Worthy.Bible » Parallel » John » Chapter 21 » Verse 1-25

John 21:1-25 King James Version (KJV)

1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

20 Then 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?

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.


John 21:1-25 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 After G3326 these things G5023 Jesus G2424 shewed G5319 himself G1438 again G3825 to the disciples G3101 at G1909 the sea G2281 of Tiberias; G5085 and G1161 on this wise G3779 shewed G5319 he himself.

2 There were G2258 together G3674 Simon G4613 Peter, G4074 and G2532 Thomas G2381 called G3004 Didymus, G1324 and G2532 Nathanael G3482 of G575 Cana G2580 in Galilee, G1056 and G2532 the sons G3588 of Zebedee, G2199 and G2532 two G1417 other G243 of G1537 his G846 disciples. G3101

3 Simon G4613 Peter G4074 saith G3004 unto them, G846 I go G5217 a fishing. G232 They say G3004 unto him, G846 We G2249 also G2532 go G2064 with G4862 thee. G4671 They went forth, G1831 and G2532 entered G305 into G1519 a ship G4143 immediately; G2117 and G2532 that G1722 G1565 night G3571 they caught G4084 nothing. G3762

4 But G1161 when the morning G4405 was G1096 now G2235 come, G1096 Jesus G2424 stood G2476 on G1519 the shore: G123 but G3305 the disciples G3101 knew G1492 not G3756 that G3754 it was G2076 Jesus. G2424

5 Then G3767 Jesus G2424 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Children, G3813 have ye G2192 any G3387 meat? G4371 They answered G611 him, G846 No. G3756

6 And G1161 he said G2036 unto them, G846 Cast G906 the net G1350 on G1519 the right G1188 side G3313 of the ship, G4143 and G2532 ye shall find. G2147 They cast G906 therefore, G3767 and G2532 now G3765 they were G2480 not G3765 able G2480 to draw G1670 it G846 for G575 the multitude G4128 of fishes. G2486

7 Therefore G3767 that G1565 disciple G3101 whom G3739 Jesus G2424 loved G25 saith G3004 unto Peter, G4074 It is G2076 the Lord. G2962 Now G3767 when Simon G4613 Peter G4074 heard G191 that G3754 it was G2076 the Lord, G2962 he girt G1241 his fisher's coat G1903 unto him, (for G1063 he was G2258 naked,) G1131 and G2532 did cast G906 himself G1438 into G1519 the sea. G2281

8 And G1161 the other G243 disciples G3101 came G2064 in a little ship; G4142 (for G1063 they were G2258 not G3756 far G3112 from G575 land, G1093 but G235 as it were G5613 G575 two hundred G1250 cubits,) G4083 dragging G4951 the net G1350 with fishes. G2486

9 As soon G5613 then G3767 as they were come G576 to G1519 land, G1093 they saw G991 a fire of coals G439 there, and G2532 fish G3795 laid G2749 thereon, G1945 and G2532 bread. G740

10 Jesus G2424 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Bring G5342 of G575 the fish G3795 which G3739 ye have G4084 now G3568 caught. G4084

11 Simon G4613 Peter G4074 went up, G305 and G2532 drew G1670 the net G1350 to G1909 land G1093 full G3324 of great G3173 fishes, G2486 an hundred G1540 and fifty G4004 and three: G5140 and G2532 for all there were so many, G5118 yet was G5607 not G3756 the net G1350 broken. G4977

12 Jesus G2424 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Come G1205 and dine. G709 And G1161 none G3762 of the disciples G3101 durst G5111 ask G1833 him, G846 Who G5101 art G1488 thou? G4771 knowing G1492 that G3754 it was G2076 the Lord. G2962

13 Jesus G2424 then G3767 cometh, G2064 and G2532 taketh G2983 bread, G740 and G2532 giveth G1325 them, G846 and G2532 fish G3795 likewise. G3668

14 This G5124 is G5319 now G2235 the third time G5154 that Jesus G2424 shewed himself G5319 to his G846 disciples, G3101 after that he was risen G1453 from G1537 the dead. G3498

