Chapter
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Verse

John 13:25

ESV So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, "Lord, who is it?"
NIV Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?"
NASB He then simply leaned back on Jesus’ chest and *said to Him, 'Lord, who is it?'
CSB So he leaned back against Jesus and asked him, "Lord, who is it?"
NLT So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, who is it?'
KJV He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
NKJV Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

What does John 13:25 mean?

"That disciple" is John himself. Jesus has explicitly said that one of the men at this last supper is a traitor (John 13:21). Peter wants to know who, and has motioned to John to ask (John 13:24). The common practice of this era was to lean on one's left side, eating with the right hand. John, apparently, is to Jesus' right side, so he needs to lean backwards in order to more quietly ask.

The context here suggests that John is asking in a quiet, possibly whispered tone. The positions of these men also explain why neither John, nor the others, suspect that Judas is the betrayer. Jesus will respond with a clear sign, answering John's question, immediately followed by using that sign to identify Judas (John 13:26). However, only John seems to have heard this statement, at least at this moment. But he's facing away from Jesus, so he would not have seen the person to whom Jesus gave the food.
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: