In Greek that disciple is “that one.” Many translations simple render “he.”

So that disciple moved closer to Jesus’ side is more literally “therefore (oun) that one reclined thus on the chest of Jesus.” The adverb “thus” (Greek houtōs) is the same adverb discussed in 4.6. Here also it seems to have the meaning of “just as he was,” and is rendered “from his position” in Anchor, but most translations leave its meaning implicit. New American Bible translates the whole clause as “He leaned back against Jesus’ chest,” and Jerusalem Bible has “so leaning back on Jesus’ breast.” What is indicated is that the disciple, from this position, was able to throw his head back and so speak to Jesus privately. That is, he was able to speak to Jesus without changing his position. It is not necessary to indicate specifically that the disciple moved closer to Jesus’ side. One can simply say “that disciple moved closer to Jesus” or even “moved his head closer to Jesus” or “bent over toward Jesus.”

And asked is literally “says,” but once again the Greek verb “to say” is used to cover a large spectrum of meaning. A number of translations do retain the meaning “said,” but the context obviously indicates a question, which in English is better represented by the verb “to ask.”

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 .