John 21:19

KJV

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} This {G5124} spake he {G2036}, signifying {G4591} by what {G4169} death {G2288} he should glorify {G1392} God {G2316}. And {G2532} when he had spoken {G2036} this {G5124}, he saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Follow {G190} me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said this to indicate the kind of death by which Kefa would bring glory to God. Then Yeshua said to him, “Follow me!”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.”

American Standard Version

Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:19 concludes a profound post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and Peter, immediately following Peter's three-fold restoration. In this pivotal verse, Jesus first prophesies the manner of Peter's future death, explicitly stating that it will be a means by which Peter glorifies God. Following this weighty pronouncement, Jesus issues a direct and timeless command to Peter: "Follow me," thereby reaffirming Peter's call to discipleship despite the foretold cost and his past failures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the final chapter of John's Gospel, which serves as an epilogue to the main narrative. Chapters 1-20 conclude with Jesus' resurrection appearances and the purpose of the Gospel (John 20:30-31). Chapter 21, however, provides a crucial postscript, detailing Jesus' third appearance to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The immediate preceding verses (John 21:15-17) recount Jesus' tender and purposeful restoration of Peter, who had famously denied Him three times (John 18:15-27). Jesus' repeated question, "Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me?" and Peter's affirmations, followed by Jesus' commands to "Feed my lambs" and "Feed my sheep," re-establish Peter's pastoral commission. Verse 19 then transitions from Peter's past failures and present recommissioning to his future destiny, linking his ultimate sacrifice to his ongoing discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Tiberias, also known as the Sea of Galilee, was a familiar setting for Peter and the other disciples, recalling their initial call to follow Jesus as "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:18-22). The prophecy of Peter's death by which he would "glorify God" alludes to martyrdom, a common fate for early Christian leaders, particularly in the Roman Empire. Crucifixion was a brutal form of execution used by the Romans, often reserved for slaves, rebels, and those considered a threat to the state. Early church tradition, notably from Tertullian and Eusebius, indicates that Peter was indeed martyred in Rome under Nero, and famously requested to be crucified upside down, deeming himself unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. This historical context illuminates the gravity of Jesus' prophecy and the profound cost of discipleship in the nascent Christian movement.
* **Key Themes:** John 21:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus is a lifelong commitment, often involving suffering and sacrifice, as Jesus Himself taught in passages like [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross"). The phrase "glorify God" highlights the theme of **divine purpose in suffering**, demonstrating that even in the most extreme circumstances, a believer's life and death can bring honor to God, echoing the ultimate glorification of God through Christ's own death and resurrection (John 12:27-28). Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of **restoration and grace**, as Peter, despite his profound failure, is not only forgiven but also given a renewed and ultimate purpose. It also touches on **prophecy and divine foreknowledge**, as Jesus accurately predicts Peter's future, demonstrating His divine authority and sovereignty over life and death, a theme prevalent throughout Jesus' ministry (John 13:19).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **signifying (Greek, _sēmaínō'_):** From G4591, meaning "to indicate." This word highlights that Jesus' statement about Peter's death was not merely a prediction but a divinely inspired pointer to the *kind* of death Peter would experience and its ultimate purpose. It implies a deeper meaning beyond the physical act, serving as a sign to others.
* **glorify (Greek, _doxázō'_):** From G1392, meaning "to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application); (make) glorify(-ious), full of (have) glory, honour, magnify." This is a crucial theological term. Peter's death would not be a defeat but an act that would bring honor, praise, and renown to God. It suggests that Peter's ultimate sacrifice would demonstrate God's power, faithfulness, and the transformative impact of the gospel, even unto death.
* **Follow (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From G190, meaning "to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple)." This is a direct, imperative command from Jesus, echoing His initial call to Peter (Matthew 4:19). It signifies not just physical accompaniment but a complete alignment of life, purpose, and destiny with Christ, implying obedience, devotion, and a willingness to walk the path He walked, even if it leads to suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God."**: This clause reveals Jesus' prophetic insight into Peter's future. The phrase "by what death" points to the *manner* of Peter's death, implying a violent or sacrificial end. The core purpose of this death is explicitly stated: "he should glorify God." This elevates Peter's martyrdom from a tragic end to a purposeful act that brings honor and praise to the Almighty, demonstrating the power of God even in human suffering and sacrifice.
* **"And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, 'Follow me.'"**: Immediately after delivering the weighty prophecy of Peter's glorifying death, Jesus issues a direct and personal command. The conjunction "And" connects the prophecy to the command, suggesting that the call to "Follow me" is given *in light of* the foretold suffering. This command is both a reaffirmation of Peter's discipleship and an invitation to embrace the path of costly obedience, regardless of the personal sacrifice involved. It is a call to total commitment, echoing Jesus' initial summons to Peter and the other disciples.

