John 21:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, If {G1437} I will {G2309} that he {G846} tarry {G3306} till {G2193} I come {G2064}, what {G5101} is that to {G4314} thee {G4571}? follow {G190} thou {G4771} me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to him, “If I want him to stay on until I come, what is it to you? You, follow me!”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 21:22, Jesus delivers a profound and direct instruction to Peter, redirecting his focus from the destiny of another disciple (John) back to his own personal calling and unwavering obedience to Christ. This pivotal exchange, occurring after Peter's reinstatement and the prophecy of his martyrdom, underscores the intensely personal nature of discipleship and the necessity of prioritizing one's individual walk with the Lord above comparison or concern for others' paths.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the closing chapter of John's Gospel, detailing Jesus' third post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, specifically at the Sea of Tiberias. The immediate preceding verses ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Prophecy of Peter's Death")) describe Jesus' three-fold questioning of Peter regarding his love, followed by the commission to "feed My sheep" and a prophecy of Peter's future martyrdom. Peter, having just been confronted with his own destiny, then turns and sees "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (traditionally identified as John) following them. His question in [John 21:21](/john/21-21 "John 21:21 - Peter's Question About John") ("Lord, and what shall this man do?") prompts Jesus' sharp yet loving response in [John 21:22](/john/21-22 "John 21:22 - Jesus' Command to Peter"), which serves as a crucial redirection, not only for Peter but for all disciples. The subsequent verse, [John 21:23](/john/21-23 "John 21:23 - The Misunderstanding Clarified"), clarifies the misunderstanding that arose from Jesus' words, emphasizing the conditional nature of His statement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Sea of Galilee, a familiar place for the disciples, where many of them had been called by Jesus to "follow Him" at the beginning of His ministry. Fishing was their livelihood, and their return to it after Jesus' crucifixion highlights a period of uncertainty before His final instructions. The concept of a master-disciple relationship was well-established in Jewish culture, where disciples were expected to emulate their teacher and follow his path. However, Jesus' unique call involved a personal, spiritual allegiance that transcended typical rabbinic discipleship. Peter's question reflects a natural human tendency to compare and contrast one's own lot with that of others, a common social dynamic. Jesus' response challenges this tendency, asserting His sovereign authority over each individual's life and calling, a concept deeply rooted in the Old Testament understanding of God's personal covenant with His people.
* **Key Themes:** [John 21:22](/john/21-22 "John 21:22 - Jesus' Command to Peter") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Individual Discipleship and Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that each believer's path and destiny are uniquely determined by God's will. Peter's specific call to martyrdom ([John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Prophecy of Peter's Death")) is distinct from John's, whose longevity is hinted at. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Undivided Focus on Christ**, urging disciples to concentrate on their personal relationship and obedience to Jesus rather than being distracted by the lives, roles, or perceived destinies of others. This theme is echoed in Jesus' call to "seek first the kingdom of God" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Finally, the definitive command, "follow thou me," reinforces the central New Testament theme of **Personal Allegiance and Obedience** to Jesus Christ as the primary duty of every disciple, a call that transcends all other concerns. This echoes the initial call to discipleship found throughout the Gospels, such as in [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Peter and Andrew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélō'_):** This word, G2309, signifies a deliberate determination or choice stemming from subjective impulse or desire. It denotes an active option rather than passive acquiescence. In the context of Jesus' statement, it underscores His divine prerogative and sovereign will in determining the course of John's life. It is not a mere wish, but an authoritative declaration of intent.
* **tarry (Greek, _ménō'_):** G3306 means to stay, abide, continue, or remain in a given place, state, or relation. Here, it refers to John's continued physical presence or life on earth. Jesus' use of this word highlights the specific nature of John's longevity, contrasting it with Peter's foretold immediate martyrdom. It speaks to the duration of John's earthly ministry and life.
* **follow (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** G190 means to be in the same way with, to accompany, and specifically, to follow as a disciple. This is a fundamental command in Christian discipleship, implying not just physical proximity but also adherence to Jesus' teachings, example, and mission. It is a call to continuous, personal allegiance and obedience, irrespective of others' paths.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus saith unto him,"**: This opening phrase establishes the speaker and the recipient, emphasizing the direct, personal nature of this instruction from Jesus to Peter. It follows a moment of Peter's curiosity, setting the stage for a crucial teaching.
* **"If I will that he tarry till I come,"**: This is a conditional clause, revealing Jesus' sovereign authority over the lives of His disciples. The phrase "till I come" is open to interpretation, often understood as referring to Jesus' Second Coming, but also potentially to a spiritual coming, or even a coming in judgment or a specific divine appointment for John. The key is that John's destiny is entirely within Jesus' divine will, not subject to Peter's inquiry or human comparison.
* **"what [is that] to thee?"**: This is a direct, rhetorical question serving as a gentle but firm rebuke. It challenges Peter's misplaced curiosity and concern for another's path, effectively asking, "Why does this concern you?" or "It is none of your business." It serves to redirect Peter's attention away from external comparisons and back to his own immediate responsibilities.
* **"follow thou me."**: This is the unequivocal, imperative command that forms the core of the verse. It is a singular, personal directive to Peter, reiterating the fundamental call of discipleship. It emphasizes personal allegiance, obedience, and focus on Christ, regardless of the paths or destinies of others. This command encapsulates the essence of the Christian walk.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("what [is that] to thee?"). This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful point: Peter's concern for John's destiny is irrelevant to his own calling. It serves as a sharp, yet loving, redirection, highlighting the personal and non-comparative nature of discipleship. Following this, Jesus issues a direct **Imperative** ("follow thou me"). This command is concise and absolute, cutting through Peter's distraction and re-centering his focus on his primary duty. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast**, juxtaposing Peter's foretold martyrdom with John's implied longevity, and further contrasting Peter's outward curiosity with the inward, personal commitment demanded by Christ. This contrast underscores the unique and individual nature of each disciple's journey with the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:22 offers profound theological insights into the nature of Christian discipleship and God's sovereign plan. It asserts Christ's absolute authority over the individual destinies of His followers, emphasizing that each person's journey, gifts, and calling are uniquely ordained by God. This truth liberates believers from the burden of comparison, envy, or judgment, redirecting their gaze to the singular command of Christ. The passage underscores that true discipleship is not about measuring oneself against others or being preoccupied with their paths, but about a personal, unwavering allegiance to Jesus Christ alone. This focus on individual responsibility and divine sovereignty fosters humility and trust, reminding us that our ultimate purpose is to obey and glorify the One who calls us.

