Devine Scripture

John 21:19

What does John 21:19 mean?

A plain-English look at John 21:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 21:19 means

The evangelist explicitly clarifies that Jesus' words about Peter's old age and being led by another were a prophecy. This prophecy signified the specific manner of death by which Peter would glorify God, indicating martyrdom. Immediately after this revelation, Jesus gave Peter a personal, direct, and life-defining command: "Follow me." This command, echoing Peter's original call, now carried the profound weight of selfless discipleship, even unto death, affirming his restored relationship and commissioning.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now this he said, pointing out the sort of death by which he would give God glory. And after saying this, he said to him, Come after me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and this he said, signifying by what death he shall glorify God; and having said this, he saith to him, `Be following me.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And this he said, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said this, he saith to him: Follow me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he said this signifying by what death he should glorifyGod. And having said this, he says to him, Follow me.

Context

This verse directly interprets Jesus' prophetic words about Peter's death, clearly identifying it as a martyrdom by which Peter would glorify God. This explanation provides clarity and gravity to the previous verse. It immediately follows with Jesus' powerful command, "Follow me," which serves as both a summation of Peter's restored calling and a transition to the subsequent exchange about the fate of the 'disciple whom Jesus loved.'

v.18Verily, 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.

v.19This passage

v.20Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also leaned back on his breast at the supper, and said, Lord, who is he that betrayeth thee?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Numbers 14:24

    but my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

  • John 12:26

    If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.

  • 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.

  • 1 Samuel 12:20

    And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have indeed done all this evil; yet turn not aside from following Jehovah, but serve Jehovah with all your heart:

  • 1 Peter 4:11

    if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  • John 21:22

    Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

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