Library Home>Reference>Manners and Customs of the Bible>Manners and Customs of the Bible>814. Position at Table (#98348)

814. Position at Table

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible

By: James M. Freeman

Narrator: Chris Genthree

• 1 min. read • grade level: 9

Listen to This Article

John 13:23²³Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. (John 13:23). Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Reclining on the triclinium, or dinner-bed, the guest lay usually upon his left side, leaving his right hand free to reach the food. See note on Matthew 26:7⁷There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. (Matthew 26:7). His head would thus easily come into contact with the breast of the person on his left. It was in this way that John leaned on the bosom of Jesus while at supper. This is also mentioned in John 13:25; 21:20²⁵He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? (John 13:25)
²⁰Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? (John 21:20). A figurative use of the custom referred to is made in Luke 16:22-23²²And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; ²³And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:22‑23); John 1:18¹⁸No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18).

Click here to show subject links in the text for more information.

Previous Article

Manners and Customs of the Bible

• 810. Formal Condolence

• 811. Weeping at the Grave

• 812. The Pound

• 813. Need of Feet Washing

• 814. Position at Table

• 815. The "Sop"

• 816. Place for Gardens

• 817. Lanterns

• 818. Female Door Keepers

• 819. Charcoal

• 820. Bearing the Cross

• 821. The Tunic

• 822. Preparation for Burial

• 823. Salutation

• 824. A Sabbath Day's Journey

• 825. Time for Eating

• 826. Time for Burial

• 827. Reading Aloud

• 828. Complimentary Names

• 829. Prayer on the Housetop

• 830. The Military Night Watch

• 831. Prisoners Chained

• 832. Sandals

• 833. Knocker Street Door

• 834. The Law and the Prophets Rulers of the Synagogue

• 835. Gods in Human Form

• 836. Jupiter and Mercury

• 837. Idolatrous Garlands

• 838. Places of Prayer

• 839. Stocks