Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

JOHN 13:24KJV
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John 13:24 (KJV)

What does John 13:24 mean?

John 13:24 describes Simon Peter signaling to another disciple, urging him to ask Jesus who He meant when He spoke about someone betraying Him. Peter wants to find out the identity of the person Jesus had just mentioned as a betrayer among the group.

In this scene, Simon Peter is not speaking directly but instead gestures to the disciple sitting closest to Jesus—traditionally understood to be John. The group is gathered at the Last Supper, and Jesus has just made a troubling statement about betrayal. Peter’s action shows both his concern and his trust in the other disciple’s closeness to Jesus, hoping he can get an answer.

The Greek behind John 13:24

  • "Beckoned" (νεύω, neuō): This Greek word means to nod or make a gesture, not to speak aloud. It shows Peter is trying to be discreet, not drawing attention to himself.
  • "Ask" (ἐρωτάω, erōtaō): This word means to question or inquire. Peter wants the other disciple to directly question Jesus, suggesting Peter feels he cannot or should not ask himself.
  • "Who" (τίς, tis): This word introduces the question Peter wants answered—specifically, the identity of the betrayer. The focus is on finding out exactly who Jesus meant.

Why John 13:24 matters

  • This verse highlights the tension and uncertainty among the disciples after Jesus’ announcement about betrayal, showing their confusion and concern.
  • Peter’s indirect approach—signaling instead of speaking—shows the seriousness of the moment and the respect or caution the disciples felt in Jesus’ presence.
  • The verse sets up the following exchange, where the beloved disciple asks Jesus directly, leading to Jesus’ revealing gesture with the bread. This helps the reader follow the unfolding drama at the Last Supper.

Where else these words appear

“beckoned” Greek G3506 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 24:10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

“ask” Greek G4441 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • John 4:52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
  • Acts 21:33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

“be” Greek G1498 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
  • Luke 9:46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
  • Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
  • John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.