15 So G3767 when G3753 they had dined, G709 Jesus G2424 saith G3004 to Simon G4613 Peter, G4074 Simon, G4613 son of Jonas, G2495 lovest thou G25 me G3165 more than G4119 these? G5130 He saith G3004 unto him, G846 Yea, G3483 Lord; G2962 thou G4771 knowest G1492 that G3754 I love G5368 thee. G4571 He saith G3004 unto him, G846 Feed G1006 my G3450 lambs. G721

16 He saith G3004 to him G846 again G3825 the second time, G1208 Simon, G4613 son of Jonas, G2495 lovest thou G25 me? G3165 He saith G3004 unto him, G846 Yea, G3483 Lord; G2962 thou G4771 knowest G1492 that G3754 I love G5368 thee. G4571 He saith G3004 unto him, G846 Feed G4165 my G3450 sheep. G4263

17 He saith G3004 unto him G846 the third G5154 time, Simon, G4613 son of Jonas, G2495 lovest G5368 thou me? G3165 Peter G4074 was grieved G3076 because G3754 he said G2036 unto him G846 the third G5154 time, Lovest G5368 thou me? G3165 And G2532 he said G2036 unto him, G846 Lord, G2962 thou G4771 knowest G1492 all things; G3956 thou G4771 knowest G1097 that G3754 I love G5368 thee. G4571 Jesus G2424 saith G3004 unto him, G846 Feed G1006 my G3450 sheep. G4263

18 Verily, G281 verily, G281 I say G3004 unto thee, G4671 When G3753 thou wast G2258 young, G3501 thou girdedst G2224 thyself, G4572 and G2532 walkedst G4043 whither G3699 thou wouldest: G2309 but G1161 when G3752 thou shalt be old, G1095 thou shalt stretch forth G1614 thy G4675 hands, G5495 and G2532 another G243 shall gird G2224 thee, G4571 and G2532 carry G5342 thee whither G3699 thou wouldest G2309 not. G3756

19 G1161 This G5124 spake he, G2036 signifying G4591 by what G4169 death G2288 he should glorify G1392 God. G2316 And G2532 when he had spoken G2036 this, G5124 he saith G3004 unto him, G846 Follow G190 me. G3427

20 Then G1161 Peter, G4074 turning about, G1994 seeth G991 the disciple G3101 whom G3739 Jesus G2424 loved G25 following; G190 which G3739 also G2532 leaned G377 on G1909 his G846 breast G4738 at G1722 supper, G1173 and G2532 said, G2036 Lord, G2962 which G5101 is he G2076 that betrayeth G3860 thee? G4571

21 Peter G4074 seeing G1492 him G5126 saith G3004 to Jesus, G2424 Lord, G2962 and G1161 what G5101 shall this man G3778 do?

22 Jesus G2424 saith G3004 unto him, G846 If G1437 I will G2309 that he G846 tarry G3306 till G2193 I come, G2064 what G5101 is that to G4314 thee? G4571 follow G190 thou G4771 me. G3427

23 Then G3767 went G1831 this G3778 saying G3056 abroad G1831 among G1519 the brethren, G80 that G3754 that G1565 disciple G3101 should G599 not G3756 die: G599 yet G2532 Jesus G2424 said G2036 not G3756 unto him, G846 G3754 He shall G599 not G3756 die; G599 but, G235 If G1437 I will G2309 that he G846 tarry G3306 till G2193 I come, G2064 what G5101 is that to G4314 thee? G4571

24 This G3778 is G2076 the disciple G3101 which G3588 testifieth G3140 of G4012 these things, G5130 and G2532 wrote G1125 these things: G5023 and G2532 we know G1492 that G3754 his G846 testimony G3141 is G2076 true. G227

25 And G1161 there are G2076 also G2532 many G4183 other things G243 which G3745 Jesus G2424 did, G4160 the which, G3748 if G1437 they should be written G1125 every G2596 one, G1520 I suppose G3633 that even G3761 the world G2889 itself G846 could not G3761 contain G5562 the books G975 that should be written. G1125 Amen. G281


John 21:1-25 American Standard (ASV)

1 After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifested `himself' on this wise.

2 There was together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the `sons' of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing.

