John 21:3
What does John 21:3 mean?
A plain-English look at John 21:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 21:3 means
Simon Peter, perhaps out of a desire to return to a familiar way of life or to simply do something productive, declared his intention to go fishing. The other disciples readily agreed to join him, indicating a shared sense of purpose or perhaps a lack of clear direction in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' resurrection and prior appearances. Despite their efforts throughout the entire night, they caught nothing, signifying their human limitations and foreshadowing the divine intervention that is soon to follow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Simon Peter said to them, I am going fishing. They said to him, And we will come with you. They went out and got into the boat; but that night they took no fish.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Simon Peter saith to them, `I go away to fish;' they say to him, `We go--we also--with thee;' they went forth and entered into the boat immediately, and on that night they caught nothing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Simon Peter saith to them: I go a fishing. They say to him: We also come with thee. And they went forth and entered into the ship: and that night they caught nothing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Simon Peter says to them, I go to fish. They say to him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and went on board, and that night took nothing.
Context
This verse describes the disciples' practical response to their situation and the prior encounters with the risen Lord. Their decision to go fishing, a return to their former occupation, creates an important juxtaposition with their calling to be 'fishers of men.' Their fruitless night sets up the miraculous intervention of Jesus, highlighting their need for His guidance and power beyond their own efforts.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9
For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
- 1 Corinthians 3:7
So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7
For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
- Acts 18:3
and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought; for by their trade they were tentmakers.
- Luke 5:5
And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets.
- Luke 5:10
and so were also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
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