John 21:12

Jesus saith unto them, Come [and] dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Come {G1205} and dine {G709}. And {G1161} none {G3762} of the disciples {G3101} durst {G5111} ask {G1833} him {G846}, Who {G5101} art {G1488} thou {G4771}? knowing {G1492} that {G3754} it was {G2076} the Lord {G2962}.

Yeshua said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the talmidim dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

“Come, have breakfast,” Jesus said to them. None of the disciples dared to ask Him, “Who are You?” They knew it was the Lord.

Jesus saith unto them, Come and break your fast. And none of the disciples durst inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

John 21:12 captures a tender and significant moment during one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. After a miraculous catch of fish, echoing an earlier encounter, Jesus invites His weary disciples to a meal He has prepared.

Context

This verse is part of the final chapter of John's Gospel, which recounts Jesus' third major appearance to His disciples after His resurrection. The disciples, having returned to their former occupation of fishing, had toiled all night without success. Just as dawn was breaking, Jesus appeared on the shore, though they did not initially recognize Him. He instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, leading to an overwhelming catch of fish, so great they could not haul it in. This miraculous provision immediately prompted John to tell Peter, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7). Peter's impulsive jump into the sea to reach Jesus sets the stage for this intimate breakfast.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Care: Jesus, the risen Lord, is not distant but actively provides for His disciples' physical needs, preparing a meal for them. This demonstrates His continued care and pastoral role even after His resurrection.
  • Recognition of the Risen Christ: Though there might have been a moment of hesitation or awe ("none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou?"), their inner conviction was strong: "knowing that it was the Lord." This recognition was likely based on His words, His actions (the miraculous catch), and a spiritual discernment, rather than purely physical appearance, which sometimes varied in His post-resurrection state.
  • Intimacy and Fellowship: The invitation to "Come and dine" signifies more than just a meal; it's an invitation to intimate fellowship with the risen Lord. It foreshadows the ongoing relationship believers have with Christ, marked by His presence and provision. This scene can be seen as a deeply personal communion, reminiscent of the breaking of bread with the disciples at Emmaus.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Come and dine" translates the Greek word ἄριστον (ariston), which refers to a morning meal or breakfast. The disciples' hesitation, "none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou?", highlights their profound awe and reverence. The word "durst" (an archaic form of 'dared') emphasizes their reluctance to question what they already knew in their hearts. Their certainty came from an internal spiritual witness, reinforced by the miraculous event, rather than needing verbal confirmation.

Practical Application

John 21:12 reminds us that Jesus, even in His resurrected glory, remains intimately involved in the lives of His followers. He knows our needs, provides for us, and desires fellowship. For believers today, this verse offers comfort in knowing that Christ is present in our daily lives, offering sustenance and inviting us into His presence. It encourages us to cultivate a discerning heart, recognizing His hand in our circumstances and trusting in His divine care, just as the disciples recognized their Lord by the sea. It also speaks to the ongoing invitation to fellowship with Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 10:41

    Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

  • John 16:19

    Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

  • Luke 9:45

    But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

  • Genesis 32:29

    And Jacob asked [him], and said, Tell [me], I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore [is] it [that] thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

  • Genesis 32:30

    And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

  • John 21:15

    ¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

  • Mark 9:32

    But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

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