John 21:18

KJV

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, When {G3753} thou wast {G2258} young {G3501}, thou girdedst {G2224} thyself {G4572}, and {G2532} walkedst {G4043} whither {G3699} thou wouldest {G2309}: but {G1161} when {G3752} thou shalt be old {G1095}, thou shalt stretch forth {G1614} thy {G4675} hands {G5495}, and {G2532} another {G243} shall gird {G2224} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} carry {G5342} thee whither {G3699} thou wouldest {G2309} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, indeed! I tell you, when you were younger, you put on your clothes and went where you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

Berean Standard Bible

Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

American Standard Version

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant prophecy to Simon Peter, Jesus foretells the apostle's future martyrdom, contrasting Peter's youthful independence with his eventual surrender to a path of suffering for Christ's sake. This statement, delivered after Peter's restoration and recommissioning, underscores the profound cost of discipleship while simultaneously affirming God's sovereign plan for His servants, culminating in Peter's glorification of God through his death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the powerful post-resurrection account of Jesus's appearance to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, specifically in [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples"). It immediately follows Peter's three-fold affirmation of love for Jesus and his subsequent threefold commission to "feed My lambs," "tend My sheep," and "feed My sheep" ([John 21:15-17](/john/21-15-17 "John 21:15-17 - Peter's Restoration and Commission")). This exchange serves as a profound moment of restoration for Peter, who had previously denied Jesus three times ([John 18:15-27](/john/18-15-27 "John 18:15-27 - Peter's Denial")). The prophecy in [John 21:18](/john/21-18 "John 21:18 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Death") transitions from Peter's past failures and present restoration to his future destiny, culminating in a solemn revelation about the manner of his death, which is explicitly interpreted in the very next verse ([John 21:19](/john/21-19 "John 21:19 - The Meaning of Peter's Death")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Roman societies, "girding oneself" (tying up loose outer garments with a belt or sash) was a common practice for preparing for work, travel, or any strenuous activity, signifying readiness and self-sufficiency. Conversely, being "girded by another" or having one's hands stretched forth and carried away evoked images of capture, imprisonment, or execution. Roman crucifixion, a common and brutal form of capital punishment, involved stretching out the victim's hands and often binding or nailing them to a crossbeam, followed by being carried to the execution site. The phrase "whither thou wouldest not" powerfully conveys the involuntary nature of such a fate, highlighting the loss of personal autonomy that accompanies martyrdom. This historical backdrop makes Jesus's prophecy particularly vivid and chilling for Peter, who would have understood the implications of such imagery.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and the broader New Testament. It powerfully illustrates the **cost of discipleship**, emphasizing that following Christ may involve profound suffering and even death, echoing Jesus's earlier teachings about taking up one's cross ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Taking Up One's Cross")). It highlights **divine foreknowledge and sovereignty**, as Jesus, with perfect prescience, reveals Peter's ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating God's meticulous plan for His servants and the future of the Church. Furthermore, it showcases the theme of **transformation from self-will to surrender**, contrasting Peter's youthful independence with his eventual complete submission to God's will, even unto a martyr's death, which would ultimately bring glory to God ([John 21:19](/john/21-19 "John 21:19 - Peter's Glorification of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** From Hebrew origin, meaning "firm" or "trustworthy." When doubled ("Verily, verily"), as it often is on Jesus's lips, it introduces a statement of utmost solemnity, truth, and certainty, demanding the hearer's full attention and belief in the absolute veracity of what is about to be declared. It underscores the divine authority behind the prophecy.
* **Girdedst (Greek, _zṓnnymi'_):** To bind about, especially with a belt. This term refers to the ancient practice of securing loose outer garments, allowing for freedom of movement and readiness for activity. In the context of Peter's youth, it signifies his self-sufficiency, his ability to prepare himself and go wherever he desired, indicative of personal freedom and control over his own destiny.
* **Stretch forth (Greek, _ekteínō'_):** From "ek" (out of) and "teino" (to stretch), meaning to extend or put forth. This specific action, coupled with the subsequent mention of "hands," carries a strong connotation of being bound or affixed, particularly in the context of ancient execution methods. It vividly points to the involuntary nature of Peter's future posture, widely understood as the prelude to crucifixion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto thee":** This emphatic double "Amen" serves as Jesus's solemn introduction, signaling the profound truth and prophetic weight of the statement that follows. It underscores the divine authority and certainty of the revelation Peter is about to receive.
* **"When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest":** This clause describes Peter's past and present life of relative freedom and self-determination. In his youth, he had the autonomy to prepare himself for action and to choose his own path, going wherever his will directed him. This sets up a stark contrast with the future Jesus is about to reveal.
* **"but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not":** This is the core of the prophecy. The shift from "young" to "old" signifies a significant life transition. "Stretch forth thy hands" is widely interpreted as the act of being extended on a cross. "Another shall gird thee" implies being bound or prepared for execution by someone else, signifying a complete loss of personal control. Finally, "carry thee whither thou wouldest not" explicitly states that Peter's ultimate journey would be involuntary, a path of suffering and death not of his own choosing, yet one ordained by God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central, juxtaposing Peter's youthful independence ("girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest") with his old-age surrender ("another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not"). This stark opposition highlights the radical shift from self-will to divine will in Peter's life. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play; "girding oneself" symbolizes autonomy and preparedness, while "stretching forth hands" and being "girded by another" are symbolic of crucifixion and martyrdom. The phrase "whither thou wouldest not" serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at a difficult and involuntary path. The entire statement functions as a **prophecy**, a divine utterance about future events, demonstrating Jesus's omniscience and God's sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This prophecy speaks volumes about the nature of true discipleship and God's sovereign plan. It reveals that following Christ to the end may require a complete surrender of one's will, even to the point of death. Peter's journey from a self-reliant fisherman to a martyred apostle exemplifies the transformative power of God's grace, enabling a once-denying disciple to glorify God through ultimate sacrifice. It underscores that God's purposes for His servants are often fulfilled through paths of suffering, which, though not chosen by human will, are nevertheless part of His perfect design for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Matthew 10:38](/matthew/10-38 "Matthew 10:38 - Taking Up the Cross")
* [Philippians 1:20](/philippians/1-20 "Philippians 1:20 - Glorifying Christ in Life and Death")
* [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12-13 "1 Peter 4:12-13 - Suffering for Christ's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus's words to Peter serve as a profound reminder that the Christian life is not merely about personal comfort or self-fulfillment, but about radical surrender to God's will, even when that will leads through challenging and painful circumstances. Peter, who once vehemently denied Jesus out of fear, is here called to a future where he will embrace suffering for Christ's name, ultimately glorifying God through his death. This transformation is a powerful testament to the restorative grace of Jesus and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. For us today, it challenges us to examine our own commitment: are we willing to follow Christ wherever He leads, even if it means sacrificing our own desires, comfort, or even our lives? Our "youth" may represent our season of independence, where we choose our paths, but our "old age" (metaphorically, our season of ultimate surrender) calls us to trust God's sovereign hand, knowing that His plan, though it may involve hardship, is always for His glory and our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I still "girding myself" and walking "whither I would," rather than fully surrendering to God's leading?**
* **How does Peter's journey from denial to prophesied martyrdom encourage me in my own struggles with faith and obedience?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "stretch forth my hands" and allow "another to gird me" in my walk with Christ today?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that glorifies God not only in times of ease but also in the face of hardship or suffering?**

