John 20:21
What does John 20:21 mean?
A plain-English look at John 20:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 20:21 means
Jesus reiterated His greeting of "Peace be unto you," emphasizing the tranquility and spiritual blessing brought by His resurrection. He then declared a profound commissioning: "as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you." This statement establishes a direct continuity between His mission from the Father and the disciples' mission from Him, empowering them to carry forward the work of the Kingdom with the same divine authority and purpose, founded in the peace He provides.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Jesus said to them again, May peace be with you! As the Father sent me, even so I now send you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus, therefore, said to them again, `Peace to you; according as the Father hath sent me, I also send you;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[Jesus] said therefore again to them, Peace [be] to you: as the Father sent me forth, I also send you.
Context
This verse builds upon Jesus' initial appearance and the disciples' joy in verse 20. Having established His identity, Jesus now moves to commission His disciples. This declaration of their mission directly precedes the impartation of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the inseparable link between their calling and divine empowerment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
- Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
- John 17:18
As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world.
- John 3:17
For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.
- Isaiah 63:1
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
- John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
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