turning around, suggesting a shift in Peter's focus from Jesus to another individual.
• and saw (βλέπει - blepei): The Greek blepei (present tense of blepō) indicates a direct, immediate visual perception, a simple act of seeing. This contrasts with deeper forms of knowing or perceiving.
• the disciple whom Jesus loved (τὸν μαθητὴν ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς - ton mathētēn hon ēgapa ho Iēsous): This repeated self-designation (John consistently avoids using his own name) emphasizes a unique and enduring, agape-love relationship between Jesus and this specific disciple (ēgapa is imperfect active, conveying continuous action in the past).
• following them (ἀκολουθοῦντα αὐτούς - akolouthounta autous): Akolouthounta (present participle of akoloutheō) means "following behind" or "accompanying." It signifies active discipleship and underscores the Beloved Disciple's continued adherence to Jesus. "Them" likely refers to both Jesus and Peter, showing John's natural role in their company.
• the one who also had leaned back (ὃς καὶ ἀνέπεσεν - hos kai anepesen): Anepesen (aorist of anapiptō) refers to the common ancient practice of reclining at a meal. The inclusion of "also" (καὶ - kai) reinforces the distinct actions of this specific disciple.
• on his breast (ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ - epi to stēthos autou): This describes the physically intimate position during the Last Supper, signifying deep closeness and access to Jesus' personal thoughts and emotions, going beyond mere physical proximity.
• during the supper (ἐν τῷ δείπνῳ - en tō deipnō): Clearly references the Last Supper (John 13), a pivotal moment of institution and betrayal, linking this disciple directly to a profound, transformative event.
• and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” (καὶ εἶπεν, “Κύριε, τίς ἐστιν ὁ παραδιδούς σε;” - kai eipen, “Kyrie, tis estin ho paradidous se?”): This precise quote identifies the Beloved Disciple as the one who directly sought understanding from Jesus about the impending betrayal, again highlighting his privileged position of inquiry. Paradidous (present participle of paradidomi) means "the one handing you over/betraying you."

Words-group by words-group analysis

• Peter turned and saw: Peter's action signifies a shift from his own future destiny and commission to an awareness of another's presence, setting the stage for his subsequent question.
• the disciple whom Jesus loved following them: This phrase establishes the identity of the Beloved Disciple not by name but by his unique relationship with Jesus and his active posture of discipleship in the immediate post-resurrection context. His "following" directly echoes Jesus' recent command to Peter.
• the one who also had leaned back on his breast during the supper: This provides a powerful, unmistakable past identifier. It emphasizes the Beloved Disciple's singular access and intimacy with Jesus during a critical moment—the foretelling of betrayal—further substantiating his eyewitness credibility.
• and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?”: This final part of the identification details the specific interaction during the supper. It underlines the Beloved Disciple's unique role in probing Jesus' revelation of betrayal, portraying him as a close confidante entrusted with profound secrets.

John 21 20 Bonus section

The deliberate, circumlocutory identification of John as the Beloved Disciple throughout the Gospel serves not merely to hide his name but to portray an idealized form of discipleship centered on intimate personal relationship with Jesus. By anchoring this identity to specific, poignant memories (Last Supper, Cross), the author underscores his credibility as an eyewitness to key moments in Christ's life and resurrection. His continuous following in this scene is also significant: while Peter is specifically commanded, John simply follows, suggesting a natural and persistent commitment that needs no explicit instruction, characteristic of true devotion. This distinction has resonated in various Christian traditions, sometimes inspiring interpretations of contemplative versus active ministries.

John 21 20 Commentary

John 21:20 functions primarily as a powerful, unambiguous identification of the Beloved Disciple as the author of this Gospel. The repeated phrase "the disciple whom Jesus loved" and the explicit recall of his intimate position and pivotal question at the Last Supper serve to confirm his unique relationship with Christ and thus his eyewitness authority. This detailed recall solidifies for the readers that this nameless disciple is none other than the one intimately involved in the central events of Jesus' ministry. Coming directly after Jesus' private counsel to Peter about his future, Peter's turning to observe the Beloved Disciple implies a nascent comparison or curiosity about their respective roles. The Beloved Disciple's quiet following in this moment subtly contrasts with Peter's more pronounced public restoration and commissioned role, suggesting distinct yet equally vital forms of discipleship. It positions John as a paradigm of intimacy and sustained, unassuming discipleship.