4 But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea.

8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits off), dragging the net `full' of fishes.

9 So when they got out upon the land, they see a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now taken.

11 Simon Peter therefore went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, the net was not rent.

12 Jesus saith unto them, Come `and' break your fast. And none of the disciples durst inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

13 Jesus cometh, and taketh the bread, and giveth them, and the fish likewise.

14 This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

15 So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, `son' of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again a second time, Simon, `son' of John, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Tend my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, `son' of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

20 Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also leaned back on his breast at the supper, and said, Lord, who is he that betrayeth thee?

21 Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what `is that' to thee? Follow thou me.

23 This saying therefore went forth among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, that he should not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what `is that' to thee?

24 This is the disciple that beareth witness of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his witness is true.

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written.


John 21:1-25 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 After these things did Jesus manifest himself again to the disciples on the sea of Tiberias, and he did manifest himself thus:

2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas who is called Didymus, and Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, and the `sons' of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter saith to them, `I go away to fish;' they say to him, `We go -- we also -- with thee;' they went forth and entered into the boat immediately, and on that night they caught nothing.

4 And morning being now come, Jesus stood at the shore, yet indeed the disciples did not know that it is Jesus;

5 Jesus, therefore, saith to them, `Lads, have ye any meat?'

6 they answered him, `No;' and he said to them, `Cast the net at the right side of the boat, and ye shall find;' they cast, therefore, and no longer were they able to draw it, from the multitude of the fishes.

7 That disciple, therefore, whom Jesus was loving saith to Peter, `The Lord it is!' Simon Peter, therefore, having heard that it is the Lord, did gird on the outer coat, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea;

8 and the other disciples came by the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but as it were about two hundred cubits off, dragging the net of the fishes;

9 when, therefore, they came to the land, they behold a fire of coals lying, and a fish lying on it, and bread.

10 Jesus saith to them, `Bring ye from the fishes that ye caught now;'

11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net up on the land, full of great fishes, an hundred fifty and three, and though they were so many, the net was not rent.

12 Jesus saith to them, `Come ye, dine;' and none of the disciples was venturing to inquire of him, `Who art thou?' knowing that it is the Lord;

13 Jesus, therefore, doth come and take the bread and give to them, and the fish in like manner;

14 this `is' now a third time Jesus was manifested to his disciples, having been raised from the dead.

15 When, therefore, they dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, `Simon, `son' of Jonas, dost thou love me more than these?' he saith to him, `Yes, Lord; thou hast known that I dearly love thee;' he saith to him, `Feed my lambs.'

16 He saith to him again, a second time, `Simon, `son' of Jonas, dost thou love me?' he saith to him, `Yes, Lord; thou hast known that I dearly love thee;' he saith to him, `Tend my sheep.'

17 He saith to him the third time, `Simon, `son' of Jonas, dost thou dearly love me?' Peter was grieved that he said to him the third time, `Dost thou dearly love me?' and he said to him, `Lord, thou hast known all things; thou dost know that I dearly love thee.' Jesus saith to him, `Feed my sheep;

18 verily, verily, I say to thee, When thou wast younger, thou wast girding thyself and wast walking whither thou didst will, but when thou mayest be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another will gird thee, and shall carry `thee' whither thou dost not will;'

19 and this he said, signifying by what death he shall glorify God; and having said this, he saith to him, `Be following me.'

20 And Peter having turned about doth see the disciple whom Jesus was loving following, (who also reclined in the supper on his breast, and said, `Sir, who is he who is delivering thee up?')

21 Peter having seen this one, saith to Jesus, `Lord, and what of this one?'

22 Jesus saith to him, `If him I will to remain till I come, what -- to thee? be thou following me.' This word, therefore, went forth to the brethren that that disciple doth not die,

23 yet Jesus did not say to him, that he doth not die, but, `If him I will to remain till I come, what -- to thee?'

24 this is the disciple who is testifying concerning these things, and he wrote these things, and we have known that his testimony is true.

