John 21:23

KJV

Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} went {G1831} this {G3778} saying {G3056} abroad {G1831} among {G1519} the brethren {G80}, that {G3754} that {G1565} disciple {G3101} should {G599} not {G3756} die {G599}: yet {G2532} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} not {G3756} unto him {G846},{G3754} He shall {G599} not {G3756} die {G599}; but {G235}, If {G1437} I will {G2309} that he {G846} tarry {G3306} till {G2193} I come {G2064}, what {G5101} is that to {G4314} thee {G4571}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore the word spread among the brothers that that talmid would not die. However, Yeshua didn’t say he wouldn’t die, but simply, “If I want him to stay on until I come, what is it to you?”

Berean Standard Bible

Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. However, Jesus did not say that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?”

American Standard Version

This saying therefore went forth among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, that he should not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:23 serves as a crucial clarification, correcting a widespread misunderstanding among the early Christian community regarding the Apostle John's destiny. It reveals that Jesus never explicitly stated John would not die, but rather posed a conditional question to Peter, highlighting divine sovereignty over individual lives and redirecting Peter's focus from speculation about others to his own calling and obedience to Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the epilogue of John's Gospel, a post-resurrection account that details Jesus' appearance to seven disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Immediately preceding this, Jesus has a deeply personal and restorative conversation with Peter, commissioning him to "feed my sheep" ([John 21:17](/john/21-17 "John 21:17 - Jesus' Third Question to Peter")). Following this, Peter, perhaps still burdened by his past denials and concerned about his future, asks Jesus about the fate of "that disciple whom Jesus loved" (John, implicitly) – "Lord, and what shall this man do?" ([John 21:21](/john/21-21 "John 21:21 - Peter Asks About John")). Jesus' response to Peter, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me" ([John 21:22](/john/21-22 "John 21:22 - Jesus' Reply to Peter About John")), is the direct source of the misunderstanding that verse 23 seeks to correct. The passage underscores the distinct callings of Peter and John, while also emphasizing the importance of accurate understanding of Jesus' words.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community, still in its nascent stages, relied heavily on oral tradition for the transmission of Jesus' teachings and events. In such an environment, misinterpretations and rumors could easily spread, especially concerning figures as prominent as the apostles. The expectation of Jesus' "coming" (parousia) was a significant eschatological hope, often understood as His physical, glorious return. This expectation could lead to speculation about who would live to see it. Furthermore, the concept of a "disciple whom Jesus loved" held a special, perhaps even mysterious, status, making John a natural subject of such rumors. The correction provided by John 21:23 highlights the need for authoritative clarification within the burgeoning church, especially as the apostles began to age and die, challenging initial assumptions about their longevity or specific roles in the parousia.
* **Key Themes:** John 21:23 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and the broader New Testament. It powerfully illustrates the **sovereignty of Christ** over the lives and destinies of His followers, emphasizing that God's plans are not subject to human speculation or dictation. The rhetorical question to Peter, "what is that to thee?", reinforces the theme of **individual calling and responsibility**, urging believers to focus on their personal obedience to Christ rather than comparing themselves to others or being preoccupied with their paths. This passage also highlights the critical importance of **truth and accurate understanding** of divine revelation, serving as a cautionary tale against the dangers of misinformation and rumor within the community of faith. Finally, the phrase "till I come" subtly points to the enduring Christian hope of **Christ's return**, a foundational element of New Testament eschatology, as seen in passages like [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Promise of Christ's Return") and the various discourses on the end times found in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** From G1831, meaning "to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad." This word vividly portrays the rapid and widespread dissemination of the erroneous "saying" or rumor among the Christian community, indicating how quickly a misunderstanding of Jesus' words could propagate.
* **will (Greek, _thélō'_):** From G2309, meaning "to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse...); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism, to delight in." This term underscores Jesus' divine prerogative and sovereign will. His intention for John's life is presented as a deliberate, active choice, not a passive observation, emphasizing His ultimate authority.
* **tarry (Greek, _ménō'_):** From G3306, meaning "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):--abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own." In this context, "tarry" refers to remaining alive or continuing in existence until a certain point. It highlights the conditional nature of Jesus' statement, implying a potential for John to remain alive, but explicitly not a guarantee of immortality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die:"** This clause details the origin and content of the false rumor. The "saying" (Greek, _logos_, G3056) refers to a specific report or word that circulated widely ("went abroad," _exérchomai_) among the early Christian community ("the brethren," _adelphós_). The core of the rumor was the belief that "that disciple" (referring to John, "that disciple whom Jesus loved," G1565 _ekeînos mathētḗs_) would not experience physical death, a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' actual words.
* **"yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die;"** This is the crucial corrective statement. The evangelist (John himself, or a close associate) explicitly refutes the rumor, clarifying that Jesus never made an absolute declaration of John's immortality. The "yet" (Greek, _kaí_, G2532) serves as a strong contrast, directly opposing the widespread belief with the factual truth of Jesus' utterance. This highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the distinction between popular belief and divine truth.
* **"but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee?"** This final clause presents Jesus' actual words, which were the source of the misunderstanding. It begins with a strong adversative "but" (Greek, _allá_, G235), signaling the true statement. Jesus' words are a conditional statement ("If I will," _eán thélō_, G1437 G2309) regarding John's potential to "tarry" (_ménō_, G3306) or remain alive "till I come" (_héōs érchomai_, G2193 G2064). The phrase "till I come" is open-ended, referring to a future event under Jesus' control. The concluding rhetorical question, "what [is that] to thee?" (Greek, _tís prós sé_, G5101 G4314 G4571), serves as a gentle but firm rebuke to Peter, redirecting his focus from John's destiny to his own immediate calling and obedience to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in John 21:23 is **Correction** or **Clarification**. The evangelist directly addresses and rectifies a widespread misunderstanding that had permeated the early Christian community. This serves to preserve the integrity of Jesus' words and prevent future misinterpretations. Coupled with this is the use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("what is that to thee?"), which Jesus uses to redirect Peter's attention from speculative curiosity about others to his personal responsibility and calling. This question is not seeking an answer but is designed to provoke introspection and shift focus. Furthermore, Jesus' original statement contains a **Conditional Clause** ("If I will that he tarry till I come"), which highlights divine sovereignty and the open-ended nature of God's plans, contrasting with the definitive, absolute conclusion drawn by the "brethren." The passage also subtly employs **Irony**, as the very disciples who walked with Jesus so closely still managed to misinterpret His words, underscoring the human propensity for error and the need for divine guidance and clarification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:23 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ over life and death, and the individual destinies of His followers. It teaches us that God's plan for each person is unique and ultimately rests in His divine will, not in human expectation or rumor. This passage also underscores the vital importance of discerning truth from falsehood, especially within the Christian community, and the danger of allowing speculation to overshadow clear instruction. More broadly, it reinforces the New Testament emphasis on personal discipleship and obedience, urging believers to focus on their own walk with Christ rather than being distracted by comparison or curiosity about others' paths. The reference to "till I come" also ties into the broader eschatological hope of Christ's return, placing individual lives within the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Counsel Stands")
* [1 Corinthians 7:17](/1_corinthians/7-17 "1 Corinthians 7:17 - Live as the Lord Has Assigned")
* [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Promise of Christ's Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:23 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to cultivate a posture of humility, discernment, and focused obedience. In an age saturated with information and prone to speculation, this verse serves as a timeless reminder to exercise caution when encountering unverified claims, especially those concerning spiritual matters or the lives of others. It calls us to be diligent in seeking truth directly from the source, the Word of God, and to avoid contributing to the spread of rumors or misinformation. More personally, Jesus' gentle rebuke to Peter—"what is that to thee?"—resonates deeply. It encourages us to resist the temptation to compare our spiritual journey, gifts, or perceived destiny with those of others. Our primary focus must remain on our personal relationship with Christ, embracing the unique calling He has placed upon our lives, and faithfully following Him wherever He leads. Trusting in His sovereign plan for us liberates us from the anxieties of comparison and the futility of speculation, allowing us to pour our energy into loving God and serving His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when I hear rumors or unverified information, especially concerning spiritual leaders or fellow believers?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to comparing my journey or calling with that of others, and how can I redirect that focus back to Christ?**
* **What does "following Jesus" look like for me specifically, and how can I deepen my commitment to my unique calling?**

