John 13:22

Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

Then {G3767} the disciples {G3101} looked {G991} one on another {G1519}{G240}, doubting {G639} of {G4012} whom {G5101} he spake {G3004}.

The talmidim stared at one another, totally mystified — whom could he mean?

The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant.

The disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

John 13:22 captures a moment of intense confusion and disbelief among Jesus' disciples during the Last Supper. Following Jesus' startling declaration that one of them would betray Him, the disciples' reaction reveals their utter bewilderment and inability to comprehend such an act from within their intimate circle.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' profound and troubling statement in John 13:21: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me." The setting is the Passover meal, a sacred and intimate gathering, which Jesus transforms into the Last Supper. The disciples, having just witnessed Jesus washing their feet, are suddenly confronted with the unthinkable – a betrayal from within their ranks. Their looking "one on another" signifies their collective shock and their desperate attempt to identify the traitor, or perhaps even to reassure themselves it wasn't them.

Key Themes

  • Profound Shock and Confusion: The disciples' reaction underscores the unexpected and deeply disturbing nature of Jesus' prophecy. They were so close to Him, yet blind to the brewing treachery. This highlights the human tendency to be unaware of hidden spiritual realities or the true intentions of others.
  • Human Ignorance vs. Divine Knowledge: While Jesus knew precisely who the betrayer was (John 6:70), the disciples were utterly at a loss. Their "doubting" reflects their limited human perspective compared to Jesus' omniscient understanding of events, even those unfolding against Him.
  • The Reality of Betrayal: This moment sets the stage for the ultimate act of treachery by Judas Iscariot. It foreshadows the painful truth that even those who walk closely with God can harbor deceit and ultimately turn against Him, a theme echoed in Old Testament prophecies regarding betrayal by a trusted friend.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "doubting" is aporountes (ἀποροῦντες), which means to be at a loss, perplexed, or without resources. It conveys a sense of utter bewilderment and not knowing what to do or think. It's not necessarily about disbelieving Jesus' words, but rather being completely stumped as to who among them could possibly commit such a heinous act. This deep perplexity is also seen in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, where the disciples similarly ask, "Is it I?" (Matthew 26:22) or "began to enquire among themselves" (Luke 22:23).

Practical Application

John 13:22 serves as a powerful reminder that not all who appear close to God are truly committed. It encourages spiritual discernment and a recognition that even within communities of faith, hidden agendas or unconfessed sin can exist. For believers today, it highlights the importance of self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) and humility, acknowledging that our own understanding is limited compared to God's all-knowing wisdom. It also underscores the profound sorrow and personal cost of betrayal, both for the betrayed and ultimately for the betrayer.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 22:23

    And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

  • Matthew 26:22

    And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

  • Mark 14:19

    And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, [Is] it I? and another [said, Is] it I?

  • Genesis 42:1

    ¶ Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back