Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Parallel translations
- WEB One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus’ breast.
- BSB One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side.
- NKJV Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.
- NASB Lying back on Jesus’ chest was one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.
- NLT The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The disciple whom Jesus loved was reclining next to Him at the table. It introduces the beloved disciple, traditionally John, in a place of close intimacy with Jesus.
Overview
This beloved disciple, widely understood to be John the apostle and author of this Gospel, reclines beside Jesus in the customary dining posture. His closeness to Christ marks him as a trusted eyewitness. The detail also pictures the intimate fellowship that belongs to those whom Jesus loves.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- John 19:26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
- John 20:2Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
- John 21:7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
- John 21:20Then 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?
- Rev 1:16–18And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
- 2 Sam 12:3But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
- John 13:25He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
- John 21:24This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
- John 11:36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
- John 11:5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
- John 11:3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
- John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
John declares him plainly: the eternal Word made flesh, the Lamb of God, the great 'I AM' — bread, light, door, shepherd, way, truth, life, resurrection — that you may believe and have life in his name.
How John 13:23 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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