John 21 5

John 21:5 kjv

Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

John 21:5 nkjv

Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No."

John 21:5 niv

He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered.

John 21:5 esv

Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No."

John 21:5 nlt

He called out, "Fellows, have you caught any fish?" "No," they replied.

John 21 verses

John 21 5 Meaning

In John 21:5, the resurrected Jesus, appearing unexpectedly on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias, gently but directly questions His disheartened and unsuccessful disciples. He asks, "Children, have you any food?" Their terse reply, "No," highlights their total failure after a night of fishing, setting the stage for Jesus' divine intervention and miraculous provision.

John 21 5 Context

After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples are in a state of confusion and transition. The specific context of John chapter 21 opens with Peter, seemingly reverting to his former trade, declaring, "I am going fishing" (Jn 21:3). Six other disciples join him, indicative of their uncertainty and perhaps a need to earn a living after their master's departure. Despite their professional skill and effort, they caught nothing all night (Jn 21:3). As dawn breaks, the resurrected Jesus appears on the shore but is not immediately recognized by them. It is in this atmosphere of post-resurrection uncertainty, personal vocational return, and palpable failure that Jesus poses His direct, poignant question. The historical backdrop involves the bustling fishing industry on the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee) and the social expectation of providing for oneself and one's companions, which they have clearly failed to do.

John 21 5 Word analysis

• Then (οὖν, oun): Connects the previous statement (Jesus stood on the shore) to His subsequent action. It implies a logical or temporal sequence.
• Jesus (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous): The fully divine and human Savior, who knows their plight even when unrecognized. His presence changes everything.
• said (εἶπεν, eipen): Simple, direct statement. No elaborate introduction; the question is straightforward.
• to them (αὐτοῖς, autois): Specifically addressing the seven disciples who were fishing. This personal address signals a deliberate interaction.
• 'Children (Παιδία, Paidia): A crucial and tender term.
  • Significance: While it literally means "little children" or "boys," in this context, spoken by Jesus to His adult disciples, it conveys a profound sense of affectionate concern, almost paternal or supervisory. It signifies an intimate relationship, yet also subtly highlights their dependency and, perhaps, their spiritual immaturity or helplessness in their current state of failure. It is similar to an older teacher or parent addressing younger, less experienced charges. The Apostle John frequently uses paidia in his epistles (e.g., 1 Jn 2:1, 13, 18) for spiritual children, indicating a deep bond and pastoral care.
• have you (ἔχετε, echete): A direct, simple inquiry about possession or current status. Present tense, "do you now have."
• any (τι, ti): An indefinite pronoun, meaning "anything," "some," or "any at all." It underscores the possibility of a complete lack.
• food (προσφάγιον, prosphagion):
  • Significance: This Greek word specifically means "something eaten with bread," particularly fish or meat, which constituted the main protein source for meals in that region. It's not a general term for "food" (like brōma). Its precise use emphasizes that Jesus knows exactly what they were attempting to catch and why, linking directly to their failed fishing venture.
• ' They answered (Ἀπεκρίθησαν, Apekrithesan): Their response is immediate and direct.
• Him (αὐτῷ, autō): They answer the one who asked, not yet fully recognizing Him.
• 'No (Οὐ, Ou): A definitive, unambiguous negative.
  • Significance: This single word confession highlights their absolute failure and destitution despite their laborious efforts. It signifies exhaustion, discouragement, and an admission of inability to provide for themselves. This honest admission becomes the necessary precursor for Christ's divine intervention and miraculous supply. It echoes the human inability without God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then Jesus said to them,": Establishes Jesus' initiative in this interaction. He approaches them on His terms, despite their failed human efforts, initiating a divine encounter with the dispirited group.
• "'Children, have you any food?'": This question is deceptively simple but laden with meaning. It's a compassionate inquiry from Jesus to His floundering disciples. He targets their immediate physical need stemming from their vocational failure, but it subtly hints at their spiritual state – their lack of direction and sustenance without Him. The tender address ("Children") juxtaposed with their material lack ("any food") frames their helplessness and His benevolent concern.
• "They answered Him, 'No.'": This blunt, singular word "No" (οὐ) is a raw confession of their utter failure and inability after a night of tireless work. It serves as a necessary acknowledgement of their need, a pre-condition for receiving the grace and abundance that Jesus is about to provide. Their "No" powerfully contrasts with Jesus' impending "Yes" of provision.

John 21 5 Bonus section

The seemingly casual inquiry from Jesus is a probing question designed to bring forth their confession of failure, not for judgment, but for transformation. This mirrors a common pattern in divine encounters: God first exposes a human lack or inability before revealing His abundant provision. The fact that the disciples do not recognize Jesus at first emphasizes their preoccupied state, perhaps from exhaustion, discouragement, and focused human effort, missing the divine presence right before them. This situation also indirectly points to a spiritual reality: often, when we are engrossed in our own laborious, fruitless efforts, we might fail to discern Christ's presence or hear His guiding voice. The "No" in response to Jesus' question functions as a humble surrender, opening the door for a re-established dependence on the Risen Lord.

John 21 5 Commentary

John 21:5 encapsulates Jesus' tender care for His struggling disciples and sets the stage for a powerful display of His provision and re-commissioning. After a night of toiling in vain, catching "nothing," their physical and emotional reserves were low. Jesus, standing unrecognized on the shore, sees their plight. His address "Children" is a term of loving familiarity and a gentle acknowledgment of their need for guidance and protection, like a father to his dependents. The precise question about "prosphagion" (food, specifically fish to accompany bread) points directly to their failed endeavors and material lack. Their simple, direct "No" is a candid confession of total futility, acknowledging their incapacity to fulfill even their most basic needs through their own strength and expertise. This moment highlights humanity's inherent limitation and the utter dependence of even skilled individuals when God's favor is absent. It primes them, and us, to fully appreciate the supernatural intervention and grace that is to follow, signifying that true fruitfulness comes not from human effort alone, but from obedient collaboration with Christ.