John 21:21

KJV

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what [shall] this man [do]?

KJV (with Strong's)

Peter {G4074} seeing {G1492} him {G5126} saith {G3004} to Jesus {G2424}, Lord {G2962}, and {G1161} what {G5101} shall this man {G3778} do?

Complete Jewish Bible

On seeing him, Kefa said to Yeshua, “Lord, what about him?”

Berean Standard Bible

When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

American Standard Version

Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:21 captures a deeply human moment of curiosity and potential comparison from the Apostle Peter, immediately following his personal restoration by Jesus and a prophetic revelation concerning his own future martyrdom. Peter, having just been commissioned to shepherd Christ's flock and forewarned of his suffering, turns his attention to "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (traditionally John) and inquires about his destiny, asking Jesus, "Lord, and what shall this man do?" This question highlights the natural human tendency to look at others' paths even amidst profound personal encounters with the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding chapter of John's Gospel, which serves as an epilogue detailing Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and interactions with His disciples, particularly Peter. The immediate preceding verses (John 21:15-19) describe Jesus' pivotal three-fold questioning of Peter ("Do you love me?") and Peter's three-fold affirmation, culminating in Jesus' commission to "Feed my lambs" and "Tend my sheep." This conversation symbolically reinstates Peter after his three denials of Jesus. Following this, Jesus prophesies Peter's future martyrdom, indicating "by what death he would glorify God" [John 21:19](/john/21-19 "John 21:19 - Prophecy of Peter's Martyrdom"). It is in the direct aftermath of this intensely personal and sobering revelation about his own future that Peter, seeing another disciple following, shifts his focus and asks about that man's destiny. The subsequent verses (John 21:22-23) contain Jesus' direct rebuke and clarification, emphasizing Peter's individual responsibility.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee), a familiar place for the disciples, where Jesus had performed many miracles and called them to follow Him. This post-resurrection appearance underscores the reality of Jesus' bodily resurrection and His continued relationship with His disciples, preparing them for their future ministries. The prophecy of Peter's martyrdom would have resonated with the disciples' understanding of the dangers inherent in proclaiming the Gospel in a hostile Roman-occupied world. Early Christians often faced persecution and death for their faith, making the concept of glorifying God through suffering a tangible reality. Peter's question, while seemingly simple, reflects a natural human inclination to seek clarity or compare destinies, especially when one's own future has just been revealed as challenging.

* **Key Themes:** John 21:21 contributes to several significant themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Individual Calling and Destiny**, highlighting that each believer has a unique path and purpose ordained by God, as Jesus' response in [John 21:22](/john/21-22 "John 21:22 - Jesus' Command to Peter") powerfully emphasizes: "What is that to you? You follow me." Secondly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Avoiding Comparison**, cautioning against the human tendency to be preoccupied with the roles, destinies, or perceived successes of others rather than focusing on one's own obedience and relationship with Christ. This is a recurring theme in Christian discipleship, where the focus should remain on Christ rather than external distractions. Finally, it touches upon the **Sovereignty of God** over individual lives and futures, implying that John's destiny, like Peter's, was ultimately in God's hands, not a matter for Peter to question or compare. This reinforces the idea that God's plan for each person is perfect and distinct.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seeing (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb means "to see" literally or figuratively, and by implication, "to know." In this context, Peter physically observes the other disciple following. The use of this word emphasizes Peter's direct perception, which then triggers his inquiry. It highlights that his question arises from an external observation, drawing his focus away from his immediate, profound interaction with Jesus about his own future.
* **saith (Greek, _légō'_):** This verb means "to lay forth" or "relate in words," often implying systematic or set discourse. Here, it indicates Peter's direct address to Jesus, a deliberate verbalization of his thought or concern. It's not a casual remark but a specific question posed to the Lord, indicating a desire for a definitive answer regarding the other disciple's fate.
* **what (Greek, _tís'_):** An interrogative pronoun meaning "who, which, or what" in direct or indirect questions. Peter's use of "what" here is a direct inquiry about the nature or specifics of the other disciple's future or role. It reflects a desire for information, perhaps driven by curiosity, concern, or even a subtle comparison, immediately after Jesus has revealed Peter's own challenging path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peter seeing him":** This clause establishes the immediate action and subject. Peter, having just had a deeply personal and prophetic conversation with Jesus, physically observes "him"—referring to "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John, as identified in [John 21:20](/john/21-20 "John 21:20 - The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved")). This visual stimulus prompts Peter's subsequent question, indicating a shift in his focus from his own destiny to that of another.
* **"saith to Jesus, Lord":** Peter directly addresses Jesus, using the respectful title "Lord." This shows his continued recognition of Jesus' authority and his habit of turning to Jesus with questions or concerns. Despite the profound revelations he has just received about his own life and death, Peter feels comfortable and compelled to seek Jesus' insight into another's future.
* **"and what shall this man do?":** This is Peter's direct inquiry. The Greek is terse ("τούτου δὲ τί;" - "but this one, what?"), conveying a sense of abruptness or directness. Peter is asking about the future role, destiny, or fate of "this man" (John). The question implicitly carries a comparative element, as it immediately follows Jesus' detailed prophecy about Peter's own future, suggesting Peter might be wondering how John's path will compare or contrast with his own.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident as Peter's question about John's future immediately follows Jesus' detailed prophecy about Peter's own martyrdom. This creates a stark **contrast** between the intensely personal and weighty revelation Peter has just received and his subsequent outward-looking curiosity. There's an element of **Irony** in Peter, who has just been restored and given a clear, albeit challenging, personal mission, immediately diverting his attention to someone else's path. The question itself functions as a **Rhetorical Question** from Peter's perspective, though Jesus' subsequent answer transforms it into a teaching moment. The entire interaction serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the challenges disciples face in maintaining focus on their individual calling without succumbing to comparison or distraction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:21 serves as a profound theological touchstone regarding the nature of Christian discipleship and the individual's relationship with Christ. It underscores that while believers are part of a collective body, each person has a unique, divinely appointed calling and destiny. Peter's question, though perhaps born of natural curiosity or even concern, subtly highlights a common human pitfall: the tendency to compare one's own journey, gifts, or trials with those of others. Jesus' response in the subsequent verse [John 21:22](/john/21-22 "John 21:22 - Jesus' Command to Peter") powerfully redirects Peter's focus back to his primary responsibility: "What is that to you? You follow me!" This emphasizes that our ultimate allegiance and focus must be on Christ and His specific commands for our lives, rather than being distracted by the paths or perceived fates of others. It affirms God's sovereignty over each individual's life plan and reminds us that true discipleship is about personal obedience and unwavering commitment to following Jesus, regardless of what others are called to do or endure.

* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in the Spirit") - Explains the diversity of spiritual gifts and ministries, all empowered by the same Spirit for the common good, reinforcing that each believer has a unique role.
* [Romans 12:3-8](/romans/12-3-8 "Romans 12:3-8 - Gifts for Service") - Paul cautions against thinking too highly of oneself and encourages believers to use their differing gifts in humility, emphasizing individual functions within the body of Christ.
* [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Run the Race with Endurance") - Exhorts believers to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus," rather than being distracted by others or external circumstances.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:21 offers a timeless and deeply practical lesson for every believer. In a world saturated with social comparison, whether through social media or professional competition, Peter's inquiry serves as a powerful reminder to guard our hearts against the temptation to measure our spiritual journey, our impact, our struggles, or our blessings against those of others. Just as Peter had a unique, challenging, and ultimately glorious path laid out for him, so too does every follower of Christ. Our energy and focus should be singularly directed towards hearing and obeying Jesus' personal call to "follow me." This means embracing our own unique gifts, facing our specific trials with faith, and fulfilling the particular mission God has entrusted to us, without being sidetwelled by what others are doing or experiencing. True spiritual maturity involves trusting God's sovereign plan for our individual lives and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to our personal walk with Him, finding contentment and purpose in His specific will for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself comparing your journey or circumstances with others?**
* **How does Jesus' implied redirection of Peter's focus back to "You follow me" challenge your own priorities?**
* **What specific "calling" or "path" do you believe Jesus is asking you to focus on right now, without distraction?**
* **How can embracing your unique purpose in Christ free you from the burden of comparison?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter ask about John's future immediately after Jesus spoke about his own?**

Answer: Peter's question in [John 21:21](/john/21-21 "John 21:21 - Peter's Question About John") likely stemmed from a combination of factors. Having just received a deeply personal and sobering prophecy about his own future martyrdom [John 21:19](/john/21-19 "John 21:19 - Prophecy of Peter's Death"), Peter's mind might have immediately turned to the fate of his close companion, "the disciple whom Jesus loved." It could be simple human curiosity, a desire to understand the broader picture, or perhaps even a subtle, unconscious tendency to compare his own challenging destiny with what might await another. This is a very human reaction to a significant personal revelation, highlighting our natural inclination to look around us even when our primary focus should remain on our direct relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While John 21:21 primarily focuses on discipleship and individual calling, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how Jesus, as the sovereign Lord, orchestrates the unique paths of His followers for His ultimate glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Peter's question, though seemingly mundane, allows Jesus to articulate a profound truth: that each disciple's life, whether marked by martyrdom like Peter's or prolonged service like John's, is ultimately determined by Christ's divine will and serves His overarching redemptive plan. Jesus' response in [John 21:22](/john/21-22 "John 21:22 - Jesus' Command to Peter"), "What is that to you? You follow me!", powerfully redirects Peter (and all believers) to the singular focus on Christ Himself. Our individual callings, gifts, and destinies are not for comparison or distraction, but are instruments in the hands of the Great Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). Every path, whether through suffering or service, is designed to glorify Him, echoing the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, Peter's question, and Jesus' reply, ultimately point to Christ as the center and purpose of every believer's life and ministry, the One who calls, equips, and directs each of us according to His perfect will, for His eternal purposes [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works").

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

Luke 13:23

¶ Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

Luke 13:24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Matthew 24:3

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Matthew 24:4

¶ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

Acts 1:6

¶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Acts 1:7

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.