25 And there are also many other things -- as many as Jesus did -- which, if they may be written one by one, not even the world itself I think to have place for the books written. Amen.


John 21:1-25 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. And he manifested [himself] thus.

2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael who was of Cana of Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter says to them, I go to fish. They say to him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and went on board, and that night took nothing.

4 And early morn already breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; the disciples however did not know that it was Jesus.

5 Jesus therefore says to them, Children, have ye anything to eat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said to them, Cast the net at the right side of the ship and ye will find. They cast therefore, and they could no longer draw it, from the multitude of fishes.

7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved says to Peter, It is the Lord. Simon Peter therefore, having heard that it was the Lord, girded his overcoat [on him] (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea;

8 and the other disciples came in the small boat, for they were not far from the land, but somewhere about two hundred cubits, dragging the net of fishes.

9 When therefore they went out on the land, they see a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.

10 Jesus says to them, Bring of the fishes which ye have now taken.

11 Simon Peter went up and drew the net to the land full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty-three; and though there were so many, the net was not rent.

12 Jesus says to them, Come [and] dine. But none of the disciples dared inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

13 Jesus comes and takes the bread and gives it to them, and the fish in like manner.

14 This is already the third time that Jesus had been manifested to the disciples, being risen from among [the] dead.

15 When therefore they had dined, Jesus says to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He says to him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I am attached to thee. He says to him, Feed my lambs.

16 He says to him again a second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He says to him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I am attached to thee. He says to him, Shepherd my sheep.

17 He says to him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, art thou attached to me? Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Art thou attached to me? and said to him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I am attached to thee. Jesus says to him, Feed my sheep.

18 Verily, verily, I say to thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst where thou desiredst; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and bring thee where thou dost not desire.

19 But he said this signifying by what death he should glorify God. And having said this, he says to him, Follow me.

20 Peter, turning round, sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned at supper on his breast, and said, Lord, who is it that delivers thee up?

21 Peter, seeing him, says to Jesus, Lord, and what [of] this [man]?

22 Jesus says to him, If I will that he abide until I come, what [is that] to thee? Follow thou me.

23 This word therefore went out among the brethren, That disciple does not die. And Jesus did not say to him, He does not die; but, If I will that he abide until I come, what [is that] to thee?

24 This is the disciple who bears witness concerning these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his witness is true.

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they were written one by one, I suppose that not even the world itself would contain the books written.


John 21:1-25 World English Bible (WEB)

1 After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way.

2 Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.

3 Simon Peter said to them, "I'm going fishing." They told him, "We are also coming with you." They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing.

4 But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn't know that it was Jesus.

5 Jesus therefore said to them, "Children, have you anything to eat?" They answered him, "No."

6 He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." They cast it therefore, and now they weren't able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.

7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea.

8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits{200 cubits is about 100 yards or about 91 meters} away), dragging the net full of fish.

9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.

10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."

11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn't torn.

12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." None of the disciples dared inquire of him, "Who are you?" knowing that it was the Lord.

13 Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.

14 This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead.

15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."

16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."

17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?" Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, "Do you have affection for me?" He said to him, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

18 Most assuredly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don't want to go."

19 Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

20 Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus sincerely loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus' breast at the supper and asked, "Lord, who is going to betray You?"

21 Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"

22 Jesus said to him, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me."

23 This saying therefore went out among the brothers{The word for "brothers" here may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."}, that this disciple wouldn't die. Yet Jesus didn't say to him that he wouldn't die, but, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?"

24 This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true.

25 There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn't have room for the books that would be written.


John 21:1-25 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 After these things Jesus let himself be seen again by the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and it came about in this way.

2 Simon Peter, Thomas named Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were all together.

3 Simon Peter said to them, I am going fishing. They said to him, And we will come with you. They went out and got into the boat; but that night they took no fish.

4 Now very early in the morning Jesus was there by the edge of the sea (though the disciples were not conscious that it was Jesus).

5 So Jesus said to them, Children, have you taken any fish? They made answer, No.

6 And he said to them, Let down the net on the right side of the boat and you will get some. So they put it in the water and now they were not able to get it up again because of the great number of fish.

