John 21:3

KJV

Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, I go {G5217} a fishing {G232}. They say {G3004} unto him {G846}, We {G2249} also {G2532} go {G2064} with {G4862} thee {G4671}. They went forth {G1831}, and {G2532} entered {G305} into {G1519} a ship {G4143} immediately {G2117}; and {G2532} that {G1722}{G1565} night {G3571} they caught {G4084} nothing {G3762}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim‘on Kefa said, “I’m going fishing.” They said to him, “We’re coming with you.” They went and got into the boat, but that night they didn’t catch anything.

Berean Standard Bible

Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they said. So they went out and got into the boat, but caught nothing that night.

American Standard Version

Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:3 captures a pivotal moment in the post-resurrection narrative, depicting Simon Peter's decision to return to his former occupation of fishing, a choice quickly echoed by several other disciples. This seemingly mundane act, undertaken on the Sea of Tiberias, culminates in a night of fruitless labor, serving as a poignant setup for Jesus' subsequent miraculous appearance and the profound lessons of divine provision and renewed commissioning that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of John chapter 21, often considered an epilogue to John's Gospel. Chapters 1-20 conclude with Jesus' resurrection appearances and the declaration of the Gospel's purpose (John 20:30-31). Chapter 21, however, provides a final, intimate encounter between the resurrected Jesus and His disciples, particularly focusing on Peter's restoration and the reaffirmation of his calling. The immediate preceding verses (John 21:1-2) set the scene, listing the disciples present by the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). Peter's declaration to go fishing, and the others' agreement, marks a return to their previous livelihood, suggesting a period of uncertainty or waiting after the initial resurrection appearances, before their ultimate commissioning at Pentecost. The barren night of fishing in this verse directly contrasts with the miraculous catch that Jesus orchestrates in [John 21:6](/john/21-6 "John 21:6 - The Miraculous Catch of Fish"), highlighting the disciples' need for divine direction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Tiberias, also known as the Sea of Galilee or Lake Gennesaret, was a central location for Jesus' early ministry and the disciples' pre-calling lives. It was a hub for the fishing industry, which was a common and respected profession in first-century Galilee. Fishing involved considerable skill, hard work, and often, an all-night effort, as fish were more active in cooler, darker conditions. The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, would have been highly proficient in this trade. Their return to fishing, therefore, was not merely a casual pastime but a serious attempt to resume a livelihood. This setting also recalls their initial call by Jesus to become "fishers of men" (Mark 1:17), adding a layer of ironic contrast to their current endeavor of catching actual fish, and failing. The post-resurrection period was one of transition for the disciples, moving from direct physical companionship with Jesus to awaiting the Holy Spirit's empowerment for their global mission, a period that might have felt disorienting without clear, immediate instructions.
* **Key Themes:** John 21:3 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **human inadequacy and divine sufficiency**. Despite their skill and experience, the disciples' efforts yield nothing, powerfully illustrating the principle that "apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). This futility sets the stage for Jesus' miraculous provision, emphasizing that true fruitfulness comes only through His presence and direction. Secondly, the verse subtly touches upon the theme of **discipleship and calling**. Peter's return to fishing, his former life, represents a moment of potential relapse or uncertainty regarding his divine calling to be a "fisher of men" (Luke 5:10). This temporary reversion highlights the ongoing process of spiritual formation and the need for repeated encounters with Christ to reaffirm one's purpose. Finally, it foreshadows the **restoration and recommissioning** of Peter, which is the climax of this chapter. The empty nets provide a stark backdrop against which Jesus' grace and the renewed call to shepherd His flock become all the more profound, echoing the earlier miraculous catch that accompanied Peter's initial call in [Luke 5:1-11](/luke/5-1-11 "Luke 5:1-11 - The Miraculous Catch and Peter's Call").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go a fishing (Greek, _halieúō'_):** Derived from _halieús_ (fisherman), this verb literally means "to be a fisher" or "to fish." In this context, Peter's declaration, "I go a fishing," signifies a return to his previous profession, a pragmatic decision born perhaps out of uncertainty or a desire to act. It represents a shift from the extraordinary events of the resurrection back to the mundane reality of earning a living, temporarily setting aside the spiritual calling to be a "fisher of men."
* **went forth (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This compound verb combines _ek_ (out of) and _érchomai_ (to come or go), meaning "to issue forth," "to go out," or "to depart." Its use here emphasizes the physical act of leaving the shore to embark on their fishing expedition. It suggests a decisive, albeit perhaps misguided, step into a familiar activity, marking their physical separation from the land and their engagement with their old trade.
* **caught (Greek, _piázō'_):** This verb means "to squeeze," "to seize," or "to capture," often used in the context of hunting or fishing. Here, it describes the act of catching fish. The subsequent "nothing" (Greek, _oudeís_) directly negates the effectiveness of this action, creating a powerful contrast between their effort and the complete lack of result. This futility underscores the narrative's central point about human effort being insufficient without divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing."**: Peter, ever the man of action and initiative, vocalizes a decision to return to his former livelihood. This statement, made to a group of disciples, reveals a practical, perhaps even restless, spirit in the face of post-resurrection uncertainty. It suggests a desire for purpose and activity, even if it means reverting to the familiar.
* **"They say unto him, We also go with thee."**: The immediate and collective agreement of the other disciples indicates a shared sense of aimlessness or a common desire for a tangible occupation. Their readiness to join Peter highlights a collective human tendency to revert to comfort zones or known routines when faced with an unclear future, even after profound spiritual experiences.
* **"They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately;"**: This clause describes the swift and decisive action taken by the disciples. "Immediately" (Greek, _euthýs_) emphasizes their promptness in executing the plan. They physically embark on their fishing venture, signifying their commitment to this endeavor and their readiness to engage in the hard work of their trade.
* **"and that night they caught nothing."**: This stark, concluding statement delivers the narrative's central irony. Despite their experience, their effort, and the optimal time for fishing (night), their nets remained empty. This outcome is crucial, as it sets the stage for Jesus' miraculous intervention, powerfully demonstrating the futility of human labor when it is not aligned with or blessed by divine purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as experienced fishermen, working at night (the best time for fishing), catch absolutely nothing. This stark failure is ironic given their skill and the setting, serving to highlight the spiritual truth that will follow. **Foreshadowing** is also at play; the barren night of fishing directly foreshadows the miraculous catch that Jesus will orchestrate in the following verses, setting up a clear contrast between human futility and divine abundance. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is subtly present: the act of fishing itself, which was Peter's former trade, contrasts with his calling to be a "fisher of men." The empty nets can symbolize the disciples' spiritual emptiness or lack of direction without the explicit guidance and presence of the resurrected Christ, preparing them for a renewed encounter and commissioning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:3 serves as a powerful theological statement about human limitations and the necessity of divine intervention. It underscores that even the most skilled and experienced individuals can achieve nothing of lasting spiritual value through their own efforts alone, especially when operating outside of God's direct will or without His blessing. The disciples' fruitless night of fishing is a vivid illustration of the truth that genuine fruitfulness, whether in ministry or in life, flows from a deep connection with Christ and obedience to His leading. This passage prepares the ground for Jesus to re-establish His authority and to re-commission His disciples, demonstrating that their true purpose and power come solely from Him.

