John 21:13

KJV

Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} then {G3767} cometh {G2064}, and {G2532} taketh {G2983} bread {G740}, and {G2532} giveth {G1325} them {G846}, and {G2532} fish {G3795} likewise {G3668}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and He did the same with the fish.

American Standard Version

Jesus cometh, and taketh the bread, and giveth them, and the fish likewise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:13 captures a profoundly intimate moment following Jesus' resurrection, where the Risen Lord personally serves His disciples bread and fish on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. This act of humble provision, occurring after a miraculous catch of fish, underscores Jesus' continued care for His followers' physical and spiritual needs, His identity as the divine provider, and the restoration of fellowship with His disciples, particularly Peter. It is a scene rich with theological implications, revealing the servanthood of the resurrected Christ and the continuity of His ministry of sustenance and communion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 21 serves as an epilogue to John's Gospel, providing a final, tender post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to His disciples, particularly focusing on Peter's restoration. The preceding verses (John 21:1-8) set the scene: Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two other unnamed disciples return to their former occupation of fishing on the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). After a fruitless night, the unrecognized Jesus instructs them from the shore to cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in an overwhelming catch of 153 large fish. This miraculous provision immediately triggers John's recognition of Jesus, leading Peter to impulsively swim ashore. Upon their arrival, they discover a charcoal fire already burning, with fish laid on it and bread (John 21:9). Verse 13 then describes Jesus' direct action of serving this meal to them, a gesture of profound intimacy and humility that solidifies His continued presence and care.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting on the Sea of Galilee (also known as the Sea of Tiberias) was a familiar environment for many of these disciples, as it was their livelihood. Fishing was a primary industry in the region, and bread and fish formed the staple diet of the common people. Shared meals in ancient Near Eastern culture were far more than mere sustenance; they were deeply significant acts of fellowship, reconciliation, and covenant. To eat with someone signified acceptance, intimacy, and shared life. For Jesus, the resurrected Lord, to prepare and serve a meal for His disciples, especially after Peter's denial, carried immense cultural weight, symbolizing not only provision but also forgiveness, restoration, and renewed communion. This domestic, personal act contrasts with the more formal or dramatic public appearances, highlighting the depth of Jesus' relationship with His chosen ones.
* **Key Themes:** John 21:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Jesus' Servanthood and Humility**. Despite His glorious resurrection, Jesus does not demand service but provides it, embodying the ultimate example of servant leadership He taught throughout His ministry (compare [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Secondly, the scene emphasizes **Divine Provision**. Jesus, the resurrected Lord, is the ultimate provider, not only orchestrating the miraculous catch of fish (John 21:6) but also personally preparing and serving the sustenance, demonstrating His faithful care for His followers' physical and spiritual needs (see also [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Thirdly, this shared meal represents a profound moment of **Restoration and Fellowship**, particularly for Peter, who had denied Jesus three times. The intimate communion around the fire symbolizes a return to normalcy and renewed relationship with their Lord, echoing the charcoal fire where Peter's denial occurred. Finally, the act of breaking bread and sharing fish establishes **Continuity and Fulfillment**, echoing previous miraculous feedings, such as the [feeding of the five thousand](/john/6-11 "John 6:11 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand") (John 6:11), linking Jesus' pre-resurrection ministry with His post-resurrection presence and affirming His unchanging identity and power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **giveth (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies "to give" in a very wide application, encompassing bestowing, delivering, granting, offering, and even ministering. In John 21:13, it highlights Jesus' active, intentional, and personal act of bestowing the bread and fish upon His disciples. It is a direct and generous act of provision, not merely making food available, but physically handing it to them, emphasizing His role as the provider and servant.
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb means "to come or go" in a variety of applications, literally and figuratively. Here, it describes Jesus' physical movement towards the disciples. The use of "cometh" emphasizes His active initiative and presence. He doesn't merely wait for them; He moves towards them, signifying His willingness to engage with them intimately and personally, bridging the gap between His resurrected state and their earthly reality.
* **taketh (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb means "to take," "to get hold of," or "to receive." In this context, it describes Jesus' action of taking the bread and fish from the fire. This is not a passive receipt but an active appropriation of the food for the purpose of distribution. It underscores His agency in preparing and serving the meal, demonstrating His hands-on involvement in caring for His disciples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus then cometh":** This phrase emphasizes Jesus' deliberate and active movement towards the disciples. The word "then" (οὖν, _oûn_) suggests a logical progression from the previous events – the miraculous catch and the disciples coming ashore. It highlights Jesus' initiative in approaching them, not waiting for them to come to Him, signifying His desire for intimate fellowship and His role as the one who draws near.
* **"and taketh bread":** This clause describes Jesus' physical action of taking the bread. This is an intentional act, not merely observing the food. He actively "takes" it, implying His direct involvement in preparing and serving the meal. This action, coupled with His subsequent "giving," underscores His role as the provider and host, reminiscent of His actions during the feeding miracles.
* **"and giveth them":** This is the core action of the verse, where Jesus personally hands the bread to the disciples. The verb "giveth" (δίδωσιν, _dídōsin_) signifies a direct, generous, and deliberate bestowal. This act of giving is profoundly significant, demonstrating His humility, love, and continued care for their physical needs, even after His resurrection. It is a deeply personal and pastoral gesture.
* **"and fish likewise":** This final clause indicates that Jesus performed the same action with the fish, providing it to them in the same manner as the bread. The word "likewise" (ὁμοίως, _homoíōs_) ensures that the full provision of the meal—both staple elements—is attributed to Jesus' direct service. It completes the picture of His comprehensive provision and gracious hospitality.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the bread and fish not only representing physical sustenance but also echoing earlier miraculous feedings (e.g., [John 6:11](/john/6-11 "John 6:11 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")), thereby affirming Jesus' identity as the divine provider and the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The shared meal itself symbolizes **fellowship** and **restoration**, particularly for Peter, who is about to be reinstated. There is a subtle **irony** in the Risen Lord, who holds all authority, humbling Himself to serve His disciples, contrasting divine power with profound humility. The scene's **intimacy** and **domesticity** provide a stark contrast to the dramatic events of the crucifixion and resurrection, emphasizing a return to personal communion and the gentle, pastoral side of Jesus. The **repetition** of Jesus providing bread and fish throughout His ministry acts as a literary echo, reinforcing His consistent character and mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:13 offers a profound theological statement about the nature of the resurrected Christ and His ongoing relationship with His followers. It reveals that Jesus' post-resurrection existence is not merely spiritual or ethereal, but deeply personal, physical, and relational. His act of serving the meal underscores His unwavering commitment to His disciples' well-being, demonstrating that His divine power is always coupled with humble, compassionate care. This scene reinforces the truth that the Risen Lord continues to be the ultimate provider, sustaining His people not only spiritually through His Word and presence but also tangibly in their daily lives. It is a powerful illustration of divine grace meeting human need in the most intimate of settings, foreshadowing the continuous provision and fellowship believers experience in Christ.