### FAQ

**What is the traditional interpretation of "stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not"?**

Answer: The traditional and widely accepted interpretation, supported by early church tradition and the immediate context of [John 21:19](/john/21-19 "John 21:19 - Peter's Glorification Through Death"), is that this phrase is a prophecy of Peter's martyrdom by crucifixion. "Stretching forth thy hands" is understood as being affixed to a cross, and "another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not" refers to being bound and led to the place of execution against his will. This interpretation is explicitly confirmed by the evangelist John in the very next verse, stating, "This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God" ([John 21:19](/john/21-19 "John 21:19 - The Meaning of Peter's Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [John 21:18](/john/21-18 "John 21:18 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Death") is a specific prophecy concerning Peter's martyrdom, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader New Testament narrative of suffering and glorification, preeminently in Jesus Himself. Peter's future death, which would "glorify God" ([John 21:19](/john/21-19 "John 21:19 - Peter's Glorification")), mirrors the path of Jesus, who willingly surrendered His life on the cross to glorify the Father ([John 17:1](/john/17-1 "John 17:1 - Jesus Prays for Glorification")). Just as Peter would be "girded" and "carried whither thou wouldest not," Jesus was bound, led away, and crucified, not by His own will, but in perfect obedience to the Father's plan ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Peter's call to follow Jesus, even unto death, echoes Jesus's own invitation to all disciples to "take up his cross and follow me" ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Taking Up One's Cross")), demonstrating that the path of true discipleship is a participation in Christ's suffering, leading to a share in His glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Sufferers with Christ")). Thus, Peter's martyrdom is not merely a tragic end, but a Christ-like act of ultimate surrender and glorification, reflecting the pattern of the Savior who redeemed humanity through His own sacrificial death.

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 13:36

¶ Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

Acts 12:3

And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

Acts 12:4

And when he had apprehended him, he put [him] in prison, and delivered [him] to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Acts 21:11

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver [him] into the hands of the Gentiles.

John 12:27

¶ Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 12:28

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.

2 Corinthians 5:4

For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.