* [Luke 5:1-11](/luke/5-1-11 "Luke 5:1-11 - The Miraculous Catch and Peter's Call"): Parallels the miraculous catch of fish at Peter's initial calling, reinforcing the theme of divine provision and the call to be "fishers of men."
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ"): Directly states, "Apart from me you can do nothing," a truth powerfully illustrated by the disciples' empty nets.
* [Matthew 4:18-22](/matthew/4-18-22 "Matthew 4:18-22 - The Call of the First Disciples"): Recalls Jesus' initial call to Peter and Andrew to leave their nets and follow Him, becoming "fishers of men," highlighting the contrast with Peter's current return to literal fishing.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:3 offers profound insights into the human condition and the nature of discipleship. Like Peter and the other disciples, we often find ourselves in periods of uncertainty, transition, or spiritual waiting, even after experiencing significant encounters with God. In such times, there's a natural human tendency to revert to familiar routines, old habits, or self-reliant efforts, seeking comfort or a sense of purpose in what we know. This verse serves as a gentle but firm reminder that even our best, most experienced efforts can be utterly fruitless if they are not aligned with God's will or empowered by His presence. The "nothing" they caught is a powerful symbol of the futility of striving in our own strength. It challenges us to pause, re-evaluate our direction, and seek the Lord's guidance, rather than defaulting to what is comfortable or seemingly productive. This passage encourages a posture of dependence on Christ, reminding us that true fruitfulness, purpose, and spiritual nourishment come from Him alone, preparing us to receive His divine direction and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to revert to old habits or self-reliant efforts when faced with uncertainty, rather than seeking God's specific direction?**
* **How does the disciples' fruitless night of fishing challenge my understanding of success and productivity in my own endeavors?**
* **What might "catching nothing" in my spiritual or professional life reveal about my dependence on Christ versus my reliance on my own abilities?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater posture of waiting on and trusting in God's timing and direction, especially when the path ahead seems unclear?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter go fishing after having seen the resurrected Jesus multiple times?**

Answer: Peter's decision to go fishing, joined by other disciples, likely stemmed from a combination of factors. Despite witnessing the resurrected Christ, the disciples were in a period of transition and uncertainty. Jesus had appeared to them, but His final instructions regarding their mission were not yet fully given (that would come with the Great Commission and Pentecost). They were back in Galilee, a familiar territory, but perhaps without a clear immediate purpose or means of sustenance. Peter, ever the pragmatist and man of action, might have felt the need to do "something" productive, reverting to his former trade as a way to occupy themselves and provide for their needs. It wasn't necessarily a sign of disbelief in the resurrection, but perhaps a temporary lapse in understanding their new, higher calling, or simply a practical response to an undefined interim period. This return to the familiar sets the stage for Jesus to powerfully reaffirm their true mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 21:3, with its depiction of the disciples' fruitless night of fishing, powerfully underscores the Christ-centered truth that "apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). This scene is a deliberate echo of Peter's initial call, where Jesus orchestrated a miraculous catch of fish, leading Peter to abandon his nets and follow Him to become a "fisher of men" (Luke 5:10). The empty nets in John 21:3 serve as a poignant reminder that even the most skilled human efforts are futile without Christ's presence and direction. It highlights the disciples' need for a renewed encounter with their resurrected Lord, not just for reassurance of His victory over death, but for a fresh impartation of purpose and power for their future ministry. This barren night prepares them for Jesus' subsequent appearance, His miraculous provision of fish (John 21:6), and His tender restoration of Peter, re-commissioning him to "feed my sheep" (John 21:17). Thus, this passage beautifully illustrates that true spiritual fruitfulness and the fulfillment of God's calling are not achieved through human striving or a return to old ways, but solely through abiding in Christ, receiving His grace, and obeying His divine command. It points to Jesus as the source of all provision, purpose, and the ultimate fulfillment of the call to gather souls into His kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20).

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 5:5

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

Matthew 4:18

¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Matthew 4:20

And they straightway left [their] nets, and followed him.

Luke 5:10

And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Luke 5:11

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

2 Thessalonians 3:7

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;