John 21 7

John 21:7 kjv

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

John 21:7 nkjv

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.

John 21:7 niv

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

John 21:7 esv

That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.

John 21:7 nlt

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.

John 21 verses

John 21 7 Meaning

John 21:7 describes the moment the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (traditionally John) spiritually discerns that the unrecognized figure on the shore is the resurrected Jesus, following a miraculous catch of fish. Upon hearing this declaration, Simon Peter, with characteristic impulsiveness and zeal, quickly dons his outer garment for modesty and respect, then plunges into the Sea of Tiberias to swim to Jesus, unable to wait for the boat. This verse encapsulates John's spiritual insight and Peter's fervent devotion, setting the stage for Peter's restoration and renewed calling.

John 21 7 Context

John chapter 21 serves as an epilogue to John's Gospel, detailing the third post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples. After the initial appearances in Jerusalem, many of the disciples, led by Peter, returned to Galilee and resumed their former profession of fishing (Jn 21:3), perhaps unsure of their next steps after Jesus' ascension. They fished through the night without success. At dawn, Jesus appeared on the shore but was unrecognized (Jn 21:4). He then instructed them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, leading to a miraculous catch of so many fish they could not haul the net in (Jn 21:6). This remarkable event immediately sparks a recognition, not by physical sight initially, but by a discerning faith. The scene is significant as it recalls their initial calling and prefigures Peter's restoration and recommissioning in the subsequent verses.

Historically and culturally, fishing was a demanding trade. Fishermen typically worked at night when fish were more active and shed their outer garments (appearing "naked" in a cultural sense, meaning lightly clothed) for the strenuous labor, keeping only an undergarment or loincloth. To "put on" an outer garment, especially when one intended to jump into the water, highlights a deeply rooted sense of propriety and reverence for a significant encounter.

John 21 7 Word analysis

• Therefore (οὖν, oun): This Greek particle serves as a connective, linking the previous events – the barren night of fishing and the subsequent miraculous catch – to the discernment and reaction that follows. It signals a conclusion drawn from the immediate experience of Jesus' power.
• that disciple whom Jesus loved (ὁ μαθητὴς ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ho mathētēs hon ēgapā ho Iēsous): This self-designation by the author, John, emphasizes his unique intimacy with Jesus, not in a way of boast but to signify a deep spiritual closeness and perhaps a special understanding.
  • μαθητὴς (mathētēs): "Disciple," a learner, follower.
  • ἠγάπα (ēgapā): Imperfect tense of agapaō, denoting an ongoing, steadfast, and sacrificial love. This choice of verb highlights the profound nature of their relationship. John's closeness fosters a unique spiritual sensitivity to Jesus' presence and work.
• said (εἶπεν, eipen): A simple statement of action, indicating John's immediate articulation of his realization.
• to Peter (τῷ Πέτρῳ, tō Petrō): Simon Peter, the lead apostle, known for his impulsiveness and leadership. John, with spiritual discernment, communicates the truth to Peter, who then acts. This often represents the complementary nature of their ministries.
• "It is the Lord!" (Ὁ Κύριος ἐστιν, Ho Kyrios estin):
  • Κύριος (Kyrios): "Lord." This is a definitive statement of faith and recognition of Jesus' identity and divine authority, especially in his resurrected state. It acknowledges Jesus' power manifested in the miraculous catch, harkening back to His earlier earthly ministry. It implies a recognition not purely by sight (as they still had not fully recognized him earlier, v. 4), but by the undeniable pattern of his miraculous work and divine presence.
• When Simon Peter heard (Ὡς οὖν ἤκουσεν Σίμων Πέτρος, Hōs oun ēkousen Simōn Petros): Highlights Peter's response is triggered by hearing John's declaration, demonstrating his trust in John's discernment and his own eager acceptance.
• that it was the Lord (ὅτι ὁ Κύριος ἐστιν, hoti ho Kyrios estin): Reinforces the certainty of what Peter heard and believed.
• he put on his outer garment (τὸν ἐπενδύτην διεζώσατο, ton ependyton diezōsato):
  • ἐπενδύτην (ependytēn): "Outer garment" or "fisherman's tunic." This was a working garment.
  • διεζώσατο (diezōsato): "Girded himself," meaning he tied it on or put it on properly.
  • Significance: Peter's action of dressing, counter-intuitively before jumping into the water, symbolizes reverence and modesty in the presence of the Lord. It reflects an immediate desire to be presentable and respectful, recognizing the sacredness of the encounter. It shows a deeply ingrained sense of propriety when encountering divinity.
• for he was stripped for work (ἦν γὰρ γυμνὸς, ēn gar gymnos):
  • γυμνὸς (gymnos): This Greek word typically means "naked" but in ancient Mediterranean contexts, especially among laborers, often signifies "lightly clad" or "without outer garments"—i.e., wearing only a loincloth or undergarment for ease of movement.
  • Significance: This clause provides the reason for Peter's action, underlining his diligent work as a fisherman and the cultural expectation of appropriate attire in significant company.
• and threw himself into the sea (ἔβαλεν ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν, ebalen heauton eis tēn thalassan): This demonstrates Peter's characteristic impulsiveness and passionate eagerness to be with Jesus. He cannot wait for the boat to reach the shore but propels himself immediately toward his Lord. It's a physical manifestation of his profound spiritual yearning and zeal.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It is the Lord!'": This phrase succinctly portrays the dynamic between spiritual discernment and direct, authoritative proclamation. John, by virtue of his close relationship with Jesus and likely a keener spiritual intuition (evident in Jn 20:8 at the tomb), recognizes the Lord not by mere sight, but through the echo of his miraculous power. His utterance to Peter emphasizes the community aspect of recognizing Jesus and preparing for a collective encounter.
• "When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.": This passage brilliantly captures Peter's zealous and reverent character. Upon hearing John's powerful declaration, Peter does not question but responds with characteristic alacrity. His seemingly contradictory actions – putting on clothes only to jump into the water – highlight the primacy of reverence and proper posture before his Risen Lord, combined with his impetuous, all-consuming desire to reach Jesus. This immediate, decisive action signifies both his repentance from denial and his profound devotion, overshadowing any practical considerations.

