John 21:5
What does John 21:5 mean?
A plain-English look at John 21:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 21:5 means
Jesus, still unrecognized, called out to them from the shore, addressing them as "Children," a term of endearment, and inquired if they had caught any food. Their direct and honest answer, "No," confirms their prior lack of success and underscores their need. This simple question serves as an invitation for interaction and sets the stage for Jesus to reveal His power and provision, even in seemingly mundane circumstances. His question points to a deeper spiritual hunger.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So Jesus said to them, Children, have you taken any fish? They made answer, No.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus, therefore, saith to them, `Lads, have ye any meat?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus therefore said to them: Children, have you any meat? They answered him: No.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus therefore says to them, Children, have ye anything to eat? They answered him, No.
Context
After Jesus appears on the shore unrecognized, this verse captures His first words to the disciples. His question about their catch and their negative response immediately establishes their need and emphasizes their human limitation. This interaction sets the stage for Jesus' divine instruction and the subsequent miraculous provision that will lead to His recognition.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- 1 John 2:18
Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour.
- Hebrews 13:5
Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.
- 1 John 2:13
I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father.
- Psalms 37:3
Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.
- Luke 24:41
And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here anything to eat?
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