7 So the disciple who was dear to Jesus said to Peter, It is the Lord! Hearing that it was the Lord, Peter put his coat round him (because he was not clothed) and went into the sea.

8 And the other disciples came in the little boat (they were not far from land, only about two hundred cubits off) pulling the net full of fish.

9 When they got to land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish cooking on it, and bread.

10 Jesus said to them, Get some of the fish which you have now taken.

11 So Peter went to the boat and came back pulling the net to land, full of great fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and though there was such a number the net was not broken.

12 Jesus said to them, Come and take some food. And all the disciples were in fear of putting the question, Who are you? being conscious that it was the Lord.

13 Then Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish in the same way.

14 Now this was the third time that Jesus let himself be seen by the disciples after he had come back from the dead.

15 Then when they had taken food, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, is your love for me greater than the love of these others? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you are certain of my love for you. He said to him, Then give my lambs food.

16 Again, a second time, he said to him, Simon, son of John, have you any love for me? Yes, Lord, he said, you are certain of my love for you. Then take care of my sheep, said Jesus.

17 He said to him a third time, Simon, son of John, am I dear to you? Now Peter was troubled in his heart because he put the question a third time, Am I dear to you? And he said to him, Lord, you have knowledge of all things; you see that you are dear to me. Jesus said to him, Then give my sheep food.

18 Truly I say to you, When you were young, you made yourself ready and went wherever you had a desire to go: but when you are old, you will put out your hands and another will make you ready, and you will be taken where you have no desire to go.

19 Now this he said, pointing out the sort of death by which he would give God glory. And after saying this, he said to him, Come after me.

20 Then Peter, turning round, saw the disciple who was dear to Jesus coming after them--the disciple who was resting on his breast at the last meal, and said, Lord, who is it who will be false to you?

21 Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus, What about this man?

22 Jesus said to him, If it is my desire for him to be here till I come back, what is that to you? come yourself after me.

23 So this saying went about among the brothers that this disciple would not undergo death: Jesus, however, did not say that he would not undergo death, but, If it is my desire for him to be here till I come back, what is that to you?

24 This is the disciple who gives witness about these things and who put them in writing: and we have knowledge that his witness is true.

25 And Jesus did such a number of other things that, if every one was recorded, it is my opinion that even the world itself is not great enough for the books there would be.

Commentary on John 21 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 21

Joh 21:1-23. Supplementary Particulars.

(That this chapter was added by another hand has been asserted, against clear evidence to the contrary, by some late critics, chiefly because the Evangelist had concluded his part of the work with Joh 20:30, 31. But neither in the Epistles of the New Testament, nor in other good authors, is it unusual to insert supplementary matter, and so have more than one conclusion).

1, 2. Jesus showed himself again—manifested himself again.

and on this wise he manifested himself—This way of speaking shows that after His resurrection He appeared to them but occasionally, unexpectedly, and in a way quite unearthly, though yet really and corporeally.

2. Nathanael—(See on Mt 10:3).

3-6. Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing—(See on Lu 5:11).

that night … caught nothing—as at the first miraculous draught (see on Lu 5:5); no doubt so ordered that the miracle might strike them the more by contrast. The same principle is seen in operation throughout much of Christ's ministry, and is indeed a great law of God's spiritual procedure with His people.

4. Jesus stood—(Compare Joh 20:19, 26).

but the disciples knew not it was Jesus—Perhaps there had been some considerable interval since the last manifestation, and having agreed to betake themselves to their secular employment, they would be unprepared to expect Him.

5. Children—This term would not necessarily identify Him, being not unusual from any superior; but when they did recognize Him, they would feel it sweetly like Himself.

have ye any meat?—provisions, supplies, meaning fish.

They answered … No—This was in His wonted style, making them tell their case, and so the better prepare them for what was coming.

6. he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship—no doubt, by this very specific direction, intending to reveal to them His knowledge of the deep and power over it.

