John 21 18

John 21:18 kjv

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.

John 21:18 nkjv

Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."

John 21:18 niv

Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."

John 21:18 esv

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go."

John 21:18 nlt

"I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go."

John 21 verses

John 21 18 Meaning

This verse speaks of future suffering for Peter, contrasting it with his current denial and foretelling his ultimate glorification through martyrdom. It signifies a complete transformation and reaffirmation of his calling, accomplished through a death that honors Christ.

John 21 18 Context

This conversation takes place after Jesus' resurrection. Peter, who had recently denied Jesus three times, is being restored and commissioned by Jesus. Jesus asks Peter if he loves him, and Peter affirms his love. Jesus then instructs Peter to "feed my sheep," indicating a role of leadership and care for the church. The subsequent conversation focuses on Peter's future, specifically the manner of his death, which will be different from that of his earlier life when he relied on his own strength. This assurance and prophetic declaration prepare Peter for the ministry and the ultimate sacrifice that awaits him, reinforcing his love and commitment.

John 21 18 Word Analysis

• "When you are old": This phrase signifies Peter's advanced age. It implies that his service and suffering would be prolonged. Old age was a time traditionally associated with wisdom and authority, but also physical decline.

• "you will stretch out your hands": This is a literal reference to the method of crucifixion. His hands would be outstretched and fastened. This imagery directly points to his eventual martyrdom.

• "another": This contrasts with Peter doing it himself. Someone else (the executioners) will be the ones to bind him.

• "gird you": This refers to being tied or bound, preparing for an action. In this context, it signifies being restrained and led to his death.

• "will stretch out your hands": This is a vivid description of crucifixion, where the arms are extended upon the cross.

• "and another will gird you": This indicates that Peter will not initiate this act, but will be bound by others, likely Roman soldiers or authorities, to lead him to his execution.

• "and bring you where you do not want to go": This speaks to the unwilling nature of martyrdom in the physical sense. While Peter's spirit would be willing and glorified, the act of dying, especially by crucifixion, was inherently terrifying and undesirable from a human perspective.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Stretch out your hands... bring you where you do not want to go": This specific description is highly indicative of crucifixion, the very method by which Christ himself died. It serves as a clear prophetic declaration of Peter's martyrdom, a fulfillment of Jesus' earlier words about following him, even to death. This imagery also echoes Christ's prayer in Gethsemane, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42), highlighting the submission to God's will even in the face of immense suffering.

John 21 18 Bonus Section

The tradition, strongly supported by early Church fathers like Eusebius and Tertullian, is that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome during Nero's persecution. This unique manner of death would fit the prophecy perfectly, as he would "stretch out his hands" (in his case, his legs being bound) and be "brought where he did not want to go." The desire to be crucified upside down was attributed to Peter's humility, believing he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Christ. This event is often seen as the ultimate "feeding of the sheep," as his death served as a powerful witness that inspired and confirmed the faith of early Christians.

John 21 18 Commentary

This verse offers a powerful prophecy about Peter's ultimate destiny. Jesus foretells Peter's martyrdom, not as a punishment, but as a path to glorifying God. It signifies the completion of Peter's journey, from his initial weakness and denial to his steadfast commitment and eventual sacrifice for Christ. The contrast between his denial and his future willingness to die for his faith underscores his transformation. This also serves as a personal reassurance to Peter, assuring him that his future would involve ultimate faithfulness, even through suffering and death. This prophetic knowledge would strengthen him for the challenges ahead, knowing that his life's purpose would culminate in honoring God through his death.