John 13:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:22 vividly captures the profound consternation and collective bewilderment among Jesus' disciples during the Last Supper. Following Jesus' startling declaration that one of them would betray Him, the disciples' reaction — looking at each other in perplexed disbelief and uncertainty — underscores their utter inability to reconcile such a heinous act with their intimate fellowship, revealing their limited human understanding in the face of divine foresight and impending treachery.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Jesus' solemn and troubling prophecy in John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal"), where He declares, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me." The setting is the sacred Passover meal, which Jesus has transformed into the Last Supper, an event imbued with profound theological significance. Just moments before, Jesus had performed the humbling act of [washing His disciples' feet](/john/13-1-11 "John 13:1-11 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet"), an act of selfless service intended to teach humility and love. This act of intimate service, followed by the shocking revelation of betrayal from within their ranks, creates an immense narrative tension. The disciples' reaction in [John 13:22](/john/13-22 "John 13:22 - Disciples' Perplexity") highlights their struggle to comprehend how someone so close could commit such an act, setting the stage for the identification of Judas and the unfolding of Jesus' passion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover meal was the most sacred annual feast for Jews, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It was a time of intimate fellowship, remembrance, and covenant renewal. For Jesus and His disciples, this meal was not merely a tradition but a deeply personal gathering, signifying their shared life and mission. Within this context, the concept of betrayal, especially by a trusted companion at a shared meal, was considered particularly heinous and dishonorable, echoing ancient Near Eastern cultural norms where sharing a meal signified deep trust and loyalty. The idea of "eating bread with" someone carried profound implications of covenant and friendship, making betrayal an act of profound spiritual and social violation, as foreshadowed in [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Trusted Friend"). The disciples' "doubting" or perplexity reflects not just personal confusion but also the cultural shock of such an unthinkable act within their close-knit, covenantal community.
* **Key Themes:** The disciples' reaction in [John 13:22](/john/13-22 "John 13:22 - Disciples' Perplexity") contributes significantly to several key themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **profound shock and human incomprehension** of divine prophecy, especially when it involves the dark reality of sin and betrayal. The disciples, despite their proximity to Jesus, are utterly blind to the spiritual treachery brewing among them, highlighting the contrast between human ignorance and divine omniscience. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Jesus' sovereign knowledge and control** over all events, even His own betrayal. While the disciples are lost in confusion, Jesus knows precisely who the betrayer is, having known from the beginning, as stated in [John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus Knows His Betrayer"). Finally, this moment heightens the **dramatic tension** surrounding the impending passion of Christ, setting the stage for Judas's departure and the subsequent events leading to the crucifixion. It foreshadows the ultimate cost of sin and the painful reality that even those within the circle of faith can harbor deceit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From *manthanō*, meaning "to learn." A learner, pupil, or follower. In this context, it refers to the twelve men who had committed themselves to following Jesus, learning from Him, and participating in His ministry. Their identity as "disciples" highlights the profound irony and tragedy of one among them being a betrayer, as well as the collective shock of the group who were supposed to be united in their devotion.
* **looked (Greek, _blépō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to look at," "behold," or "perceive." Here, it describes a visual action, but one imbued with intense emotional and mental searching. The disciples' looking "one on another" is not a casual glance but an intense, searching gaze, reflecting their desperate attempt to identify the culprit or perhaps to find answers in each other's bewildered expressions. It conveys their shared state of confusion and suspicion.
* **one on another (Greek, _eis allḗlōn'_):** A combination of the preposition *eis* ("to or into," indicating direction or result) and the reciprocal pronoun *allēlōn* ("one another," "each other"). This phrase emphasizes the mutual, collective nature of their gaze. They are not looking at Jesus, nor are they looking inward, but outward at each other, in a shared moment of profound perplexity and suspicion within their intimate circle. This highlights the internal disruption caused by Jesus' words.
* **doubting (Greek, _aporéō'_):** From a compound of *a* (negative particle) and the base of *poreuomai* (to go, to have a way). Literally, "to have no way out," or "to be without resources." Figuratively, it means to be at a loss, perplexed, or utterly bewildered. It conveys a sense of mental impasse and not knowing what to do or think. This is not necessarily about disbelieving Jesus' words, but rather being completely stumped as to *who* among them could possibly commit such a heinous act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the disciples looked one on another":** This clause describes the immediate, collective physical reaction of the disciples to Jesus' shocking announcement. Their gaze, directed mutually at each other, signifies a desperate search for answers within their own ranks. It suggests a shared moment of intense suspicion, confusion, and perhaps even fear, as each wonders if the accusation might apply to another, or even subtly, to themselves. It underscores their utter bewilderment and inability to pinpoint the betrayer.
* **"doubting of whom he spake":** This second clause clarifies the internal state that prompted their outward reaction. The word "doubting" (ἀποροῦντες, *aporountes*) conveys a profound state of perplexity and being at a loss, rather than a lack of faith in Jesus' words. They were not questioning *if* a betrayal would occur, but *who* among them could possibly be capable of such an act. This highlights their limited human perception compared to Jesus' divine knowledge, and their struggle to reconcile the idea of betrayal with the intimate fellowship they shared.

