John 21:3 kjv
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.
John 21:3 nkjv
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.
John 21:3 niv
"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
John 21:3 esv
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
John 21:3 nlt
Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing." "We'll come, too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
John 21 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 21:3 | "Simon Peter said to them, 'I am going fishing.'" | Resurrection appearance and Galilean ministry |
| John 21:2 | "Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus)..." | Peter's leadership and camaraderie |
| John 21:1 | "After that Jesus showed himself again..." | Jesus' post-resurrection appearances |
| Luke 5:10 | "...from now on you will be catching men.'" | Prophecy of disciples' new calling |
| Matthew 4:18-20 | "Come, follow me, and I will make you..." | The initial call to the disciples |
| Mark 1:16-18 | "Follow me, and I will make you..." | The initial call to the disciples |
| John 20:19-23 | "Peace be with you." | Jesus' initial post-resurrection greetings |
| John 1:43-45 | "Philip found Nathanael and told him..." | Disciples coming together, calling others |
| Acts 1:12-14 | "They all joined together constantly..." | Community of believers in prayer |
| 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 | "For what I received I passed on to you..." | Accounts of Jesus' appearances |
| Romans 8:18-25 | "For I consider that the sufferings..." | Hope in the present sufferings |
| 2 Peter 1:12-15 | "Therefore I intend always to remind..." | Peter's awareness of his nearing end |
| Matthew 17:24-27 | "And when they had come to Capernaum..." | Payment of the temple tax, Jesus' provision |
| Genesis 1:1 | "In the beginning, God created..." | God's creative and sustaining power |
| Psalm 104:1-2 | "Bless the LORD, O my soul..." | God's provision and creation |
| Isaiah 40:28-31 | "Have you not known? Have you not heard?" | God giving strength to the weary |
| Jeremiah 32:17 | "'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, you have made..." | God's immense power and faithfulness |
| Luke 12:22-31 | "And he said to his disciples, 'Therefore I..." | Jesus teaching on anxiety and provision |
| Philippians 4:11-13 | "Not that I speak from need, for I have..." | Contentment in all circumstances |
| Hebrews 11:8-12 | "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was..." | Faith in God's promises |
| John 11:54 | "Jesus therefore walked no more openly..." | Jesus withdrawing from public view |
John 21 verses
John 21 3 Meaning
This verse describes the immediate action and shared intent of Peter and his companions to go fishing after the resurrection of Jesus. It signifies a return to familiar activities and a communal endeavor.
John 21 3 Context
This chapter occurs after Jesus' resurrection and the disciples have returned to Galilee. They appear to be experiencing a period of waiting or uncertainty following Jesus' ascension. Peter, as their leader, suggests a return to their previous occupation, fishing, perhaps out of habit or a temporary lapse in their newfound mission. The other disciples join him, indicating their solidarity and communal spirit even in their awaiting. This setting in Galilee, a region familiar to the disciples and associated with the beginning of Jesus' ministry, provides a poignant backdrop for another significant encounter with the risen Christ.
John 21 3 Word Analysis
Simon Peter: The given name is "Simon" (Συμεών - Sūmeōn), the Hebrew name meaning "he has heard." He is given the name "Peter" (Πέτρος - Petros), meaning "stone" or "rock," by Jesus. The combination emphasizes both his human origin and his divinely appointed role.
said: (εἶπεν - eipen) - A simple past tense verb indicating declaration or speech. Peter is taking the initiative to communicate.
to them: (αὐτοῖς - autois) - Refers to the other disciples present. This highlights the communal nature of their decision.
I: (ἐγώ - egō) - Emphatic self-reference. Peter is stating his personal intention.
am going: (ὑπάγω - hypagō) - Present tense, suggesting a current intention and commencement of action. It implies a definite move or departure.
fishing: (ἁλιεύειν - halieuein) - The Greek verb from "hals" (salt, sea) and "alios" (sea), meaning to catch fish, to fish. It refers to their professional occupation before being called as apostles.
Simon Peter to them: This phrase establishes Peter as the speaker and the other disciples as the audience, showcasing Peter's natural leadership in initiating their collective activity.
I am going fishing: This declaration reveals a return to their former lives. While not necessarily negative, it suggests a momentary pause or diversion from their immediate divine commission after the resurrection events.
John 21 3 Bonus Section
The return to fishing can be interpreted as a temporary pause, allowing the disciples time to process the overwhelming reality of the resurrection. Their collective decision to join Peter highlights their unity. This event is crucial as it leads to another intimate encounter with the resurrected Christ, during which Jesus reinstates Peter and profoundly emphasizes his commission to "feed my sheep." The fishing miraculous catch of fish that follows serves as a powerful metaphor for the disciples' future ministry of evangelism.
John 21 3 Commentary
Peter's statement marks a significant point for the disciples. Following the seismic events of the resurrection, they revert to the familiar rhythm of their former lives as fishermen. This isn't a rejection of their calling but possibly a response to uncertainty or a need for practical action. It shows that even those closest to Jesus sometimes fall back into accustomed ways of thinking and doing. This instance sets the stage for Jesus’ gentle but firm redirection, reinforcing their new identity as fishers of men. It’s a moment of human response amidst divine revelation.