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Verse

John 13:24

ESV so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking.
NIV Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means."
NASB So Simon Peter *nodded to this disciple and *said to him, 'Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.'
CSB Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was he was talking about.
NLT Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, 'Who’s he talking about?'
KJV Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
NKJV Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.

What does John 13:24 mean?

The prior verse describes a disciple being directly next to Jesus (John 13:23). Peter wants to know which of the men present at dinner is the predicted betrayer Jesus mentioned earlier (John 13:21–22). It's interesting that Peter does not ask this question more openly—or, at least, that there is no record of him doing so. Given Peter's hot-headed nature, it might be that he wants a quiet reveal, so he can confront the person himself when given the chance.

Meals in this era were eaten in a reclined position, typically laying on the left side and eating with the right hand. The person Peter is speaking to is John himself, on Jesus' right, facing away. This is why, as the next verse shows, John will "lean back" in order to ask Jesus this question (John 13:25). This implies that John is asking in a hushed or personal way—possibly whispering. That position also explains why, though Jesus gives a sign, John does not seem to notice it being performed—he's probably facing the wrong direction (John 13:26).

This moment factors into what Jesus says to Peter later (John 13:38). No one suspects Judas, even when he leaves (John 13:28–30). When the disciples leave this room, it's possible their prime suspect is none other than Peter.
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