#### Literary Devices
John 21:19 employs several potent literary devices. **Prophecy** is central, as Jesus foretells Peter's future martyrdom, lending an air of divine authority and foreknowledge to the narrative. This prophecy functions as a **foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the eventual fulfillment of Peter's costly discipleship. The phrase "by what death he should glorify God" is a powerful instance of **euphemism** or **understatement**, referring to a brutal crucifixion in a way that emphasizes its divine purpose and ultimate outcome rather than its physical horror. Furthermore, the abrupt transition from the prophecy to the direct command, "Follow me," creates a striking **juxtaposition**, highlighting that the call to discipleship is inseparable from the potential for suffering and sacrifice. This juxtaposition underscores the depth of commitment required and the unwavering nature of Jesus' call, even in the face of hardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:19 profoundly connects the call to discipleship with the reality of suffering and martyrdom, asserting that even in death, a believer's life can bring ultimate glory to God. This truth transcends Peter's specific experience, establishing a universal principle that our lives, including our trials and our end, can serve God's greater purposes. It highlights the sovereignty of God over all circumstances, transforming human suffering into a testament of divine power and grace. The verse also underscores the ongoing, personal nature of Jesus' call to His followers, a call that persists despite past failures and future hardships, inviting a radical commitment that finds its ultimate expression in glorifying the Father.

* [Matthew 10:38-39](/matthew/10-38-39 "Matthew 10:38-39 - Taking Up the Cross")
* [Philippians 1:20-21](/philippians/1-20-21 "Philippians 1:20-21 - Christ Magnified in Life or Death")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:19 offers a profound challenge and comfort to believers today. It reminds us that true discipleship is not a path devoid of difficulty, but one that may indeed involve significant personal cost, sacrifice, and even suffering. Yet, within this challenging reality, Jesus offers the transformative truth that even our deepest trials and our ultimate end can be redeemed and used by God to bring Him glory. This perspective shifts our focus from merely enduring hardship to embracing it as a potential avenue for divine purpose and testimony. Like Peter, we are called to "Follow me," not just in easy times, but through every season, trusting that God's grace is sufficient for our weaknesses and that our lives, faithfully lived and offered, will ultimately redound to His praise. This verse encourages us to consider the eternal significance of our daily choices and our ultimate commitment to Christ, knowing that our obedience, even in suffering, is never in vain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prospect of suffering for Christ impact my understanding of what it means to "follow Him" daily?**
* **In what specific ways can my life, even through its difficulties or end, bring glory to God?**
* **How does Jesus' unwavering call to Peter, despite his past failures, encourage me in my own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Did Jesus literally predict Peter's crucifixion in this verse?**

Answer: While Jesus does not explicitly name "crucifixion," the phrase "by what death he should glorify God" strongly implies a violent, public, and sacrificial death. Early church tradition, which is well-attested by figures like Tertullian and Eusebius, consistently interprets this prophecy as referring to Peter's crucifixion in Rome. The manner of Peter's death, particularly his rumored request to be crucified upside down, aligns with the idea of glorifying God through a humble, sacrificial end that mirrored, yet differentiated from, Christ's own crucifixion. Thus, while not explicitly stated, the historical and traditional understanding points directly to crucifixion as the fulfillment of this prophecy.

**What is the significance of Jesus telling Peter to "Follow me" immediately after prophesying his death?**

Answer: The immediate command "Follow me" after the prophecy of Peter's death is profoundly significant. It underscores that true discipleship is not conditional on ease or comfort, but demands radical commitment even unto death. It serves as a direct, personal recommissioning of Peter, reminding him that despite his past denial (John 18:27) and the difficult future ahead, his ultimate purpose remains to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This command links Peter's future suffering directly to his call to discipleship, indicating that his death would be the ultimate act of following Christ, mirroring Jesus' own path of self-sacrifice for God's glory (John 12:27-28). It's a call to embrace the full cost of discipleship, finding purpose and glory even in martyrdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 21:19, while a specific prophecy concerning Peter, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. Peter's death, "signifying by what death he should glorify God," is a direct echo and participation in the pattern established by Christ. Jesus' own death on the cross was the supreme act of glorifying God, demonstrating God's perfect love, justice, and power in overcoming sin and death (John 12:23-28). Just as Peter's death would be a testimony to God's glory, so Christ's crucifixion was the ultimate revelation of divine glory, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant (Isaiah 53:5-12) and paving the way for the New Covenant. The command "Follow me" is the invitation for all believers to participate in Christ's life, death, and resurrection, embodying His self-sacrificial love (Philippians 2:5-8) and finding our purpose in glorifying God, whether through life or through a death that bears witness to Him (Philippians 1:20-21). Peter's journey, from denying Christ to glorifying God in his death, beautifully illustrates the transformative power of the risen Lord and the call for every disciple to take up their cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23), ultimately reflecting the glory of the One who first walked that path.

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

2 Peter 1:14

Knowing that shortly I must put off [this] my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

John 21:22

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee? follow thou me.

Matthew 10:38

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Philippians 1:20

According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

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.

John 13:37

Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

Mark 8:33

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.