John 13:23
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
of his
G846
αὐτοῦ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 16
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς·
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς·
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
John 19:26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!John 21:20Then 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?John 21:7Therefore 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 20:2Then 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 11:3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.John 11:36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!John 11:5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.2 Samuel 12:3But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- How does defining yourself as "the one Jesus loves" rather than by achievements transform identity?
- What does physical proximity to Jesus at the table symbolize about spiritual intimacy with Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.