John 21 21

John 21:21 kjv

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

John 21:21 nkjv

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

John 21:21 niv

When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

John 21:21 esv

When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"

John 21:21 nlt

Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?"

John 21 verses

John 21 21 Meaning

After Jesus revealed Peter's future martyrdom and called him to "Follow Me," Peter, seeing the "disciple whom Jesus loved," inquired of Jesus about this other disciple's destiny or future course. This verse encapsulates a common human tendency to compare one's own calling or fate with that of others, expressing curiosity about divine plans for another individual immediately following the revelation of one's own personal path.

John 21 21 Context

John 21 takes place after Jesus' resurrection, specifically on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias. Following a miraculous catch of fish, Jesus has breakfast with seven of His disciples. The critical preceding context for verse 21 is Jesus' direct interaction with Peter (John 21:15-19). Having thrice restored Peter's commission to "feed My sheep," Jesus then reveals Peter's future, indicating a painful martyrdom ("another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go"). This stark personal prophecy is immediately followed by Jesus' command, "Follow Me." It is at this precise moment, with his own sacrificial path laid bare, that Peter turns and sees the beloved disciple, prompting his inquiry about that disciple's destiny. This sets the stage for Jesus' crucial teaching in the next verse about focusing on one's own divine commission rather than speculating about others.

John 21 21 Word analysis

• Peter (Πέτρος, Petros): Refers to Simon Peter, the lead disciple who had previously denied Jesus three times and was just personally restored and recommissioned by Jesus. His character often shows impulsiveness, courage, and a readiness to speak his mind, even if sometimes misplaced.

• seeing (ἰδὼν, idōn): A participial form meaning "having seen" or "when he saw." It implies an immediate observation that draws Peter's attention and prompts his question. The act of seeing triggers the shift in his focus.

• him (τοῦτον, touton): This pronoun refers specifically to "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:20), traditionally identified as John, the author of this Gospel. Peter's gaze fixates on this specific individual.

• saith (λέγει, legei): Present tense, indicating direct speech and an ongoing interaction. Peter immediately verbalizes his thought.

• to Jesus (τῷ Ἰησοῦ, tō Iēsou): Peter directs his question specifically to Jesus, recognizing His supreme authority and knowledge concerning all things, especially the future and the divine will.

• Lord (Κύριε, Kyrie): An address acknowledging Jesus' mastership and authority. It shows respect and recognition of Jesus as one who holds all answers. It contrasts with Peter's earlier impetuous speech, now seasoned by the resurrection and his restoration.

• and what (οὗτος δὲ τί, houtos de ti): The interrogative phrase, "and what," introduces Peter's central question about the beloved disciple's future. The "and" (de) can introduce a contrast or a transition, suggesting Peter is now shifting from his own revealed fate to another's.

• shall this man do? (implied in τί, ti, literally "this one what?"): The Greek is more concise: "this one, but what?" or "as for this one, what?" It implies a question about the beloved disciple's destiny, purpose, or what will happen to him, rather than literally "what shall he do" by his own effort. It seeks a divine disclosure about his future.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Peter seeing him saith to Jesus": This grouping highlights Peter's immediate shift in focus from his own profound commission and future martyrdom to observing another disciple. His gaze triggers a spoken inquiry directly to Jesus, showcasing his relational, albeit at times, distracting, personality.
  • "Lord, and what shall this man do?": This phrase embodies Peter's deep human curiosity and tendency to compare destinies. Addressing Jesus as "Lord" affirms His ultimate knowledge, yet the question itself diverts from the recent personal command, revealing a lingering aspect of Peter's character that Jesus addresses directly in the subsequent verse.

John 21 21 Bonus section

• The timing of Peter's question is crucial: it occurs after Jesus' explicit instruction "Follow Me" (John 21:19) following the prophecy of Peter's death. This highlights that even after clear divine directives, human attention can still be diverted.
• The "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John) often represents a different form of Christian discipleship – perhaps one of endurance and long-term testimony rather than immediate martyrdom, although this is only implied through the later misunderstanding of Jesus' response in John 21:23. The actual outcome was that John lived to old age and died a natural death (though exiled).
• Peter's question isn't condemned outright but is redirected. Jesus doesn't rebuke Peter harshly, but instead guides him back to his own primary responsibility. This offers insight into God's gentle, yet firm, shepherding of His disciples, allowing their questions but prioritizing obedience.
• This scene serves as a timeless reminder that while fellowship and concern for fellow believers are important, our primary focus must remain on our personal walk with Christ and obedience to His specific will for our lives, not on speculating or comparing our paths with others.

John 21 21 Commentary

John 21:21 vividly illustrates Peter's innate human curiosity and tendency to compare destinies, even after receiving a profound and somber revelation about his own future. Immediately following Jesus' charge to "feed My sheep" and the prophecy of his own martyrdom, Peter's gaze shifts to John, the "disciple whom Jesus loved." His question, "Lord, and what shall this man do?", is not inherently malicious, but it highlights a distraction from his own divine commission. This moment underscores several theological truths. First, each believer has a unique and sovereignly appointed path, not to be compared with another's. Peter had just been called to follow Jesus to martyrdom; John's path might be different, but that was not Peter's concern. Second, Jesus, by allowing Peter to ask this question before issuing His corrective, models how God sometimes allows our human inclinations to surface before redirecting us to a singular focus on Him and our individual calling. This interaction sets the stage for Jesus' crucial teaching in the very next verse, emphasizing personal responsibility and direct obedience to God's specific command for each individual: "You follow me!"