#### Literary Devices
John 13:22 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and convey the profound impact of Jesus' words. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this verse sets the stage for the imminent identification of Judas and the subsequent events of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. The disciples' confusion builds suspense, making the eventual revelation of the betrayer all the more impactful. **Irony** is also at play; the disciples, who have spent years in close proximity to Jesus and witnessed His miracles, are utterly blind to the treachery festering within their own inner circle, while Jesus, the one to be betrayed, knows the truth perfectly. This contrast between human ignorance and divine knowledge creates a poignant sense of dramatic irony. Furthermore, the scene is steeped in **Dramatic Tension**, as the disciples' bewildered glances and unspoken questions amplify the gravity of Jesus' declaration, drawing the reader into their confusion and anticipation of the unfolding tragedy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:22 serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of sin, even within the most sacred and intimate of fellowships. It reveals the stark contrast between human perception, which is often limited and easily deceived, and divine omniscience, which sees all things, including the hidden motives of the heart. The disciples' "doubting" is not a questioning of Jesus' truthfulness, but an expression of their utter inability to comprehend how one of their own, who had shared life and ministry with the Son of God, could harbor such darkness. This moment underscores the painful reality that outward proximity to Christ does not guarantee inward transformation or loyalty. It highlights the insidious nature of betrayal and its devastating impact, a theme that resonates throughout biblical narrative, from Cain's treachery against Abel to the numerous instances of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Ultimately, this scene prepares the reader for the profound depth of Jesus' suffering, not only at the hands of His enemies but also through the betrayal of a trusted friend, fulfilling ancient prophecies and demonstrating the breadth of His sacrificial love.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a trusted friend")
* [Matthew 26:21-22](/matthew/26-21-22 "Matthew 26:21-22 - Disciples' reaction to betrayal prophecy")
* [Luke 22:23](/luke/22-23 "Luke 22:23 - Disciples questioning who would betray Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' bewildered reaction in John 13:22 offers a powerful mirror for self-reflection and a call to spiritual discernment in our own lives and communities. Just as the disciples were blind to the treachery within their immediate circle, we too can be unaware of hidden sin, deceit, or spiritual dangers, both in others and, more critically, within ourselves. This passage compels us to engage in honest self-examination, asking ourselves if our outward profession of faith is matched by an inward reality of devotion and loyalty to Christ. It challenges us to cultivate a humble awareness of our own capacity for failure and to rely on God's wisdom to discern truth from deception. Furthermore, it reminds us that betrayal, though painful, is often part of God's sovereign plan, even as it highlights the profound sorrow and personal cost of such an act. For leaders and members within the church, it underscores the importance of fostering genuine community where accountability and transparency can thrive, while also recognizing that true spiritual health requires constant vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance to navigate the complexities of human relationships and hidden motives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the disciples' reaction to Jesus' prophecy challenge my own assumptions about spiritual maturity and discernment within a faith community?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "doubting" or perplexed, and how can I seek God's wisdom to gain clarity, rather than relying solely on human understanding?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the painful reality of betrayal and the importance of cultivating genuine loyalty and integrity in my relationships, especially within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples so confused and "doubting" if Jesus had just told them plainly that one of them would betray Him?**

Answer: The disciples' confusion stemmed not from a disbelief in Jesus' words, but from their utter inability to comprehend *who* among their intimate group could possibly commit such a heinous act. The Greek word *aporéō* (translated "doubting") means to be at a loss, perplexed, or without resources, indicating a mental impasse. They had shared years of life, ministry, and profound spiritual experiences with Jesus and each other. The idea that one of their own, someone they trusted and loved, could harbor such treachery was unthinkable and deeply unsettling. Their perplexity highlights the stark contrast between their limited human understanding and Jesus' divine omniscience, as He knew from the beginning who would betray Him ([John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus knew His betrayer")). They were grappling with the shocking reality that evil could exist even within their sacred inner circle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound confusion and impending betrayal captured in [John 13:22](/john/13-22 "John 13:22 - Disciples' Perplexity") find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the identification of Judas, but in the redemptive purpose of Jesus' suffering. While the disciples were perplexed by the "who," Jesus was fully aware of the "why." His knowledge of the betrayal, far from being a defeat, was an integral part of His divine mission to lay down His life for the sins of the world. The betrayal by a trusted friend, prefigured in [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a trusted friend"), becomes a poignant aspect of Christ's identification with human suffering and His willingness to endure the deepest forms of rejection for our sake. By allowing Himself to be betrayed, Jesus demonstrates the boundless extent of His love, transforming the ultimate act of human treachery into the very means of salvation. His passive endurance of this injustice, leading to His crucifixion, ultimately atones for all forms of human sin, including betrayal, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to those who, like Peter, might deny Him, or even those who, like Judas, might betray Him, if they would only repent. Thus, the confusion of the disciples gives way to the clarity of God's redemptive plan, where even the darkest acts are woven into the tapestry of Christ's triumph over sin and death, securing eternal life for all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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?