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

The disciple whom Jesus loved recognizes the risen Christ on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. This recognition prompts an immediate identification and affirmation of Jesus' divinity and presence with them.

John 21 7 Context

Following Jesus' resurrection, His disciples, including Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two others, return to fishing on the Sea of Galilee (formerly the Sea of Tiberias). They have had an unsuccessful night. Early in the morning, Jesus stands on the shore, though they do not initially recognize Him. He calls out to them, asking if they have caught anything. When they say no, He instructs them to cast the net on the right side of the boat, which results in a miraculous catch of 153 large fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved, due to his close intimacy and spiritual perception, is the first to identify Jesus.

John 21 7 Word Analysis

• Οὖν (Oun): Therefore, then. A conjunctive particle, connecting this scene to the preceding events or the disciples' actions.
• οὖν (oun): Connector, implying a sequence of events or a consequence.
• οὖν (oun): Connects the fishing to the post-resurrection events.
• δὲ (de): But, and. Another conjunction, continuing the narrative.
• δὲ (de): Indicates a shift or continuation in the narrative flow.
• ὁ (ho): The. Definite article.
• μαθητὴς (mathētēs): Disciple, follower. Refers specifically to the one beloved by Jesus.
• ὃν (hon): Whom, which. Relative pronoun.
• ἠγάπα (ēgapa): Loved. Imperfect tense, indicating an ongoing state of love.
• ἠγάπα (ēgapa): Past ongoing love by Jesus.
• Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous): Jesus.
• Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous): The name of the Messiah.
• ἔλεγεν (elegen): Said, spoke. Imperfect tense, indicating the action of speaking.
• ἔλεγεν (elegen): Indicates Jesus speaking to the disciples.
• πρὸς (pros): To, towards. Preposition indicating direction.
• αὐτόν (auton): Him. Accusative case, object of the verb.
• Σίμων (Simōn): Simon.
• Πέτρος (Petros): Peter. "Stone," the name Jesus gave to Simon.
• οἶδα (oida): I know. Perfect tense with present meaning, indicating certain knowledge.
• οἶδα (oida): Expresses confident knowledge and certainty.
• οἶδα (oida): "I know," indicating firm conviction based on witness and understanding.
• Κύριός (Kyrios): Lord. Title of divine authority and mastery.
• Κύριός (Kyrios): Denotes lordship and deity.
• ἐστιν (estin): Is. Present tense of the verb "to be."
• ἐστιν (estin): Affirming Jesus' current existence and identity.
• ὁ (ho): The. Definite article.
• Κύριος (Kyrios): Lord.

Group Analysis:

• "The disciple whom Jesus loved": This phrase designates John, the author, as revealed by his consistent self-reference in this Gospel (John 19:26; 21:20). It emphasizes intimacy and spiritual insight granted by Jesus' favor.
• "said to Peter": Highlights the unique, often direct communication Jesus has with Peter, even after his denial.
• "I know that it is the Lord": This is a declarative statement of absolute certainty, stemming not just from sight, but from deep relational knowledge. The recognition transcends the physical appearance to the spiritual essence of the resurrected Christ.

John 21 7 Bonus Section

The number 153 in the catch of fish has been a subject of much discussion. Ancient Greek naturalists knew of 153 different species of fish. This large, specific number can symbolize the completeness of the catch, representing all nations or the entirety of God's redeemed people being gathered under Christ’s authority. This mirrors Jesus' earlier statement in John 10:16 about other sheep not of this fold. It also subtly connects to the disciples' initial calling as "fishers of men" (Mark 1:17). Peter's response, casting himself into the water to get to Jesus faster, shows a contrast to his denial; he is now unafraid and eager to approach Christ.

John 21 7 Commentary

The recognition of Jesus by the beloved disciple signifies more than just seeing Him. It reflects a profound, intimate understanding developed through close relationship. Peter’s immediate, and somewhat impulsive, reaction of putting on his outer garment demonstrates his renewed zeal and desire to be near Jesus, echoing his past, though now redeemed, eagerness. This interaction shows Jesus restoring Peter to ministry and fellowship after his failures. The emphasis on "the Lord" points to the disciples' affirmation of Jesus' divinity and resurrection power, as this post-resurrection encounter validates His claims and authority. The context of the miraculous catch of fish reinforces Jesus' continuing provision and sovereignty over creation, even as He calls His disciples back to their primary mission.