John 21:20
New International Version
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”)

New Living Translation
Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?”

English Standard Version
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray 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?”

Berean Literal Bible
Having turned, Peter sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following, the one who also had reclined on His bosom at the supper and said, "Lord, who is it who is betraying You?"

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

New American Standard Bible
Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them—the one who also had leaned back on His chest at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who is betraying You?”

NASB 1995
Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

NASB 1977
Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

Amplified Bible
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His chest at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray You?”

Christian Standard Bible
So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them, the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray you? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them. That disciple was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s 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?

Contemporary English Version
Peter turned and saw Jesus' favorite disciple following them. He was the same one who had sat next to Jesus at the meal and had asked, "Lord, who is going to betray you?"

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved. That disciple was following them. He was the one who leaned against Jesus' chest at the supper and asked, "Lord, who is going to betray you?"

Good News Translation
Peter turned around and saw behind him that other disciple, whom Jesus loved--the one who had leaned close to Jesus at the meal and had asked, "Lord, who is going to betray you?"

International Standard Version
Peter turned around and noticed the disciple whom Jesus kept loving following them. He was the one who had put his head on Jesus' chest at the supper and had asked, "Lord, who is the one who is going to betray you?"

Majority 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??

NET Bible
Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. (This was the disciple who had leaned back against Jesus' chest at the meal and asked, "Lord, who is the one who is going to betray you?")

New Heart English Bible
Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus sincerely loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus' chest at the evening meal and asked, "Lord, who is going to betray You?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Peter turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved, following; (who also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, who is he that betrayeth thee?)

Weymouth New Testament
Peter turned round and noticed the disciple whom Jesus loved following--the one who at the supper had leaned back on His breast and had asked, "Master, who is it that is betraying you?"

World English Bible
Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ breast at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And having turned, Peter sees the disciple whom Jesus was loving following (who also reclined in the dinner on His breast and said, “Lord, who is he who is delivering You up?”)

Berean Literal Bible
Having turned, Peter sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following, the one who also had reclined on His bosom at the supper and said, "Lord, who is it who is betraying You?"

Young's Literal Translation
And Peter having turned about doth see the disciple whom Jesus was loving following, (who also reclined in the supper on his breast, and said, 'Sir, who is he who is delivering thee up?')

Smith's Literal Translation
And Peter having turned back, sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also reclined in the supper upon his breast, and said, Lord, who is he delivering thee up.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Peter turning about, saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his breast at supper, and said: Lord, who is he that shall betray thee?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, the one who also had leaned on his chest at supper and said, “Lord, who is it who shall betray you?”

New American Bible
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?”

New Revised Standard Version
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Simon Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following him, the one who leaned on the breast of Jesus at the supper, and said, My Lord, who will betray you?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Shimeon Kaypha turned around and saw that disciple whom Yeshua had loved, who had come after him, who had lain at supper on the breast of Yeshua and had said, “My Lord, who is he that shall betray you?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then Peter, turning about, saw the disciple that Jesus loved, following, who also reclined at supper upon his breast, and said: Lord, who is he that delivers thee up?

Godbey New Testament
And Peter turning sees the disciple, whom Jesus loved, following; who also leaned upon His breast in the supper, and said; Lord, who is the one having betrayed thee?

Haweis New Testament
Now Peter, turning about, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also at the supper reclined on his bosom, and said, Lord, which is the person who betrayeth thee?

Mace New Testament
Then Peter turning about, saw the favourite disciple of Jesus was behind; the same who leaned next to Jesus at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that is to betray you?

Weymouth New Testament
Peter turned round and noticed the disciple whom Jesus loved following--the one who at the supper had leaned back on His breast and had asked, "Master, who is it that is betraying you?"

Worrell New Testament
Peter, turning about, sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also at the Supper leaned back on Jesus' breast, and said, "Lord, who is he that betrays Thee?"

Worsley New Testament
And Peter turning about seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved, (and who leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, who is he that will betray Thee?) following them;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus and the Beloved Apostle
19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.” 20 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?” 21When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”…

Cross References
John 13:23
One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side.

John 19:26-27
When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

John 20:2
So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him!”

John 18:15-16
Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. / But Peter stood outside at the door. Then the disciple who was known to the high priest went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in.

John 1:35-40
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. / When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” / And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ...

John 1:20-24
He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” / So they said to him, “Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” ...

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

John 6:70-71
Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” / He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.

John 12:23-26
But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. / Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. / Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ...

John 14:21-23
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” / Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” / Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

John 15:12-15
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. / Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. ...

John 16:13
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.

John 17:24
Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Matthew 26:20-25
When evening came, Jesus was reclining with the twelve disciples. / And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” ...


Treasury of Scripture

Then Peter, turning about, sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrays you?

seeth.

John 21:7,24
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.

which.

John 13:23-26
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved…

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.

Jump to Previous
Betray Betrayeth Betraying Betrays Bosom Breast Dear Delivers Disciple False. Following Jesus Last Loved Master Noticed Peter Reclined Resting Round Sincerely Sir Supper Turned Turning
Jump to Next
Betray Betrayeth Betraying Betrays Bosom Breast Dear Delivers Disciple False. Following Jesus Last Loved Master Noticed Peter Reclined Resting Round Sincerely Sir Supper Turned Turning
John 21
1. Jesus appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great catch of fish.
12. He dines with them;
15. earnestly commands Peter to feed his lambs and sheep;
18. foretells him of his death;
22. rebukes his curiosity.
24. The conclusion.














Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them.
This phrase highlights the close relationship between Peter and the "disciple whom Jesus loved," traditionally understood to be John, the author of the Gospel. The act of turning suggests a moment of reflection or curiosity on Peter's part. The phrase "the disciple whom Jesus loved" emphasizes the special bond between Jesus and John, which is a recurring theme in this Gospel (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2). This relationship is significant as it underscores the intimate fellowship that Jesus had with His closest followers. The setting is post-resurrection, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, a place of many significant events in Jesus' ministry, adding a layer of historical and geographical context to the narrative.

He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper
This refers to the Last Supper, a pivotal event in the New Testament, where Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. The act of leaning back against Jesus signifies a position of closeness and trust, indicating John's intimate relationship with Jesus. This moment is recorded in John 13:23-25, where John is depicted as being in a position to ask Jesus questions privately. The cultural context of reclining at meals in the ancient Near East is important here, as it was customary for diners to recline on couches, which facilitated such intimate interactions.

to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”
This question refers to the moment during the Last Supper when Jesus revealed that one of His disciples would betray Him (John 13:21-26). John's inquiry shows his concern and desire to understand Jesus' foretelling of His betrayal. This moment fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being betrayed by a close associate (Psalm 41:9). It also sets the stage for the unfolding of the Passion narrative, where Judas Iscariot's betrayal leads to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. The question reflects the tension and uncertainty among the disciples during this critical moment in Jesus' ministry.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
One of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his impulsive nature and leadership among the apostles. In this passage, Peter is interacting with Jesus after His resurrection.

2. The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
Traditionally understood to be John, the author of the Gospel. He is characterized by his close relationship with Jesus, often depicted as having a special bond with Him.

3. Jesus
The resurrected Christ, who is engaging with His disciples, providing final teachings and instructions before His ascension.

4. The Last Supper
The event referenced where the beloved disciple leaned back against Jesus. This was a significant moment of fellowship and revelation before Jesus' crucifixion.

5. The Setting
This event takes place after Jesus' resurrection, during a post-resurrection appearance by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is reinstating Peter and giving final instructions to His disciples.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Personal Relationship with Jesus
The beloved disciple's closeness to Jesus serves as a model for believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Christ.

Understanding Our Unique Roles
Just as Peter and John had different roles and relationships with Jesus, believers are called to understand and embrace their unique callings within the body of Christ.

Focus on Following Jesus
Peter's distraction by John's presence reminds us to keep our focus on our own walk with Christ, rather than comparing ourselves to others.

The Role of Love in Discipleship
The beloved disciple exemplifies the love that should characterize our relationship with Jesus and others, as love is foundational to true discipleship.

The Significance of Resurrection Appearances
Jesus' post-resurrection interactions with His disciples provide assurance of His victory over death and His ongoing presence with us.(20) Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following.--We must suppose that St. Peter had retired with our Lord, and that St. John seeing this had followed at a distance. He had been the companion and friend of St. Peter (comp. Introduction, p. 371). More than any other--and this is made prominent here--he had entered into close communion with the Lord Himself. He was called the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (comp. John 20:2, and Introduction, p. 375); he had leaned on His breast at supper, and, at a sign from Peter, had asked who was the traitor; he may well think that for him too there was some glimpse into the future, some declaration of what his path should be; or in that mingling of act and thought, of sign and thing signified, which run all through these verses, his following may indicate that he too, though he had never dared to say so, was ready to follow wherever the Master went.

Verses 20-23. -

(3) The revelations made to patient waiting for the coming of the Lord, with correction of a misunderstanding touching the disciple whom Jesus loved. Verse 20. - Having turned himself round, instead of keeping every glance for his Lord, Peter seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following (ἀκολουθοῦντα), obeying the command without offering one suggestion. The writer adds, by way of further identification, he who also leaned back at the supper, upon his breast, and said, Who is he that betrayeth thee? (see notes on John 13:23). The note is here introduced to show the close connection of Peter and the beloved disciple. It was Simon Peter who had beckoned at the supper to the beloved disciple to ask this very question.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Peter
Πέτρος (Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

turned
Ἐπιστραφεὶς (Epistrapheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1994: From epi and strepho; to revert.

[and] saw
βλέπει (blepei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciple
μαθητὴν (mathētēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

whom
ὃν (hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

loved
ἠγάπα (ēgapa)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 25: To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.

following [them].
ἀκολουθοῦντα (akolouthounta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

[He was the one]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

who
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

had leaned back
ἀνέπεσεν (anepesen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 377: From ana and pipto; to fall back, i.e. Lie down, lean back.

[against Jesus]
στῆθος (stēthos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4738: The breast, chest. From histemi; the bosom, i.e. Chest.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

supper
δείπνῳ (deipnō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1173: A dinner, an afternoon or evening meal. From the same as dapane; dinner, i.e. The chief meal.

to ask,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Lord,
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

is going to
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

betray
παραδιδούς (paradidous)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.

You??
σε (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Gospels: John 21:20 Then Peter turning around saw a disciple (Jhn Jo Jn)
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