John - 13:28



28 Now no man at the table knew why he said this to him.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of John 13:28.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
Now no man at the table knew to what purpose he said this unto him.
But none of those at table knew why he said this to him;
Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spoke this to him.
and none of those reclining at meat knew for what intent he said this to him,
But why He said this no one else at the table understood.
Now it was not clear to anyone at table why he said this to him.
Now none of those reclining knew why he said this to him.
Now none of those sitting at table knew why he had said this to him.
But no one at the table understood why he said this to Judas.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Not one of those who were at table. Either John had not yet related to others what Christ had told him, or they were so much struck by it, that they lost their presence of mind; and, indeed, it is probable, that John himself was almost out of his senses. But what then happened to the disciples, we frequently see: taking place in the Church, that few of the believers discern the hypocrites whom the Lord loudly condemns.

No man at the table knew - This shows that Jesus had signified to John only who it was that should betray him.
The bag - The traveling-bag in which they put their common property. See the notes at John 12:6.
Have need of against the feast - The feast of the Passover. This feast continued seven days, and they supposed that Jesus had directed him to make preparation for their needs on those days.

Now no man at the table,.... Not one of those who lay upon the couches at the table, excepting John, to whom the signal was given:
knew for what intent he spake this unto him; and perhaps he might not know the meaning of his last words, that he spoke concerning the act of betraying him; nor did not imagine that the thing was so near and so speedily to be done, as it was.

no man . . . knew for what intent he spake this unto him . . . some thought . . . Jesus . . . said . . . But what we need . . . or, . . . give . . . to the poor--a very important statement, as showing how carefully. Jesus had kept the secret, and Judas his hypocrisy, to the last.

None knew why he said this - Save John and Judas.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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