The one whom Jesus loved, though appearing last in the Greek sentence order, is moved to its present position in the verse in most contemporary English translations. The disciple whom Jesus loved is first mentioned here (see also 19.26-27; 20.2; 21.7,20). Traditionally, this disciple is identified as John, the son of Zebedee, but there is no conclusive evidence to indicate who he was.

There is a problem in translating whom Jesus loved, since it is a qualification of one disciple, and not simply an expression of relation to all the disciples. In other words, whom refers to one and not to the disciples. One might translate in some languages “one of the disciples—it was the one Jesus loved—was sitting next to Jesus.” However, this distinction does not seem to be particularly significant, since in the first verse of this chapter it is stated that “he loved them (all) to the very end.” Accordingly, some translators render whom Jesus loved as “whom Jesus particularly loved.” In choosing a term for loved, it is essential to avoid an expression which would suggest improper associations. It may be necessary to employ such a phrase as “whom Jesus especially liked.”

Was sitting next to Jesus is literally “was reclining on Jesus’ bosom.” The word “bosom” is used here and in 1.18 (Good News Translation at the Father’s side). The expression reflects the table posture of that day. Guests at a feast reclined sideways on couches, resting on the left arm and keeping the right arm free for taking food. The feet were stretched out behind. The tables were probably placed in a kind of horseshoe arrangement, with the host in the center, and the place of honor to his left, The next highest place would be the one immediately to his right. Thus, the person to the right of the host would be in a position with his head close to the host’s chest, and it would be easy for him to speak confidentially to the host. The host would occupy a similar position in relation to the honored guest on his left, and could easily speak to him privately. It is impossible to define positively the positions of the disciples at the meal, but the intimation is that the beloved disciple was on Jesus’ right.

It may be impossible in translating, to maintain all the details of the cultural situation of Jesus’ day, particularly in the matter of reclining at table. What is important is to translate in such a way that the situation at the table sounds natural in the receptor language.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .