John 21:20

KJV

¶ 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Peter {G4074}, turning about {G1994}, seeth {G991} the disciple {G3101} whom {G3739} Jesus {G2424} loved {G25} following {G190}; which {G3739} also {G2532} leaned {G377} on {G1909} his {G846} breast {G4738} at {G1722} supper {G1173}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Lord {G2962}, which {G5101} is he {G2076} that betrayeth {G3860} thee {G4571}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Kefa turned and saw the talmid Yeshua especially loved following behind, the one who had leaned against him at the supper and had asked, “Who is the one who is betraying you?”

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also leaned back on his breast at the supper, and said, Lord, who is he that betrayeth thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:20 captures a pivotal moment of post-resurrection interaction between Peter and the Beloved Disciple, immediately following Jesus' profound restoration of Peter. As Peter receives a prophetic glimpse into his own future, he turns to observe the disciple uniquely identified by his intimate relationship with Jesus at the Last Supper, a detail that serves to confirm the Beloved Disciple's identity and sets the stage for Peter's subsequent inquiry about his fellow apostle's destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples by the Sea"), the epilogue of John's Gospel, which recounts Jesus' third post-resurrection appearance to a group of his disciples. The preceding verses ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) detail a deeply personal conversation between Jesus and Peter, where Peter is thrice asked to affirm his love for Christ, symbolically reversing his three denials. Following this restoration and recommissioning to "feed my sheep," Jesus prophesies Peter's future martyrdom. It is in the immediate aftermath of this weighty prophecy that Peter, perhaps contemplating the nature of discipleship and sacrifice, turns to see the Beloved Disciple. This moment highlights the distinct yet interconnected paths of two key apostles within the early Christian community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The description of the disciple "leaned on his breast at supper" refers to the common dining custom in the ancient Near East, where guests would recline on couches around a low table. The position of leaning "on his breast" (or bosom) indicated a place of honor, intimacy, and trust, typically reserved for a close friend or a favored guest. This physical proximity was not merely incidental but a significant cultural marker of a deep personal bond. The Last Supper, as depicted in [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - The Last Supper and Jesus Washes Feet"), showcases this intimate setting, emphasizing the unique relationship the Beloved Disciple shared with Jesus. This cultural detail helps the reader understand the special status and closeness attributed to this particular disciple.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it reinforces **the unique identity and role of the Beloved Disciple**, consistently portrayed as the one closest to Jesus. This identification is crucial for understanding the perspective from which the Gospel itself is written, as the Beloved Disciple is traditionally understood to be John, the author. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **intimacy and personal relationship with Christ**, exemplified by the Beloved Disciple's privileged position. This intimacy is presented as a model for all believers, highlighting the depth of love available in a relationship with Jesus, as seen throughout John's Gospel (e.g., [John 15:9-17](/john/15-9-17 "John 15:9-17 - Abiding in Christ's Love")). Thirdly, Peter's action of turning to look at John introduces the theme of **discipleship's varied paths and the human tendency for comparison**. Even after a profound personal encounter with Christ, Peter's gaze shifts to another, setting up Jesus' subsequent teaching on focusing on one's own unique calling rather than comparing oneself to others, a principle echoed in passages like [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **loved (Greek, _agapáō_):** This verb (G25) denotes a deep, unconditional, and self-giving love. When applied to "the disciple whom Jesus loved," it highlights not merely affection but a profound, divine, and covenantal love that characterized Jesus' relationship with this particular disciple, setting him apart in a unique way. It speaks to the quality and nature of Jesus' affection.
* **following (Greek, _akolouthéō_):** This verb (G190) means "to be in the same way with" or "to accompany," specifically in the context of discipleship. Here, it signifies the Beloved Disciple's continued commitment to Jesus, walking in His path, and remaining a loyal follower, even after the resurrection and the specific commissioning of Peter. It emphasizes active, ongoing adherence to Christ.
* **leaned (Greek, _anapíptō_):** This verb (G377) means "to fall back" or "to recline," specifically in the context of sitting down to eat. Its use here vividly recalls the scene at the Last Supper, where the Beloved Disciple was in a position of close physical proximity to Jesus, symbolizing deep trust, intimacy, and a privileged relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following;"**: This clause marks a transition from Peter's private conversation with Jesus. Peter, having just heard about his own future, actively turns to observe the Beloved Disciple. The identification of this disciple as "whom Jesus loved" immediately signals his unique significance within the narrative, a recurring motif in John's Gospel. The term "following" indicates his continued presence as a disciple, walking in the wake of Jesus and Peter.
* **"which also leaned on his breast at supper,"**: This phrase serves as a definitive identifier for the Beloved Disciple, referring back to a specific, intimate moment during the Last Supper ([John 13:23-25](/john/13-23-25 "John 13:23-25 - The Beloved Disciple at the Last Supper")). It reminds the reader of the disciple's close physical and relational proximity to Jesus, emphasizing his privileged access and intimate bond, further solidifying the traditional identification of this disciple as John.
* **"and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?"**: This final part of the verse completes the identification of the Beloved Disciple by recalling his specific question to Jesus at the Last Supper. It is not Peter asking this question *now* in John 21, but the narrator reminding the reader that the disciple Peter sees is the *same one* who asked this question *then*. This detail underscores the Beloved Disciple's unique position and access to Jesus' private thoughts and predictions, further cementing his identity and the intimacy of his relationship with Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and reinforce key themes. **Identification by Association** is prominently used, as the Beloved Disciple is not named directly but identified through his unique relationship with Jesus ("whom Jesus loved") and a specific, memorable past action ("leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?"). This technique not only confirms his identity for the reader but also emphasizes the depth and continuity of his intimacy with Jesus. **Recapitulation** is also present, as the verse deliberately recalls a past event (the Last Supper) to contextualize the present interaction. This serves to tie the narrative threads of the Gospel together, highlighting the consistent characterization of the Beloved Disciple. Furthermore, there is subtle **Foreshadowing**, as Peter's act of turning to look at John and his implied curiosity (which becomes explicit in the next verse) anticipates Jesus' teaching on individual calling and avoiding comparison, a theme that will be directly addressed in [John 21:21-22](/john/21-21-22 "John 21:21-22 - Peter's Question About John").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:20 highlights the profound truth that Jesus' love is personal and varied in its expression, yet equally available to all who follow Him. The unique intimacy shared between Jesus and the Beloved Disciple, while distinct, points to the possibility of deep, personal communion with Christ for every believer. This verse also implicitly contrasts Peter's forthright, often impulsive nature with the Beloved Disciple's quiet, intimate presence, illustrating that there are diverse temperaments and roles within the body of Christ, each valued and purposed by God. The interaction sets the stage for Jesus to guide Peter away from comparative curiosity and back to his own specific call, emphasizing that true discipleship is about faithfully following Christ's personal directive for one's life, rather than being preoccupied with the paths of others.