### FAQ
**Why did the misunderstanding about John's death arise?**

Answer: The misunderstanding arose primarily from Jesus' conditional and somewhat enigmatic statement to Peter in [John 21:22](/john/21-22 "John 21:22 - Jesus' Reply to Peter About John"): "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." This was not a definitive declaration that John would *not* die, but rather a hypothetical scenario emphasizing Jesus' sovereign will over John's life. However, in the context of oral tradition and the early church's eager anticipation of Christ's return, this conditional statement was misinterpreted as an absolute prophecy of John's immortality, leading to the widespread rumor that the evangelist felt compelled to correct.

**What does "till I come" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "till I come" (Greek: _héōs érchomai_) has been interpreted in several ways by scholars, and its precise meaning in this verse is deliberately left open-ended by Jesus. Possible interpretations include:
* **The Second Coming of Christ:** This is the most common New Testament usage of "coming" (parousia), referring to Jesus' glorious return at the end of the age (e.g., [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Coming of the Son of Man")).
* **The Destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70:** Some scholars suggest "coming" could refer to a coming in judgment, such as the Roman destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred within John's lifetime.
* **A Spiritual Coming or Presence:** It could signify a special spiritual manifestation or presence of Christ to John, particularly in his old age, perhaps at the time of his exile on Patmos.
* **An Indefinite Period under Jesus' Sovereignty:** The most crucial point, regardless of the specific timing, is that John's fate was entirely within Jesus' sovereign will. The phrase highlights Jesus' authority over life and death and the timing of all events, rather than providing a precise eschatological timetable. The evangelist's correction in [John 21:23](/john/21-23 "John 21:23 - The Misunderstanding Corrected") emphasizes that the *specific* meaning of "till I come" was less important than the *fact* of Jesus' authority and the *error* of the disciples' interpretation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 21:23, while correcting a specific misunderstanding, profoundly centers on the person and authority of Jesus Christ. His declaration, "If I will that he tarry till I come," underscores His absolute sovereignty over life, death, and human destiny. This is not merely a statement about John's fate but a revelation of Christ as the Lord of all, who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). His "coming" is the ultimate hope of the believer, pointing to His future glorious return to consummate His kingdom ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises His Return")), but also encompassing His ongoing spiritual presence with His disciples "always, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Presence")). The passage's emphasis on individual calling, redirected from comparison to focused obedience, finds its ultimate purpose in serving Christ, who is the Head of the Church and the one to whom all disciples are ultimately accountable ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church")). Furthermore, the evangelist's diligent correction of the rumor highlights Jesus as the embodiment of Truth, contrasting human error with the infallible Word of God, for He Himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, this verse, far from being a mere historical footnote, serves to exalt Christ as the sovereign Lord, the faithful presence, and the ultimate Truth, in whom all life and destiny find their meaning.

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

Job 33:13

Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

Deuteronomy 29:29

The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Acts 1:15

¶ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Job 28:28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.