John 13:25
New International Version
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

New Living Translation
So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?”

English Standard Version
So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?”

Berean Standard Bible
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked, “Lord, who is it?”

Berean Literal Bible
Then he thus having leaned on the breast of Jesus, says to Him, "Lord, who is it?"

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

New King James Version
Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

New American Standard Bible
He then simply leaned back on Jesus’ chest and said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

NASB 1995
He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

NASB 1977
He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ breast, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

Legacy Standard Bible
He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

Amplified Bible
Then leaning back against Jesus’ chest, he (John) asked Him [privately], “Lord, who is it?”

Christian Standard Bible
So he leaned back against Jesus and asked him, “Lord, who is it? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he leaned back against Jesus and asked Him, “Lord, who is it?”

American Standard Version
He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Contemporary English Version
So the disciple leaned toward Jesus and asked, "Lord, which one of us are you talking about?"

English Revised Version
He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Leaning close to Jesus, that disciple asked, "Lord, who is it?"

Good News Translation
So that disciple moved closer to Jesus' side and asked, "Who is it, Lord?"

International Standard Version
Leaning forward on Jesus' chest, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?"

Majority Standard Bible
Falling back upon Jesus, he asked, ?Lord, who is it??

NET Bible
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved leaned back against Jesus' chest and asked him, "Lord, who is it?"

New Heart English Bible
He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' chest, asked him, "Lord, who is it?"

Webster's Bible Translation
He then lying on Jesus' breast, saith to him, Lord, who is it?

Weymouth New Testament
So he, having his head on Jesus's bosom, leaned back and asked, "Master, who is it?"

World English Bible
He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ breast, asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and that one having leaned back on the breast of Jesus, responds to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

Berean Literal Bible
Then he thus having leaned on the breast of Jesus, says to Him, "Lord, who is it?"

Young's Literal Translation
and that one having leant back on the breast of Jesus, respondeth to him, 'Sir, who is it?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he reclining upon Jesus' breast says to him, Lord, who is it?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He therefore, leaning on the breast of Jesus, saith to him: Lord, who is it?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, leaning against the chest of Jesus, he said to him, “Lord, who is it?”

New American Bible
He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?”

New Revised Standard Version
So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So that disciple leaned himself on the breast of Jesus, and said to him, My Lord, who is he?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And that disciple fell on the breast of Yeshua and said to him, “My Lord, who is it?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he that was reclining on Jesus breast, said to him: Lord, who is it?

Godbey New Testament
And that one, falling toward the bosom of Jesus says to Him, Lord, who is he?

Haweis New Testament
And he leaning on the breast of Jesus, said to him, Lord, which is it?

Mace New Testament
then accordingly bending his head to Jesus's ear, he whisper'd, Lord, who is it?

Weymouth New Testament
So he, having his head on Jesus's bosom, leaned back and asked, "Master, who is it?"

Worrell New Testament
He, leaning back as he was on the breast of Jesus, says to Him, "Lord, who is it?"

Worsley New Testament
And he, reclining on the breast of Jesus, saith unto Him, Lord, who is it?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal
24So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about. 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked, “Lord, who is it?” 26Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.…

Cross References
John 21:20
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”

John 1:18
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.

John 19:26-27
When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

John 11:5
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.

John 20:2
So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him!”

John 1:35-39
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. / When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” / And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ...

John 6:68-69
Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. / We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”

John 12:23-26
But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. / Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. / Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ...

John 14:21-23
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” / Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” / Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

John 15:9-10
As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. / If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.

John 17:24-26
Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. / Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, I know You, and they know that You sent Me. / And I have made Your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Luke 22:23
Then they began to question among themselves which of them was going to do this.

Matthew 26:22-25
They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” / Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. / The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born.” ...

Mark 14:19-21
They began to be grieved and to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I?” / He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me. / The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”


Treasury of Scripture

He then lying on Jesus' breast said to him, Lord, who is it?

who.

Genesis 44:4-12
And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? …

Esther 7:5
Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?

