John 21 11

John 21:11 kjv

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.

John 21:11 nkjv

Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.

John 21:11 niv

So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

John 21:11 esv

So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.

John 21:11 nlt

So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn.

John 21 verses

John 21 11 Meaning

John 21:11 details Simon Peter's physical effort in drawing ashore an exceedingly full fishing net, containing exactly 153 large fish. The crucial aspect is that despite the immense catch, the net did not tear. This verse signifies divine provision, the immediate outcome of obedience to Christ's word, and the supernatural preservation and unity that characterize the mission of "fishing for men." It also highlights Peter's renewed vigor and leadership in the presence of the Risen Christ.

John 21 11 Context

John chapter 21 describes the third post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to His disciples, specifically seven of them, at the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). After the intense period of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and initial appearances, the disciples, perhaps uncertain of their next steps, decide to go fishing—a return to their former occupation. After a night of fruitless labor, Jesus, unrecognized on the shore, instructs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. Immediately, they catch a multitude of fish. It is then that John recognizes the Lord. Peter, with characteristic impulsivity, dives into the sea to meet Jesus. The disciples bring their boat and the miraculous catch to shore, where Jesus has prepared a meal for them. John 21:11 thus describes Peter's action in securing this specific, supernaturally abundant harvest, a moment bridging their old life as fishermen with their renewed commission as "fishers of men." This scene sets the stage for Jesus' direct, personal restoration and recommissioning of Peter later in the chapter.

John 21 11 Word analysis

• Simon Peter (Σίμων Πέτρος - Simōn Petros): A compound of his given name (Simon) and the name Jesus gave him (Peter, meaning "rock"). It signifies his full identity—his human nature with its impulsivity and leadership, combined with his divinely appointed role and steadfast potential. This moment sees Peter back in his fisherman's element, yet acting under the direct instruction of Christ.
• therefore (οὖν - oun): Connects this action to the previous events – the miraculous catch resulting from Jesus' instruction, and the recognition that it was the Lord. Peter's action is a response to this divine intervention.
• went up (ἀνέβη - anebē): This Greek verb can mean to ascend, go up, or get into. In context, Peter might have stepped up onto the boat, or, more likely given his prior swim (v.7), ascended the slight bank from the water to where the net needed to be drawn. It indicates Peter's proactive and physically demanding effort.
• drew (εἵλκυσεν - heilkysen): A strong verb meaning to drag, pull, or haul with force. It emphasizes the strenuous nature of the task. Drawing such a heavy net required significant physical strength, characteristic of Peter, and highlights the magnitude of the catch.
• the net (τὸ δίκτυον - to diktyon): Refers to the specific fishing net, now overflowing with fish. This net becomes a symbol—of their ministry, the gospel message, and the church.
• to land (εἰς τὴν γῆν - eis tēn gēn): The culmination of the fishing process, bringing the catch to the stable ground, signifying completion and readiness for processing.
• full of (μεστὸν - meston): Describes the net's condition, emphasizing its overflowing capacity, stressing the abundance.
• great (μεγάλων - megalōn): Adjective describing the fish. They were not just numerous, but substantial in size, adding to the marvel and weight of the catch.
• fishes (ἰχθύων - ichthyōn): The plural form, clearly indicating the vast quantity.
• an hundred and fifty and three (ἑκατὸν πεντήκοντα τρεῖς - hekaton pentēkonta treis): The precise number "153" is uniquely stated. This numerical specificity adds verisimilitude to the account, as an eyewitness detail. Scholars offer various symbolic interpretations (e.g., sum of numbers 1-17; referring to all known species of fish, or symbolizing perfection in some way), but the primary significance might be its precise factual nature, underscoring the miraculous exactness of the divine provision and perhaps, subtly, the universal scope of the "catch of men."
• and for all there were so many (καὶ τοσούτων ὄντων - kai tosoutōn ontōn): This phrase highlights the astounding quantity of fish, serving as an emphatic clause for the miracle.
• yet was not the net broken (οὐκ ἐσχίσθη τὸ δίκτυον - ouk eschisthē to diktyon): This is the climax of the verse. Unlike the previous miraculous catch in Luke 5:6-7 where the nets began to break, here, despite the incredible number and size, the net remained intact. This symbolizes divine preservation, the unity and resilience of the church even when burdened by a vast harvest of souls, and God's sovereign protection over His mission. The integrity of the net represents the spiritual efficacy and preservation of the gathering of souls.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Simon Peter therefore went up, and drew the net to land": This phrase captures Peter's characteristic direct action and leadership. After the miraculous identification of Jesus and the realization of the massive catch, it is Peter, often impulsive, who takes charge to complete the task of securing the catch. This physical exertion is a testament to his renewed energy and commitment.
• "full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three": This detail emphasizes the extraordinary abundance and the miraculous nature of the catch. The precision of the number (153) points to a deliberate and perhaps symbolic element—it is not merely "many," but an exact, recorded count, highlighting the eyewitness account and potential deeper spiritual meaning about the universal reach or perfect sufficiency of the spiritual harvest. The "great fishes" underline the quality and impressive nature of the provision.
• "and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken": This contrast is crucial. Human nets naturally tear under such weight. The net's integrity, despite being "full of great fishes" in such a large number, signifies a supernatural intervention and protection. It stands in stark contrast to the earlier net-breaking incident in Luke 5 and subtly points to the strength and unity of the church, preserved by Christ, even as it gathers a multitude of diverse individuals (fish) from the "sea" of the world. It symbolizes a divinely sustained and unified body, able to hold the abundance.

