John 21 8

John 21:8 kjv

And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

John 21:8 nkjv

But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.

John 21:8 niv

The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.

John 21:8 esv

The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

John 21:8 nlt

The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore.

John 21 verses

John 21 8 Meaning

John 21:8 describes the other disciples, distinct from Peter who had already gone ahead, bringing their small fishing boat to shore. They were close to the land, approximately two hundred cubits (about 300 feet or 90 meters) away. The passage emphasizes their collective physical effort of dragging the net, heavy with a miraculous catch of fish, towards the land. This action underscores their obedient and collaborative response to Jesus' instruction, securing the abundance He provided after their night of futile labor.

John 21 8 Context

This verse is part of John chapter 21, the third post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to His disciples, specifically seven of them, by the Sea of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee). Earlier in the chapter, the disciples, led by Peter, had decided to go fishing (Jn 21:3) after a night of catching nothing (Jn 21:3-4). As morning broke, Jesus appeared on the shore but was unrecognized (Jn 21:4-5). He instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, leading to a massive catch that they could barely haul in (Jn 21:6). It was at this point that John recognized Jesus and told Peter (Jn 21:7). Peter, in his characteristic impulsive way, immediately jumped into the sea to meet Jesus, while the other disciples are left to deal with the practical task of bringing the miraculous catch to shore. The historical context shows these men, originally fishermen, returning to their familiar trade, perhaps questioning their future after Jesus' death and resurrection, only to be redirected and re-commissioned by the Lord.

John 21 8 Word analysis

• But: Greek δὲ (de). Often marks a transition or contrast. Here, it contrasts the actions of "the other disciples" with Peter's immediate, individual, and eager action of jumping into the sea (Jn 21:7). It highlights two different, yet complementary, responses to Jesus' presence and provision.
• the other disciples: Greek οἱ δὲ ἄλλοι μαθηταὶ (hoi de alloi mathētai). Refers to the remaining disciples in the boat (likely John, James, Thomas, Nathanael, and two other unnamed disciples, per Jn 21:2), distinct from Peter. Their practical, collaborative labor brings the fruit of Jesus' miracle to fruition, representing the collective effort required in ministry.
• came: Greek ἦλθον (ēlthon). Simple past tense of "to come." Denotes their arrival or approach towards the land. This is a deliberate, directed movement.
• in the small boat: Greek ἐν τῷ πλοιαρίῳ (en tō ploiariō). Ploiarion is a diminutive of ploion (boat/ship), emphasizing it was a typical, perhaps modest, fishing skiff. This underscores the ordinary means through which an extraordinary miracle was experienced, a recurring theme in the Gospels. The smaller size might also emphasize the remarkable size of the catch it now contained or was meant to hold.
• for they were not far from the land: Greek οὐ γὰρ ἦσαν μακρὰν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς (ou gar ēsan makran apo tēs gēs). Provides the reason or explanation (γὰρ - for) for their ability to drag the net rather than sail the boat. It clarifies the immediate geographical setting of the miracle and the subsequent labor.
• but about two hundred cubits off: Greek ἀλλὰ ὡς διακοσίων πηχῶν (alla hōs diakosión pēchōn). A precise measurement, about 300 feet or 90 meters. This detail emphasizes their close proximity to shore, making the arduous task of dragging the net feasible. It grounds the miraculous event in a tangible, reportable reality, affirming the witness's observation.
• dragging: Greek σύροντες (syrontes). Present active participle, describing the continuous and effortful action. This verb implies resistance and difficulty, suggesting the net was very heavy. It emphasizes the physical exertion involved in bringing in such an abundant catch.
• the net: Greek τὸ δίκτυον (to diktyon). The same fishing net they had used fruitlessly all night, now overflowing. This signifies the transformed outcome when ordinary efforts are subjected to divine instruction.
• with the fish: Greek τῶν ἰχθύων (tōn ichthyōn). This genitive plural indicates the net was laden with fish. This final phrase clarifies the burden and the triumph, the visible sign of Jesus' powerful provision and their obedient success.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "But the other disciples came in the small boat": Highlights a communal, practical response compared to Peter's individual, impulsive one. It shows their duty-bound action of operating the vessel, an integral part of their profession and the logistical next step after such a massive catch.
• "(for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits off)": This parenthetical explanation justifies the next action. It roots the extraordinary event in a mundane geographical fact, making the narrative plausible for the reader and underscoring the exactness of the eyewitness account. It clarifies why dragging was preferable to sailing with such a heavy load.
• "dragging the net with the fish": This phrase encapsulates the central action of the verse: strenuous, united labor bringing in the fruit of Jesus' miraculous power. The "dragging" (syrontes) depicts a struggle, illustrating the immense weight of the catch, while "the net with the fish" represents the tangible outcome of obedience to Christ.

John 21 8 Bonus section

• The Weight of the Catch: Although the number "153" is not mentioned until verse 11, the "dragging the net with the fish" in verse 8 clearly implies an immense and unusually heavy load, almost tearing the net (implicitly) if not for the divine touch. This sets the anticipation for the remarkable count revealed later.
• Contrast of Temperaments: The differing reactions of Peter (impulsive, direct to Jesus) and the "other disciples" (methodical, task-focused) are frequently noted by scholars. Both responses are valid and necessary for the functioning of a group or the church; Peter represents bold spiritual initiative, while the others embody steady, practical work.
• Practicality of Measurement: The detail of "two hundred cubits" demonstrates the precision of an eyewitness account and offers insight into the practical challenge of landing such a massive catch from a short distance to the shore, confirming the disciples' expertise in fishing tactics under these unique circumstances.

John 21 8 Commentary

John 21:8 paints a picture of practical obedience and communal labor following a miraculous divine provision. While Peter rushed to meet Jesus personally, the other disciples engaged in the essential, strenuous work of securing the abundance. This highlights that following Christ involves not only fervent devotion but also diligent, cooperative effort in bringing forth the fruit of His blessings. The detail of the "small boat" and the "two hundred cubits" underscores the tangible reality of the miracle and the subsequent hard work required, even for an extraordinary harvest. It reminds us that God's miraculous provision often requires human collaboration and exertion to fully gather and utilize. It sets the stage for the coming discussions between Jesus and Peter regarding spiritual shepherding, reminding Peter (and us) of the practical responsibility accompanying divine calling. This verse provides an important illustration that ministry, whether spiritual "fishing" or "dragging the net," often involves shared effort, persistence, and practical application to handle the bounty God provides.