* [1 Corinthians 12:4-6](/1_corinthians/12-4-6 "1 Corinthians 12:4-6 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in Spirit")
* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Each Accountable to God")
* [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross and Follow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:22 provides timeless wisdom for every believer navigating the complexities of faith and community. In a world saturated with social comparison, Jesus' words to Peter serve as a powerful antidote to the temptation of looking sideways at others' paths, successes, or perceived failures. Our spiritual journey is deeply personal, uniquely designed by God for His purposes. Instead of expending energy on what someone else is doing, or why their life seems different from ours, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus and diligently pursue the specific path He has laid out for us. This means embracing our own unique calling, gifts, and challenges with contentment and unwavering focus. The ultimate directive remains: "follow thou me"—a call to continuous, personal, and unreserved obedience to Christ, trusting His sovereign plan for our individual lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most tempted to compare yourself with others, particularly in your spiritual walk or service?**
* **How does Jesus' command "follow thou me" challenge your current priorities and distractions?**
* **What specific steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more focused personal obedience to Christ, free from external comparisons?**
* **How does understanding God's unique plan for each individual bring you peace or challenge your assumptions?**

### FAQ
**What did Jesus mean by "If I will that he tarry till I come"? Did John not die?**

Answer: Jesus' statement, "If I will that he tarry till I come," was a conditional hypothetical, not a definitive prophecy that John would never die. The Greek word "tarry" (G3306, _ménō_) means to remain or abide. This phrase has often been interpreted in a few ways: it could refer to Jesus' Second Coming, a spiritual "coming" in judgment, or simply a reference to John's longevity compared to Peter's imminent martyrdom. [John 21:23](/john/21-23 "John 21:23 - The Misunderstanding Clarified") explicitly clarifies that a rumor spread among the disciples that John would not die, but the Gospel writer corrects this misunderstanding, stating, "Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" This correction confirms that Jesus did not promise John immortality but rather asserted His sovereign right to determine John's lifespan and destiny, just as He determined Peter's. Historically, John is believed to have lived to old age, dying a natural death, unlike Peter who was martyred.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [John 21:22](/john/21-22 "John 21:22 - Jesus' Command to Peter") directly addresses Peter's curiosity about John, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the universal call to discipleship and the singular focus required for all who follow Jesus. The command "follow thou me" is the essence of Christ's invitation to humanity, echoing His initial call to the disciples at the Sea of Galilee to become "fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Peter and Andrew")). This directive is not merely about physical proximity but about a radical reorientation of one's life around the person and mission of Jesus. In Christ, we find the ultimate example of perfect obedience to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), and His call to us is to emulate that obedience, regardless of the unique path He sets for each of us. Our lives are not to be compared to others, for Christ Himself is the standard and the goal. He is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), and to follow Him is to participate in His life, death, and resurrection, ultimately leading to eternal life and glorification with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, Peter's redirection becomes a timeless reminder that our singular devotion belongs to Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")).

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

Mark 9:1

¶ And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Matthew 16:28

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Revelation 2:25

But that which ye have [already] hold fast till I come.

Matthew 24:44

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

John 21:19

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