John 21:23
What does John 21:23 mean?
A plain-English look at John 21:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 21:23 means
As a result of Jesus' statement, a misunderstanding spread among the believers that the beloved disciple would not die. However, the Gospel writer clarifies that Jesus did not actually say John would not die; rather, He framed it as a hypothetical possibility, focusing on Peter's personal responsibility. This correction serves to prevent misinterpretation and underscores the importance of accurately understanding Jesus' words, preventing the creation of false doctrines or expectations among the early Christian community.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This saying therefore went forth among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, that he should not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This saying therefore went forth among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, that he should not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So this saying went about among the brothers that this disciple would not undergo death: Jesus, however, did not say that he would not undergo death, but, If it is my desire for him to be here till I come back, what is that to you?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862yet Jesus did not say to him, that he doth not die, but, `If him I will to remain till I come, what--to thee?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say to him: He should not die; but: So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This word therefore went out among the brethren, That disciple does not die. And Jesus did not say to him, He does not die; but, If I will that he abide until I come, what [is that] to thee?
Context
This verse addresses a crucial point of clarification, correcting a widespread misunderstanding that arose from Jesus' words in the previous verse. This correction is important for the historical accuracy of the Gospel and for preventing theological errors among the early believers. It underscores the careful attention to detail by the evangelist and sets the stage for John's personal affirmation of his eyewitness testimony.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 4:35
and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
- Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.
- Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong unto Jehovah our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
- Acts 1:15
And in these days Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, and said (and there was a multitude of persons gathered together, about a hundred and twenty),
- Job 33:13
Why dost thou strive against him, For that he giveth not account of any of his matters?
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