John 13:23

Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Now {G1161} there was {G2258} leaning {G345} on {G1722} Jesus {G2424}' bosom {G2859} one {G1520} of his {G846} disciples {G3101}, whom {G3739} Jesus {G2424} loved {G25}.

One of his talmidim, the one Yeshua particularly loved, was reclining close beside him.

One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side.

There was at the table reclining in Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Context of John 13:23

John 13:23 is set during the intimate and poignant occasion of the Last Supper, specifically after Jesus has announced that one of His disciples would betray Him (John 13:21). The disciples are greatly distressed and confused, wondering who the betrayer could be. This verse introduces a key figure in the Gospel of John, highlighting his unique position and relationship with Jesus at this critical moment before Christ's crucifixion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Intimacy and Trust: The phrase "leaning on Jesus' bosom" describes a position of close physical proximity and deep personal intimacy. In ancient dining customs, guests reclined on couches, and this posture suggests a place of honor, trust, and profound closeness, allowing for private conversation.
  • The "Beloved Disciple": This verse introduces the unnamed disciple, consistently referred to in John's Gospel as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." While not explicitly named here, tradition universally identifies him as John, the author of this Gospel. This self-referential title emphasizes not favoritism, but the profound nature of Jesus' love for him and, by extension, for all His disciples. It is a testament to the personal and unconditional love of Christ.
  • Access to Jesus: The disciple's position allowed him direct access to Jesus' thoughts and feelings, particularly evident in the subsequent verses where Peter prompts him to ask Jesus about the betrayer. This highlights the privilege of closeness to Christ and the opportunity for deeper understanding.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "leaning on Jesus' bosom" uses the word anakeimai (ἀνάκειμαι), meaning "to recline at a meal," and kolpos (κόλπος), referring to the "bosom" or "chest." This vividly portrays the ancient custom of reclining at banquets, where one's head would be near the chest of the person to their left. The phrase "whom Jesus loved" employs the Greek verb agapaō (ἀγαπάω), signifying a divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love – the characteristic love of God for humanity, as seen in John 3:16.

Significance and Application

John 13:23 offers powerful insights into the nature of discipleship and Jesus' relationship with His followers:

  • Personal Relationship with Christ: The passage underscores that Jesus desires a personal and intimate relationship with each of His disciples. John's position symbolizes the privilege and joy of drawing near to Christ and experiencing His profound love.
  • Embracing Jesus' Love: The repeated use of "whom Jesus loved" throughout John's Gospel (e.g., John 19:26, John 21:20) serves as a reminder that our identity as believers is rooted in being loved by Jesus. It is not about our merit, but about His grace.
  • Seeking Intimacy: This verse encourages believers today to seek a similar closeness with Jesus, to "lean" on Him in trust and vulnerability, and to draw near to God. It reminds us that abiding in His love, as Jesus exhorted in John 15:9, brings peace, understanding, and a unique perspective on His will.
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.

  • John 19:26

    When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

  • John 20:2

    Then 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 21:7

    Therefore 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 21:20

    ¶ Then 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?

  • Revelation 1:16

    And 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.

  • Revelation 1:18

    [I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

  • John 11:5

    Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

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