John 21 11 Bonus section

• Significance of Peter's Action: Peter's initiative in drawing the net in John 21:11 contrasts with his previous fishing for no catch (Jn 21:3). It shows his immediate, physical response to Christ's power and serves as a preview of his recommissioning where Jesus tells him to "feed my sheep." His act demonstrates restored vigor, humility, and eagerness to serve, laying aside his impulsive denials and re-engaging with purposeful action.
• The Number 153: Beyond potential symbolism (which remains debated and unconfirmed biblically), the specific mention of "153" adds realism and suggests that a precise count was important to the disciples and the chronicler. Some scholars suggest it highlights the inclusivity of the gospel—gathering all kinds of people, whether symbolized by all known fish species or a number representing a certain fullness or universality.
• Contrast with Luke 5: The key difference—the net not breaking in John 21 compared to the nets breaking in Luke 5—is often interpreted to show growth and maturity in the disciples' ministry. The earlier broken nets represented the limitations of human effort and the initial overwhelm of the spiritual harvest. The unbroken net in John 21, however, suggests the divine empowerment, unity, and strength granted to the post-resurrection church to effectively gather and contain a great multitude of disciples, sustained by Christ's own power. This signifies that the future ministry would be effective and sustained by supernatural means, ensuring its capacity and preservation.

John 21 11 Commentary

John 21:11 marks a climactic moment in the final recorded interaction between the risen Jesus and His disciples at the Sea of Galilee. This verse is rich with layers of meaning. Peter, taking initiative after the miraculous catch, single-handedly hauls the impossibly heavy net ashore. The detailing of "one hundred and fifty and three" large fish serves as a strong attestation to the historical accuracy and eyewitness nature of the account. While myriad symbolic interpretations of "153" exist—ranging from Augustine's mystical calculations to Jerome's assertion about the then-known species of fish—its most profound significance might simply be that it is an exact, recorded number, denoting the distinctness and fullness of the divine provision. More powerfully, the fact that "the net was not broken" differentiates this event from the earlier miraculous catch in Luke 5, where nets began to break. This unbroken net, despite the immense weight, symbolizes the miraculous unity, resilience, and preservation of the church and the mission of the gospel. Even as the "catch of souls" grows immensely vast and diverse, Christ's work ensures the structure of His church (the net) remains whole, able to contain all whom He gathers, protected by His power, enabling it to fulfill the Great Commission without failing.