He then, just sinking on the breast of Jesus ([Greek: epipeson de ekeinos houtos epi to stethos tou 'I.]) [i.e.otherwise keeping his position, see above, p.
60], saith unto Him, Lord, who is it ?' The Greek is exquisite.

At first, St.John has been simply 'reclining ([Greek: anakeimenos]) in the bosom' of his Divine Master: that is, his place at the Supper is the next adjoining His,--for the phrase really means little more.

But the proximity is of course excessive, as the sequel shews.

Understanding from St.Peter's gesture what is required of him, St.John merely sinks back, and having thus let his head fall ([Greek: epipeson]) on (or close to) His Master's chest ([Greek: epi to stethos]), he says softly,--'Lord, who is it ?' ...

The moment is perhaps the most memorable in the Evangelist's life: the position, one of unutterable privilege.