Devine Scripture

John 21:4

What does John 21:4 mean?

A plain-English look at John 21:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 21:4 means

As day began to break, Jesus appeared on the shoreline. However, despite their close relationship with Him, the disciples did not recognize Him. This lack of immediate recognition, similar to other post-resurrection accounts, emphasizes the transformed nature of Jesus' resurrected body and the often spiritual, rather than purely physical, nature of discerning His presence. Their inability to recognize Him sets the stage for a dramatic revelation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now very early in the morning Jesus was there by the edge of the sea (though the disciples were not conscious that it was Jesus).

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And morning being now come, Jesus stood at the shore, yet indeed the disciples did not know that it is Jesus;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But when the morning was come, Jesus stood on the shore: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And early morn already breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; the disciples however did not know that it was Jesus.

Context

Following the disciples' unproductive night of fishing, this verse introduces Jesus' physical presence on the beach. Their initial failure to recognize Him is a key element, creating suspense and allowing Jesus to interact with them in a way that will make His identity undeniable through His actions. This unrecognized presence builds anticipation for the dramatic moment of revelation.

v.3Simon 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.

v.4This passage

v.5Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 24:15

    And it came to pass, while they communed and questioned together, that Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

  • Luke 24:31

    And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

  • Mark 16:12

    And after these things he was manifested in another form unto two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country.

  • John 20:14

    When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

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