King James Version

What Does John 13:23 Mean?

John 13:23 in the King James Version says “Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 13:23 · KJV

Love

Context

21

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

22

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

23

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

24

Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

25

He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Read John 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom (ἀνακείμενος ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ, anakeimenos en tō kolpō)—the posture of reclining at table, common in Greco-Roman dining. Guests reclined on left elbow, leaving right hand free for eating. The one "in the bosom" reclined with head near Jesus' chest—position of intimacy and honor. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved—John's characteristic self-reference (also 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 20). He never names himself, identifying instead by Christ's love for him.

This beloved disciple is John himself (church tradition unanimous). His self-description emphasizes not his love for Jesus but Jesus' love for him—hallmark of true spirituality. John defines himself by Christ's affection, not personal achievement. The phrase echoes 1:18, where the Son is "in the bosom of the Father"—John enjoys with Jesus the intimacy Jesus enjoys with the Father. This proximity positions John to ask Jesus about the betrayer.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient dining arrangements placed honored guests nearest the host. John's position indicates special relationship with Jesus. Written late in life (AD 85-95), elderly John reflects on his unique intimacy with Christ. He never boasts but marvels at being loved by the Lord. This humility characterizes his epistles—"we love him, because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does defining yourself as "the one Jesus loves" rather than by achievements transform identity?
  2. What does physical proximity to Jesus at the table symbolize about spiritual intimacy with Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἦν1 of 16

“there was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δέ2 of 16

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀνακείμενος3 of 16

“leaning”

G345

to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)

εἷς4 of 16

“one”

G1520

one

τῶν5 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητῶν6 of 16

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ7 of 16

“of his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν8 of 16

“on”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ9 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόλπῳ10 of 16

“bosom”

G2859

the bosom; by analogy, a bay

τοῦ11 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς·12 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὃν13 of 16

“whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἠγάπα14 of 16

“loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ὁ15 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς·16 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 13:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 13:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:26John 21:20John 21:7John 20:2Revelation 1:16-182 Samuel 12:3

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