John 13:25
He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
Original Language Analysis
ἐπιπεσὼν
lying on
G1968
ἐπιπεσὼν
lying on
Strong's:
G1968
Word #:
1 of 13
to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)
ἐκεῖνος
He
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
He
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
3 of 13
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἐπὶ
G1909
ἐπὶ
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 13
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
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
The question and answer occur in whispered conversation, which explains why the other disciples don't hear (Matthew 26:22 shows they all asked "Lord, is it I?"). Ancient dining couches facilitated such private exchanges. John records this detail decades later, emphasizing the privileged communication he shared with Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's physical proximity to Jesus symbolize the intimate relationship believers can have with Christ?
- What does Jesus' quiet response to John (rather than public exposure of Judas) teach about His mercy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He then lying on Jesus' breast (ἐπιπεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος, epipesōn epi to stēthos)—John leans back onto Jesus' chest, the position enabling quiet conversation. The intimacy is profound; John's head rests where he can hear Jesus' heartbeat. This physical closeness pictures spiritual intimacy available to all believers through the Spirit. Saith unto him, Lord, who is it?—direct, simple question. John asks what Peter wanted to know.
John's courage to ask stems from relationship security. He knows Jesus loves him (v. 23), so he boldly inquires. The question is whispered privately—Jesus doesn't yet publicly expose Judas. This gentle handling of the betrayer demonstrates Jesus' mercy even toward those who will destroy Him. Jesus could have shouted the accusation; instead He answers John quietly and gives Judas a final opportunity (v. 26) before the betrayer chooses his own path.