John 21 7 Bonus section

• Complementary roles: This verse clearly distinguishes the complementary roles of John and Peter in the early Christian community: John represents insightful spiritual discernment and deep, contemplative understanding of Christ's identity, while Peter embodies courageous, immediate, and zealous action based on that spiritual truth. Both are essential for holistic discipleship and ministry.
• Echo of First Call: The entire sequence on the Sea of Galilee in John 21 directly echoes the account of Peter's initial call and the first miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5. This parallelism reinforces the themes of divine power, a calling to "fish for people," and Peter's pivotal role. The difference now is the context of resurrection, symbolizing a renewed call and empowered ministry for Peter post-Easter.
• Significance of "Gymnos": The word gymnos (naked/lightly clad) in ancient contexts does not always imply total nudity. In the Bible and ancient Mediterranean culture, being "gymnos" often meant having removed outer garments for manual labor. Peter's quick action to cover himself was therefore an act of restoring conventional modesty and demonstrating profound respect in the sacred presence of the Lord, transcending his work-clothes and state of undress.

John 21 7 Commentary

John 21:7 is a profound microcosm of the resurrected life of faith. The miraculous catch, reminiscent of the first call of Peter, functions as a revelatory sign. While others are still perplexed, the "disciple whom Jesus loved" identifies Jesus through his work, demonstrating that spiritual discernment precedes full physical recognition of the Risen Christ. Peter, upon hearing the truth from John, reacts in a manner entirely consistent with his fervent, yet often impetuous, nature. His act of dressing (out of respect and propriety before the Lord) and immediately casting himself into the sea reveals a deep spiritual hunger for Jesus' presence, surpassing any practical concerns. It is an act of renewed devotion, symbolizing his earnest desire for reconciliation and immediate re-engagement with his Master after his recent denials. This encounter foreshadows Peter's upcoming restoration and renewed commission to tend to Jesus' sheep, solidifying the theme that recognition of Christ's Lordship inevitably leads to an active, often dramatic, response from the faithful.