13:25

The Greek begins this verse with a conjunction that some translations translate as “So” (see the New Revised Standard Version). It introduces what John did as a result of what Simon Peter asked him to do. Some translations leave this word implied. Here is another way to translate this word:

Then (NET Bible)

Leaning back against Jesus: There are two ways to understand the Greek text that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Leaning back against Jesus :

(1) It refers to an action—the disciple leaned or bent back, toward Jesus. For example:

So that disciple leaned over to Jesus (New Living Translation (2004))

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Century Version, New Living Translation (2004), New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, God’s Word, Contemporary English Version)

(2) It describes the position that disciple was already in. For example:

leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom (New American Standard Bible)

(Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, King James Version, New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) and most English translations. The disciple was reclining right in front of Jesus, and he just bent back to talk to him privately.

Leaning back against Jesus: The Greek text is more literally “leaning in that way on the chest of Jesus.” In some languages it may be natural to refer to Jesus’ “front” or “shoulder” rather than his chest. Or you may want to leave this detail implied. For example:

leaned over on Jesus’ shoulder (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

In some languages it may be natural to translate this as an independent clause. For example:

That follower leaned closer to Jesus (New Century Version)

he asked: The pronoun he refers to John. The Greek has the pronoun “him” that refers to Jesus. In some languages it may be natural to make this explicit. For example:

the disciple leaned toward Jesus and asked (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
So that disciple moved closer to Jesus’ side and asked (Good News Translation)
-or-
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved leaned back against Jesus’ chest and asked him (NET Bible)

Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “master,” or “one who has authority over others.” People used this word as a polite title when they spoke to an elder or someone in authority. However, the Jews also used this same title to refer to God. Use a term in your language that could also be used in this way. See how you translated this in 13:6 and 13:9.

who is it?: This question is short for “who will betray you?”

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