* [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"): "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
* [Luke 24:30-31](/luke/24-30-31 "Luke 24:30-31 - Jesus Revealed at Emmaus"): "And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight."
* [Matthew 14:19-20](/matthew/14-19-20 "Matthew 14:19-20 - Feeding the Five Thousand"): "And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in John 21:13 offers a tender and powerful reminder of Jesus' enduring love and care for His people. It challenges us to recognize the Risen Lord's presence not only in grand, miraculous displays but also in the simple, ordinary acts of daily life. Jesus, the Lord of glory, does not stand aloof but actively engages with our human needs, providing for us and desiring intimate fellowship. This verse calls us to embrace a posture of humble service, following Christ's example of ministering to others rather than seeking to be served. Just as Jesus provided physical nourishment, He continues to offer spiritual sustenance through His Word and the Holy Spirit, inviting us into deeper communion with Him. It encourages us to trust in His faithful provision in all circumstances and to extend His love and service to those around us, recognizing that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in serving others with humility and compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' act of serving in John 21:13 challenge your understanding of leadership and authority?**
* **In what ways do you see Jesus providing for your physical and spiritual needs in your daily life?**
* **How can you emulate Jesus' humble servanthood in your relationships and community today?**
* **What does this intimate meal scene teach you about the nature of fellowship with the Risen Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus personally serve the disciples bread and fish?**

Answer: Jesus' act of personally serving the disciples in [John 21:13](/john/21-13 "John 21:13 - Jesus Serves His Disciples") is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates His **humility and servanthood**. Even as the resurrected Lord, He did not demand to be served but chose to minister to His disciples, embodying the very teaching He gave throughout His ministry (e.g., [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Secondly, it was an act of **intimate fellowship and restoration**. After Peter's denial, this shared meal around a charcoal fire (echoing the fire where Peter denied Him) served as a powerful symbol of forgiveness, reconciliation, and renewed communion, preparing the way for Peter's reinstatement in the subsequent verses. Thirdly, it underscored Jesus' identity as the **divine provider**, assuring His disciples of His continued care for their physical and spiritual needs.

**What is the significance of bread and fish in this context?**

Answer: Bread and fish were staple foods in Galilee, making this a very ordinary and relatable meal. However, in the context of Jesus' ministry, they carry deeper significance. The **bread** often symbolizes sustenance, life, and even Jesus Himself as the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The **fish**, especially after the miraculous catch, represents divine provision and abundance. Together, they echo Jesus' earlier miracles of feeding the multitudes ([Matthew 14:19-20](/matthew/14-19-20 "Matthew 14:19-20 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), reinforcing the continuity of His power and care. This meal, therefore, is not just about physical nourishment but also about spiritual sustenance and the abundant life Jesus offers.

**Is this meal a form of communion or a foreshadowing of the Eucharist?**

Answer: While not the Last Supper or a formal institution of the Eucharist, this meal shares thematic connections and echoes with communion. Like the Eucharist, it is a shared meal initiated by Jesus, involving bread, and fostering intimate fellowship with Him. The disciples' recognition of Jesus at the breaking of bread in the Emmaus account ([Luke 24:30-31](/luke/24-30-31 "Luke 24:30-31 - Jesus Revealed at Emmaus")) also highlights the significance of such meals in recognizing the Risen Lord. This post-resurrection breakfast serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' continued presence, provision, and desire for communion with His followers, much like the spiritual nourishment and fellowship experienced in the Eucharist. It emphasizes that Christ is truly present when His people gather around Him, receiving His gifts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 21:13, with Jesus personally serving bread and fish to His disciples, beautifully encapsulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This act of humble servanthood by the resurrected Lord is the ultimate demonstration of the "Son of Man who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). It foreshadows Jesus' ongoing role as the great High Priest who continually intercedes for and ministers to His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")). The provision of bread and fish by the Risen Christ points to Him as the ultimate source of all sustenance, both physical and spiritual, fulfilling the promise that He is the "Bread of Life" who satisfies all hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Furthermore, this intimate meal on the shore serves as a tender precursor to the glorious heavenly banquet, the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where believers will feast eternally in perfect communion with their Lord. Thus, John 21:13 is not merely a historical account but a living testament to Christ's unchanging character, His faithful provision, and His eternal desire for intimate fellowship with His redeemed people, a reality secured by His death and resurrection and sustained by His ongoing ministry.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 21:9

As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

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.

Luke 24:42

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

Luke 24:43

And he took [it], and did eat before them.