John 21:18
What does John 21:18 mean?
A plain-English look at John 21:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 21:18 means
Jesus then shifted the conversation to Peter's future, speaking prophetically about his martyrdom. He contrasted Peter's youthful freedom, where he could go wherever he wished, with his old age, when he would stretch out his hands—a gesture often associated with crucifixion and surrender—and be led by another to a place he would not willingly choose. This prophetic word from Jesus revealed the difficult path Peter would eventually take, signifying his ultimate sacrifice for Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Truly I say to you, When you were young, you made yourself ready and went wherever you had a desire to go: but when you are old, you will put out your hands and another will make you ready, and you will be taken where you have no desire to go.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862verily, verily, I say to thee, When thou wast younger, thou wast girding thyself and wast walking whither thou didst will, but when thou mayest be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another will gird thee, and shall carry <FI> thee<Fi> whither thou dost not will;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Amen, amen, I say to thee, When thou wast younger, thou didst gird thyself and didst walk where thou wouldst. But when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee and lead thee whither thou wouldst not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Verily, verily, I say to thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst where thou desiredst; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and bring thee where thou dost not desire.
Context
Following Peter's profound restoration and commission, this verse introduces a significant prophecy about Peter's future martyrdom. This shift from pastoral care to personal destiny provides a sobering yet honorable perspective on Peter's commitment to Christ. This foreshadowing of Peter's death sets the stage for the next verse, which explains the meaning of Jesus' words and then gives Peter a direct command.
v.17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
v.18This passage
v.19Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 12:3
And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And those were the days of unleavened bread.
- John 13:36
Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.
- Acts 21:11
And coming to us, and taking Paul’s girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
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