John 21 4

John 21:4 kjv

But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

John 21:4 nkjv

But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

John 21:4 niv

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

John 21:4 esv

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

John 21:4 nlt

At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was.

John 21 verses

John 21 4 Meaning

Jesus's presence with the disciples, though not immediately recognized, is evident as he acts with authority and knowledge. The act of preparing and offering food signifies his continued role as provider and shepherd, fulfilling a fundamental human need.

John 21 4 Context

This event occurs after Jesus' resurrection and marks a pivotal moment in his interaction with his disciples, specifically Peter. They have returned to fishing after Jesus' ascension was still not fully comprehended. Jesus appears to them by the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). This setting is significant as it is where Jesus first called several of these disciples. Their efforts in fishing throughout the night were fruitless, emphasizing their reliance on their own strength and expertise rather than on divine guidance. Jesus' intervention is a practical demonstration of his ongoing authority and care for them, and a preparatory step for Peter's restoration.

John 21 4 Word Analysis

• "Now" (νυν - nun): This adverb indicates the present time, signifying a transition to a new phase of interaction.

• "when" (ὅτε - hote): Conjunction introducing a temporal clause, marking the specific moment of the event.

• "it" (οὖν - oun): Particle that often indicates a logical conclusion or result, implying a consequence or a summation of what preceded.

• "was" (ἦν - ēn): Imperfect form of the verb "to be," suggesting a continuous or ongoing state or presence.

• "morning" (πρωΐας - prōias): Noun in the genitive case, referring to the early part of the day, dawn.

• "on" (ἐπιγινώσκω - epiginōskō): Verb, to know fully, to recognize, to understand. This word specifically highlights the disciples' gradual recognition of Jesus. It implies more than just seeing; it is about comprehension. The disciples did not immediately recognize him, which emphasizes the altered nature of Jesus' resurrected body, though also their own clouded perception.

• "the" (οἱ - hoi): Definite article, masculine plural.

• "shore" (αἰγιαλός - aigialos): Noun, meaning the seashore or the beach.

• "the" (ὁ - ho): Definite article, masculine singular.

• "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): Proper noun, the name of Christ.

• "stood" (ἐπέστη - epestē): Aorist tense of ἐφίστημι (ephistēmi), meaning to stand by, to draw near, to appear. This verb suggests a deliberate and imminent arrival.

• "but" (δὲ - de): Conjunction used to introduce a contrast or a new element in the narrative.

• "disciples" (μαθηταὶ - mathētai): Noun, disciples, learners, followers.

• "did not know" (οὐκ ᾔδεισαν - ouk ēdeisan): Imperfect tense of οἶδα (oida), meaning "to know" or "to be aware." The imperfect tense here suggests a continuing lack of knowledge at that specific moment, not a total lack of acquaintance.

• "that" (ὅτι - hoti): Conjunction introducing a subordinate clause, indicating the object of their ignorance.

• "it" (ἦν - ēn): Referring to Jesus, the verb "to be."

• "was" (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): Proper noun, the name of Christ.

• Word Group Analysis: "did not know that it was Jesus" (οὐκ ᾔδεισαν ὅτι ἦν Ἰησοῦς) - This phrase underscores the disciples' failure to recognize their Lord immediately upon his appearance. This can be attributed to several factors: the early morning mist or light, Jesus' resurrected appearance (different, yet familiar), and perhaps their own preoccupation with their lack of success in fishing. It sets the stage for the miraculous catch and Jesus' subsequent direct interaction, which leads to their recognition.

John 21 4 Bonus Section

The disciples' failure to recognize Jesus can also be seen as a literary device that heightens the dramatic tension and emphasizes the transformative reality of the resurrection. It's not that they had forgotten him, but rather that his post-resurrection form was subtly different enough, or their spiritual perception clouded enough, to require a divine intervention for full recognition. This experience parallels Paul's encounter on the road to Damascus where Jesus appeared to him but was not immediately identified (Acts 9). The significance of recognizing Jesus in and through His provision and divine direction is a recurring theme. The number of fish caught (153) is sometimes interpreted symbolically, perhaps referencing a full draught of people to be evangelized, aligning with Jesus' command to Peter: "Feed my sheep."

John 21 4 Commentary

Jesus, present but unrecognized, appears on the shore. This moment highlights the disciples' struggle with perception following their trauma and Jesus' resurrection. His actions – standing, observing, and later directing – reveal his Lordship even before explicit identification. The dawn setting often symbolizes new beginnings, and indeed, this is a new beginning for the disciples' ministry and their relationship with the resurrected Christ. Their previous fruitless efforts contrast sharply with what is to come under Jesus' guidance, mirroring past instances where human effort alone yielded nothing until His divine power intervened. This scene is a poignant depiction of Jesus' patient and intimate restoration of Peter and the other disciples, gently drawing them back to relationship and purpose through a familiar, yet divinely orchestrated, encounter.