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Bosom Breast Close Head Jesus Jesus's Leaning Leant Master Resting Sir
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Bosom Breast Close Head Jesus Jesus's Leaning Leant Master Resting Sir
John 13
1. Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity.
18. He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him;
31. commands them to love one another;
36. and forewarns Peter of his denials.














Leaning back against Jesus
This phrase describes the intimate setting of the Last Supper, where Jesus and His disciples were reclining at the table, a common practice in Jewish culture during meals. The disciple leaning back is traditionally understood to be John, the beloved disciple, indicating a close relationship with Jesus. This physical closeness symbolizes spiritual intimacy and trust. The setting is significant as it takes place during the Passover meal, a time of remembrance and anticipation of God's deliverance, which Jesus fulfills as the Lamb of God.

he asked
The act of asking shows the disciple's desire for understanding and clarity. In the context of the Last Supper, Jesus had just announced that one of the disciples would betray Him, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. The disciple's question reflects a personal concern and a need for reassurance from Jesus. This moment highlights the importance of seeking truth directly from Christ, who is the source of all wisdom and knowledge.

“Lord, who is it?”
The use of "Lord" signifies recognition of Jesus' authority and divinity. The question "who is it?" pertains to the identity of the betrayer, Judas Iscariot, which fulfills Old Testament prophecies such as Psalm 41:9, where a close friend would turn against the Messiah. This inquiry underscores the theme of betrayal and the fulfillment of God's sovereign plan through human actions. It also serves as a reminder of the spiritual vigilance required to discern truth and remain faithful to Christ amidst trials.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. In John 13, He is sharing the Last Supper with His disciples and preparing them for His impending crucifixion.

2. The Apostle John
Often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," John is the author of the Gospel. In this passage, he is reclining next to Jesus at the Last Supper.

3. Simon Peter
One of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter is known for his impulsive nature. In this passage, he signals to John to ask Jesus about who will betray Him.

4. The Last Supper
This is the final meal Jesus shares with His disciples before His crucifixion. It is a significant event where Jesus institutes the practice of communion and washes the disciples' feet.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the Last Supper takes place, and where Jesus will soon be crucified.
Teaching Points
Intimacy with Christ
John's position next to Jesus symbolizes the close relationship believers are invited to have with Christ. We are encouraged to draw near to Him in prayer and study.

The Role of Community
Peter's interaction with John shows the importance of community and communication among believers. We are called to support and encourage one another in our walk with Christ.

Discernment and Obedience
John's willingness to ask Jesus a difficult question demonstrates the need for discernment and obedience in our relationship with God. We should seek His guidance in all matters.

Prophecy and Fulfillment
The events of the Last Supper fulfill Old Testament prophecies, reminding us of God's sovereign plan and the reliability of Scripture.

Servant Leadership
Jesus' actions during the Last Supper, including washing the disciples' feet, teach us about servant leadership and humility. We are called to serve others selflessly.(25) He then lying on Jesus' breast.--Several good authorities, including the Vatican and the Cambridge MSS., insert the word "thus." "He then leaning thus . . . ," describes the action just as it took place (comp. Note on John 4:6); but the balance of authority is against the insertion. The action is, however, exactly described in the original, for the words "lying" and "breast" are both different from those in John 13:23. The English preserves this difference, but hardly conveys the full meaning. There the beloved disciple is described as reclining towards his Master's bosom. Here he leans upon (or leans back upon, as many good authorities read), the Master's breast, and asks Him the question, "Who is it?"

Verse 25. - He, leaning back as he was against the breast of Jesus, saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Meyer explains, "He, raising himself from the κόλπος of Jesus to his breast, nearer to his ear, draws close to him, and asks in a whisper." This turns on the special rendering given by Meyer and others to κόλπος, as meaning the fold of the garment above the girdle, as in Luke 6:38; but the fundamental meaning of κόλπος is bosom, womb, embrace, and this secondary meaning need not be pressed (cf. John 1:18; Luke 16:22, 23).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Leaning
ἀναπεσὼν (anapesōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 377: From ana and pipto; to fall back, i.e. Lie down, lean back.

back against
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

Jesus,
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

he asked,
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Lord,
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

is it?”
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.


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