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

This verse emphasizes the profound significance of Jesus' disciple, John, and the specific destiny reserved for him within God's plan, in contrast to the common human inquiry about the fates of others. It clarifies that John's unique path, while not being death by natural means, is part of Christ's divine foreknowledge and arrangement.

John 21 21 Context

This verse appears at the very end of the Gospel of John, immediately following an exchange between Jesus and Peter where Jesus foretells Peter's future martyrdom (John 21:18-19). Peter, ever impetuous, sees John following and asks Jesus about John's destiny. Jesus’ response is direct, emphasizing that John's fate is not Peter’s concern, but rather part of Jesus' own plan: "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” This verse (John 21:21) is then presented as John's internal reflection or statement about his unique path, distinguishing it from the typical understanding of death. Historically and culturally, the "disciple whom Jesus loved" is consistently identified as John the Apostle, the author of this Gospel, who lived a remarkably long life. This contrast to Peter's immediate martyrdom highlights differing divine purposes for believers.

John 21 21 Word Analysis

• "And": Connects this verse as a continuation of the narrative and Jesus' previous statement to Peter.
• "when": Marks a temporal conjunction, referring to the event Peter's question elicits.
• "Peter": Refers to Simon Peter, one of the chief apostles.
• "seeing": Indicates visual perception; Peter physically observed John.
• "the": Definite article, specifying "disciple whom Jesus loved."
• "disciple": (Greek: mathētēs - μαθητής) A learner, follower, or pupil. Here, specifically one of Jesus' twelve apostles.
• "whom": Relative pronoun introducing a subordinate clause describing the disciple.
• "Jesus": The central figure of the Gospel, the Son of God.
• "loved": (Greek: ēgapaō - ἀγαπάω) Expresses deep, sacrificial, and unconditional love. This is a characteristic descriptor for John.
• "following": (Greek: akoloutheō - ἀκολουθέω) To follow along with, to accompany, to be a disciple or follower.
• "he": Refers back to John.
• "also": Indicates an additional characteristic of John.
• "had leaned": (Greek: anepesen - ἀνέπεσεν) To recline, to lie down to rest; historically, this refers to the posture at a banquet or feast.
• "on": Preposition indicating proximity or resting upon.
• "His": Possessive pronoun referring to Jesus.
• "breast": (Greek: kolpos - κόλπον) The bosom, lap, or side. Symbolizes extreme intimacy and closeness.
• "at": Preposition indicating the time or occasion.
• "the": Definite article specifying "the supper."
• "supper": Refers to the Last Supper, a pivotal moment before Jesus' crucifixion.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the disciple whom Jesus loved": This repeated phrase throughout John's Gospel highlights John's uniquely intimate relationship with Jesus, implying a deep mutual affection and spiritual connection.
• "had leaned on His breast at the supper": This specific action at the Last Supper exemplifies John's close proximity to Jesus, underscoring his privileged position of trust and intimacy, distinct from other disciples.
• "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”: This statement by Jesus redirects Peter's focus from speculation about John's life to Peter's own discipleship and accountability. It asserts Jesus' divine prerogative over the destinies of His followers.

John 21 21 Bonus Section

The assertion that John would "remain till I come" (if Jesus willed it) is interpreted by many scholars and early Church fathers as referring not necessarily to a literal physical coming of Christ during John's lifetime in the sense of a physical manifestation for judgment, but rather to the spiritual coming and establishment of Christ's kingdom in the hearts of believers, or the fulfillment of God's purposes on earth, which John would witness and record. His Gospel and the book of Revelation serve as testament to this witnessing. His ministry extended longer than any other apostle, allowing him to be a foundational figure and provide unique theological insights into Christ's divinity and mission. The specific wording implies Jesus' ultimate authority and sovereignty over the lives and times of His disciples.

John 21 21 Commentary

Jesus, in response to Peter's question about John's future, clarifies that John's path is to remain alive until Jesus’ second coming in a particular sense, possibly referring to his witnessing of events leading to the establishment of Christ's kingdom in power. This was not to be an ordinary death. The point is that John’s longevity and unique witness were part of Christ’s sovereign plan. It served to highlight that each disciple has their own specific calling and journey, and personal comparisons or inquiries into another's fate are secondary to one's own obedience and following of Christ. This concept of a disciple remaining "till I come" has been interpreted in various ways, including John's continued ministry and writings, and the spiritual experience of the early church in anticipating Christ's return. Ultimately, John would die, but his departure was divinely ordained to coincide with a phase of Christ's unveiling or return.