* [John 13:23](/john/13-23 "John 13:23 - The Beloved Disciple Leans on Jesus")
* [Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples Dispute Who is Greatest")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-6](/1_corinthians/12-4-6 "1 Corinthians 12:4-6 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound invitation for personal reflection on the nature of our own discipleship. Just as the Beloved Disciple enjoyed a unique intimacy with Jesus, we too are called to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with our Lord. It is a reminder that our security and identity are found not in our performance or comparison to others, but in being loved by Christ. Peter's turning to look at John, perhaps out of curiosity or concern for his own prophesied future, serves as a gentle caution against the human tendency to compare our spiritual journeys or callings with those of others. Our focus should remain steadfastly on Jesus, trusting His sovereign plan for our individual lives. Embracing our unique path, with all its challenges and blessings, and diligently following Christ where He leads us, is the essence of faithful discipleship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I seek to cultivate intimacy with Jesus in my daily life, similar to the Beloved Disciple's closeness?**
* **Do I often find myself comparing my spiritual journey, gifts, or circumstances to those of others? How might this hinder my focus on Christ?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' personal love for His disciples, as shown to the Beloved Disciple, deepen my own sense of security and identity in Him?**

### FAQ

**Who is "the disciple whom Jesus loved"?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in the Gospel of John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved" is consistently identified by tradition and internal textual clues as John, the son of Zebedee, and the author of the Fourth Gospel. This identification is strongly supported by the descriptions given, such as the one in [John 21:20](/john/21-20 "John 21:20 - Identification of the Beloved Disciple"), which refers to him as the one who "leaned on his breast at supper" and asked about the betrayer ([John 13:23-25](/john/13-23-25 "John 13:23-25 - John at the Last Supper")). His consistent presence at key moments, often alongside Peter, further reinforces this traditional understanding.

**Why is this detail about "leaning on his breast" significant?**

Answer: The detail that the Beloved Disciple "leaned on his breast" ([John 13:23](/john/13-23 "John 13:23 - Intimacy at the Last Supper")) refers to the common practice of reclining at banquets in the ancient world. Guests would lean on their left elbow, allowing for conversation with the person to their right. To be in such close proximity, leaning on someone's breast or bosom, signified a position of deep intimacy, trust, and honor. It implies a privileged relationship and access to the host's private thoughts, underscoring the unique bond between Jesus and this disciple.

**What is the significance of Peter turning to look at John?**

Answer: Peter's act of "turning about" to see the Beloved Disciple immediately after Jesus prophesies Peter's martyrdom is highly significant. It reveals a very human curiosity and perhaps a desire to compare his own future with that of a fellow disciple. This action sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching in [John 21:21-22](/john/21-21-22 "John 21:21-22 - Follow Me"), where He redirects Peter's focus from comparing himself to others back to his own personal call to "Follow thou me." It highlights the importance of individual discipleship and avoiding preoccupation with the paths or destinies of others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though [John 21:20](/john/21-20 "John 21:20 - Peter and the Beloved Disciple") focuses on the disciples, it profoundly reveals the heart of Christ. The "disciple whom Jesus loved" serves as a living testament to the depth of Christ's personal, intimate love for His followers, a love that transcends mere affection and is rooted in His very nature as God ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is Love")). Jesus' willingness to allow such closeness, even amidst the tension of the Last Supper, foreshadows the new covenant intimacy available to all believers through His atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, the scene, set after Christ's resurrection, underscores His ongoing Lordship and active engagement with His disciples. He is not merely a historical figure but the living Christ who restores Peter ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) and guides both Peter and John, demonstrating His sovereign plan for each life. The varied paths of these two prominent apostles, distinct yet united in their devotion, are ultimately empowered by Christ's finished work on the cross and His triumph over death, enabling them to fulfill their unique callings in the burgeoning kingdom of God ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church")). Thus, this verse, while describing human interaction, ultimately points to the multifaceted, redemptive, and guiding love of the resurrected Christ.

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

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 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 21:24

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

John 13:23

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

John 13:26

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.