7-11. that disciple whom Jesus loved, said, It is the Lord—again having the advantage of his brother in quickness of recognition (see on Joh 20:8), to be followed by an alacrity in Peter all his own.

he was naked—his vest only on, worn next the body.

cast himself into the sea—the shallow part, not more than a hundred yards from the water's edge (Joh 21:8), not meaning therefore to swim, but to get sooner to Jesus than in the full boat which they could hardly draw to shore.

8. the other disciples came in a little ship—by ship.

9. they saw—"see."

a fire of coals, and fish laid thereon, and bread—By comparing this with 1Ki 19:6, and similar passages, the unseen agency by which Jesus made this provision will appear evident.

10. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish ye have now caught—Observe the double supply thus provided—His and theirs. The meaning of this will perhaps appear presently.

11. Peter went up—into the boat; went aboard.

and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three; and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken—The manifest reference here to the former miraculous draught (Lu 5:1-11) furnishes the key to this scene. There the draught was symbolical of the success of their future ministry: While "Peter and all that were with him were astonished at the draught of the fishes which they had taken, Jesus said unto him, Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men." Nay, when first called, in the act of "casting their net into the sea, for they were fishers," the same symbolic reference was made to their secular occupation: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Mt 4:18, 19). Here, then, if but the same symbolic reference be kept in view, the design of the whole scene will, we think, be clear. The multitude and the size of the fishes they caught symbolically foreshadowed the vast success of their now fast approaching ministry, and this only as a beginning of successive draughts, through the agency of a Christian ministry, till, "as the waters cover the sea, the earth should be full of the knowledge of the Lord." And whereas, at the first miraculous draught, the net "was breaking" through the weight of what it contained—expressive of the difficulty with which, after they had 'caught men,' they would be able to retain, or keep them from escaping back into the world—while here, "for all they were so many, yet was not the net broken," are we not reminded of such sayings as these (Joh 10:28): "I give unto My sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand" [Luthardt]? But it is not through the agency of a Christian ministry that all true disciples are gathered. Jesus Himself, by unseen methods, gathers some, who afterwards are recognized by the constituted fishers of men, and mingle with the fruit of their labors. And are not these symbolized by that portion of our Galilean repast which the fishers found, in some unseen way, made ready to their hand?

12-14. none … durst ask him, Who art thou, knowing it was the Lord—implying that they would have liked Him just to say, "It is I"; but having such convincing evidence they were afraid of being "upbraided for their unbelief and hardness of heart" if they ventured to put the question.

13. Jesus … taketh bread—the bread.

and giveth them, and the fish likewise—(See on Lu 24:30).

14. This is the third time that Jesus showed himself—was manifested.

to his disciples—His assembled disciples; for if we reckon His appearances to individual disciples, they were more.

15-17. when they had dined, Jesus saith—Silence appears to have reigned during the meal; unbroken on His part, that by their mute observation of Him they might have their assurance of His identity the more confirmed; and on theirs, from reverential shrinking to speak till He did.

Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?—referring lovingly to those sad words of Peter, shortly before denying his Lord, "Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended" (Mt 26:33), and intending by this allusion to bring the whole scene vividly before his mind and put him to shame.

Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee—He adds not, "more than these," but prefixes a touching appeal to the Saviour's own omniscience for the truth of his protestation, which makes it a totally different kind of speech from his former.

He saith unto him, Feed my lambs—It is surely wrong to view this term as a mere diminutive of affection, and as meaning the same thing as "the sheep" [Webster and Wilkinson]. It is much more according to usage to understand by the "lambs," young and tender disciples, whether in age or Christian standing (Isa 40:11; 1Jo 2:12, 13), and by the "sheep" the more mature. Shall we say (with many) that Peter was here reinstated in office? Not exactly, since he was not actually excluded from it. But after such conduct as his, the deep wound which the honor of Christ had received, the stain brought on his office, the damage done to his high standing among his brethren, and even his own comfort, in prospect of the great work before him, required some such renewal of his call and re-establishment of his position as this.

16. He saith to him … the second time … lovest thou me, &c.—In this repetition of the question, though the wound was meant to be reopened, the words "more than these" are not repeated; for Christ is a tender as well as skilful Physician, and Peter's silence on that point was confession enough of his sin and folly. On Peter's repeating his protestation in the same words, our Lord rises higher in the manifestation of His restoring grace.

Feed—keep.

my sheep—It has been observed that the word here is studiously changed, from one signifying simply to feed, to one signifying to tend as a shepherd, denoting the abiding exercise of that vocation, and in its highest functions.

17. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said the third time, &c.—This was the Physician's deepest incision into the wound, while yet smarting under the two former probings. Not till now would Peter discern the object of this succession of thrusts. The third time reveals it all, bringing up such a rush of dreadful recollections before his view, of his "thrice denying that he knew Him," that he feels it to the quick. It was fitting that he should; it was meant that he should. But this accomplished, the painful dialogue concludes with a delightful "Feed My sheep"; as if He should say, "Now, Simon, the last speck of the cloud which overhung thee since that night of nights is dispelled: Henceforth thou art to Me and to My work as if no such scene had ever happened."

18, 19. When thou wast young—embracing the whole period of life to the verge of old age.

thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest—wast thine own master.

when … old thou shalt stretch forth thine hands—to be bound for execution, though not necessarily meaning on a cross. There is no reason, however, to doubt the very early tradition that Peter's death was by crucifixion.

19. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God—not, therefore, a mere prediction of the manner of his death, but of the honor to be conferred upon him by dying for his Master. And, indeed, beyond doubt, this prediction was intended to follow up his triple restoration:—"Yes, Simon, thou shall not only feed My lambs, and feed My sheep, but after a long career of such service, shalt be counted worthy to die for the name of the Lord Jesus."

And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me—By thus connecting the utterance of this prediction with the invitation to follow Him, the Evangelist would indicate the deeper sense in which the call was understood, not merely to go along with Him at that moment, but to come after Him, "taking up his cross."

20, 21. Peter, turning about—showing that he followed immediately as directed.

seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on Jesus' breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?—The Evangelist makes these allusions to the peculiar familiarity to which he had been admitted on the most memorable of all occasions, perhaps lovingly to account for Peter's somewhat forward question about him to Jesus; which is the rather probable, as it was at Peter's suggestion that he put the question about the traitor which he here recalls (Joh 13:24, 25).

21. Peter … saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?—What of this man? or, How shall it fare with him?

22, 23. Jesus saith to him, If I will that he tarry fill I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me—From the fact that John alone of the Twelve survived the destruction of Jerusalem, and so witnessed the commencement of that series of events which belongs to "the last days," many good interpreters think that this is a virtual prediction of fact, and not a mere supposition. But this is very doubtful, and it seems more natural to consider our Lord as intending to give no positive indication of John's fate at all, but to signify that this was a matter which belonged to the Master of both, who would disclose or conceal it as He thought proper, and that Peter's part was to mind his own affairs. Accordingly, in "follow thou Me," the word "thou" is emphatic. Observe the absolute disposal of human life which Christ claims: "If I will that he tarry till I come," &c.

23. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die—into which they the more easily fell from the prevalent expectation that Christ's second coming was then near at hand.

yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die—The Evangelist is jealous for His Master's honor, which his death might be thought to compromise if such a misunderstanding should not be corrected.

Joh 21:24, 25. Final Close of This Gospel.

24. This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things—thus identifying the author of this book with all that it says of this disciple.

we know that his testimony is true—(Compare Joh 19:35).

25. And there are many other things which Jesus did—(Compare Joh 20:30, 31).

if … written every one, I suppose—an expression used to show that what follows is not to be pressed too far.

even the world itself would not hold the books, &c.—not a mere hyperbolical expression, unlike the sublime simplicity of this writer, but intended to let his reader know that, even now that he had done, he felt his materials so far from being exhausted, that he was still running over, and could multiply "Gospels" to almost any extent within the strict limits of what "Jesus did." But in the limitation of these matchless histories, in point of number, there is as much of that divine wisdom which has presided over and pervades the living oracles, as in their variety and fulness.