John 21:8
What does John 21:8 mean?
A plain-English look at John 21:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 21:8 means
While Peter swam to shore, the other disciples followed in their small fishing boat. They were not far from land, only about two hundred cubits (approximately one hundred yards), and slowly made their way, dragging the immense net still full of fish. Their more cautious approach contrasts with Peter's haste but still demonstrates their commitment to bring the miraculous catch to shore. This detail emphasizes the tangible reality of the miracle and the disciples' shared experience of Jesus' provision.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits off), dragging the net full of fishes.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits off), dragging the net full of fishes.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the other disciples came in the little boat (they were not far from land, only about two hundred cubits off) pulling the net full of fish.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the other disciples came by the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but as it were about two hundred cubits off, dragging the net of the fishes;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But the other disciples came in the ship (for they were not far from the land, but as it were two hundred cubits) dragging the net with fishes.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and the other disciples came in the small boat, for they were not far from the land, but somewhere about two hundred cubits, dragging the net of fishes.
Context
This verse provides a contrasting detail to Peter's impulsive plunge into the sea. It shows the more practical actions of the other disciples in bringing the boat and the miraculous catch to shore. This maintains the narrative flow, bringing all the disciples to the same location as Jesus on the shore, setting the stage for the breakfast meal and the subsequent profound conversation.
v.7That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea.
v.8This passage
v.9So when they got out upon the land, they see a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
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