John 21:12
What does John 21:12 mean?
A plain-English look at John 21:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 21:12 means
Jesus then invited them to "Come and break your fast," indicating He was welcoming them to a communal meal, a symbol of fellowship and reconciliation. Even though they had not explicitly asked, the disciples understood without a doubt that it was the Lord. Their respectful silence and reluctance to directly inquire about His identity demonstrate their reverence and awe in the presence of their resurrected Master. They knew Him by His works and His presence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus saith unto them, Come and break your fast. And none of the disciples durst inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus saith unto them, Come and break your fast. And none of the disciples durst inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to them, Come and take some food. And all the disciples were in fear of putting the question, Who are you? being conscious that it was the Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to them, `Come ye, dine;' and none of the disciples was venturing to inquire of him, `Who art thou?' knowing that it is the Lord;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to them: Come and dine. And none of them who were at meat, durst ask him: Who art thou? Knowing that it was the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to them, Come [and] dine. But none of the disciples dared inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
Context
After gathering the fish, this verse describes Jesus' invitation to breakfast and the disciples' silent recognition of Him. This shared meal serves as a moment of quiet communion before the dramatic dialogue with Peter. The disciples' knowing but unspoken recognition of Jesus underscores the depth of their understanding and reverence, preparing the reader for the intimate exchanges to come.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 16:19
Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me?
- Genesis 32:29
And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
- Luke 9:45
But they understood not this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
- John 21:15
So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
- Acts 10:41
not to all the people, but unto witnesses that were chosen before of God, even to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
- Mark 9:32
But they understood not the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
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