Bible Strands
John 13:24
So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Simon Peter signals to the beloved disciple, who is reclining beside Jesus, to inquire about the identity of the betrayer during the meal. The action occurs immediately after Jesus indicates that one of the twelve present will betray him.
The words — The Greek νεύει (neuei) literally means "motions" or "signals," describing Peter's nonverbal gesture to the beloved disciple. This action is paired with λέγει (legei), "says," indicating Peter's verbal instruction to follow through with the question.
The thread — Similar nonverbal signaling appears in Luke 1:22, where a father makes signs after a temple vision, and in Luke 5:7, where fishermen signal partners in another boat. Acts 13:16 also records Paul motioning with his hand before addressing a crowd.
Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to recognize that Peter relies on the beloved disciple's proximity to Jesus to obtain clarification. It establishes a pattern of indirect inquiry where physical positioning determines access to divine revelation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
Cross-references
- Acts 13:16 Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!
- Luke 1:22 When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
- Luke 5:7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
- Acts 12:17 Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.
- Acts 21:40 Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew: