John 21:9 kjv
As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
John 21:9 nkjv
Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.
John 21:9 niv
When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
John 21:9 esv
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.
John 21:9 nlt
When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them ? fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.
John 21 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 21:9 | …fire…fish…bread laid thereon. | Jesus provides sustenance after disciples fished all night. |
| Exodus 3:2 | Angel of the LORD appeared… in a flame of fire. | God's presence often revealed in fire. |
| 1 Kings 19:5-6 | Angel prepared food (cake and water). | Divine provision mirroring the present. |
| Matthew 4:11 | Angels came and attended Him. | Jesus' needs were met supernaturally. |
| Matthew 14:17-21 | Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes. | Jesus' power to provide abundantly. |
| Mark 8:6-9 | Jesus multiplied seven loaves and a few small fishes. | Further evidence of Jesus' power to provide. |
| Luke 24:42-43 | Gave Him a piece of broiled fish and honeycomb. | Jesus ate with disciples, confirming His resurrection. |
| John 20:26-29 | Jesus appeared to disciples, they were convinced. | Manifestations proving Jesus' presence. |
| John 21:4 | Jesus stood on the shore… the disciples did not know it was Jesus. | Jesus' resurrected body's altered appearance. |
| John 1:1 | In the beginning was the Word… | Jesus as divine Creator and sustainer. |
| Colossians 1:17 | He is before all things, and in him all things consist. | Jesus as the one who holds all things together. |
| Hebrews 1:3 | Upholds all things by the word of His power. | Christ's active sustaining power. |
| Isaiah 43:2 | When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… | God's constant presence and protection. |
| Psalm 23:5 | You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. | God's provision in difficult circumstances. |
| Jeremiah 29:11 | For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper… | God's knowledge of and care for His people. |
| Revelation 3:20 | Behold, I stand at the door, and knock… | Jesus' desire for fellowship and communion. |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | Whether you eat or drink, do all to the glory of God. | Every aspect of life is for God's glory. |
| Romans 8:28 | All things work together for good to those who love God. | God's purpose even in hardship. |
| Philippians 4:19 | My God shall supply all your need according to His riches. | Divine provision for believers' needs. |
| 1 Peter 5:7 | Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. | God's loving concern for His children. |
John 21 verses
John 21 9 Meaning
This verse describes the appearance of a charcoal fire with fish laid upon it, and bread. This imagery highlights the practical and tangible provision of Jesus for His disciples after their arduous and fruitless night of fishing. It signifies not just physical sustenance but also Jesus' care, oversight, and His supernatural knowledge of their situation.
John 21 9 Context
This event occurs in the period immediately following Jesus' resurrection. The disciples, including Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two other unnamed disciples, had returned to their former occupation of fishing at the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee). After a night of no success in fishing, Jesus, unrecognized at first, stood on the shore and instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, which resulted in a miraculous catch of 153 large fish. This incident immediately precedes and leads into the conversation where Jesus serves them the prepared breakfast of fish and bread.
John 21 9 Word Analysis
Now as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.
- Now (νῦν - nun): Indicates present time, connecting to the preceding event.
- as they had come to land (ὡς δὲ ἦλθαν εἰς τὴν γῆν - hōs de ēltan eis tēn gēn): Describes their arrival onshore. "Gēn" means earth or land.
- they saw (θεωροῦσιν - theōrousin): They observed, perceived, or beheld. This is an active present participle, emphasizing their ongoing perception.
- a fire of coals (ἀνθρακιὰν - anthrakian): A small bed of glowing embers or charcoal. This detail implies preparation and warmth, a place where cooking is happening. It's a very specific term, not just "fire."
- there (κεῖσθαι - keisthai): To be lying or placed. This indicates the fish and bread were already there, presented.
- and fish (ὄψον - opson): Cooked food, typically fish in this context. It refers to something eaten with bread.
- laid on it ( ἐπικειμένην - epikiménēn): Placed upon, covering it.
- and bread (καὶ ἄρτον - kai arton): "Arton" means bread.
Word-by-word group analysis:
- "fire of coals there" (ἀνθρακιὰν κεῖσθαι - anthrakian keisthai): The presence of a prepared, glowing fire suggests a deliberate setup, not just an accidental fire. This hints at the forethought and supernatural arrangement by Jesus.
- "fish laid on it, and bread" (ὄψον ἐπικειμένην καὶ ἄρτον - opson epikiménēn kai arton): The combination of fish and bread signifies a complete, ready meal, ready for consumption, again emphasizing Jesus' provision and anticipation of their needs. The word "opsom" is broader than just fish but the context strongly suggests it refers to the fish they had just caught.
John 21 9 Bonus Section
The specific number of 153 fish caught in the preceding verse is often seen as symbolic by commentators, potentially referencing the total number of known fish species at the time or a larger spiritual harvest of souls. The charcoal fire (anthrakian) is a subtle but significant detail. Peter, who would later deny Jesus three times, had warmed himself by a charcoal fire during Jesus' trial (John 18:18). Jesus’ act of providing a meal around a similar charcoal fire can be interpreted as a symbolic restoration of Peter, meeting him at a point of weakness and gently guiding him back to His service. It’s a beautiful picture of divine grace offering a new beginning.
John 21 9 Commentary
Jesus' preparation of breakfast on the shore is a profound display of His continued care and active involvement in His disciples' lives, even after His resurrection. It’s not merely a meal; it's a relational moment that reinforces their identity as His followers. The scene mirrors Old Testament accounts of divine provision and revelation, linking Jesus to God’s enduring faithfulness. His ability to prepare a meal while the disciples are out at sea, and their initial inability to recognize Him, speaks to the transformational nature of His resurrected body and the spiritual discernment required to know Him. This act is a powerful precursor to the command Jesus will give Peter to feed His sheep, emphasizing responsibility and renewed purpose.