John 21:6

KJV

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Cast {G906} the net {G1350} on {G1519} the right {G1188} side {G3313} of the ship {G4143}, and {G2532} ye shall find {G2147}. They cast {G906} therefore {G3767}, and {G2532} now {G3765} they were {G2480} not {G3765} able {G2480} to draw {G1670} it {G846} for {G575} the multitude {G4128} of fishes {G2486}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, “Throw in your net to starboard and you will catch some.” So they threw in their net, and there were so many fish in it that they couldn’t haul it aboard.

Berean Standard Bible

He told them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it there, and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:6 vividly portrays a pivotal post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and His disciples, highlighting the dramatic contrast between human futility and divine abundance. After a night of exhausting yet fruitless toil on the Sea of Tiberias, the disciples, at the unexpected instruction of an unrecognized figure on the shore, cast their net one final time. The immediate and overwhelming catch that follows not only provides for their physical needs but also serves as a profound sign, revealing the identity of their Lord and underscoring the principle that true fruitfulness in life and ministry stems from obedient reliance on Christ's specific guidance rather than mere human effort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the twenty-first chapter of John's Gospel, widely considered an epilogue that provides a final, tender post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to a select group of disciples. Following the crucifixion and initial resurrection appearances in Jerusalem, several disciples, led by Peter, return to their former livelihood of fishing in Galilee, perhaps feeling a sense of uncertainty or a need for familiar routine. Their entire night of labor yields nothing, setting the stage for Jesus' intervention. The scene echoes an earlier miraculous catch at the beginning of Jesus' ministry (Luke 5), creating a narrative bookend that underscores continuity and the re-commissioning of His followers. This specific instruction and the subsequent miraculous catch serve as a prelude to Jesus' intimate conversation with Peter, where Peter's triple denial is met with a triple affirmation of love and a renewed call to shepherd Christ's flock.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fishing was a primary industry in Galilee, particularly on the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee or Lake Gennesaret). The disciples, many of whom were professional fishermen, would have been highly skilled and experienced in this trade. Fishing at night was common, as it often yielded better results due to cooler temperatures and fish behavior. The failure to catch anything after an entire night's work would have been a significant professional setback, highlighting their exhaustion and the futility of their efforts. The act of a stranger on the shore calling out to fishermen on the water was not unusual, as shore-based observers might spot schools of fish. However, the specific, counter-intuitive instruction to cast on the "right side" and the immediate, overwhelming result would have defied all professional experience and natural explanation, pointing to a supernatural source.
* **Key Themes:** John 21:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the theme of **Obedience and Abundance**, illustrating that genuine fruitfulness in life and ministry is not merely a result of human effort, but flows from aligning one's actions with divine instruction. The disciples' strenuous, all-night labor produced nothing, yet a single act of obedience to Jesus' word brought an overwhelming catch, far more than they could handle. This highlights that true blessing often comes not from strenuous labor alone, but from alignment with God's will. Another crucial theme is **Divine Knowledge and Providence**. Jesus, from the shore, knew exactly where the fish were, even though the disciples, from their boat, could not perceive them. This demonstrates His omniscience and sovereign control over creation, even in His resurrected state. He guides His followers to where true fruitfulness lies, whether in physical provision or spiritual harvest. Furthermore, the miraculous catch serves as a powerful sign for **Recognizing Jesus**. The sheer impossibility of the catch helped the disciples, particularly John, to recognize that the stranger on the shore was indeed "the Lord" ([John 21:7](/john/21-7 "John 21:7 - John Recognizes the Lord")). This echoes an earlier miraculous catch at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, which led to Peter's call to be a "fisher of men" ([Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - Jesus Calls Peter to be a Fisher of Men")), and where they also caught so many fish their nets broke ([Luke 5:6](/luke/5-6 "Luke 5:6 - The First Miraculous Catch")). Finally, for Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, this miracle serves as a tender prelude to his **Restoration and Re-commissioning** ([John 21:15-17](/john/21-15-17 "John 21:15-17 - Jesus Restores and Recommissions Peter")). It reminded him that despite his failures, Jesus still had a purpose for him, and that purpose would be fruitful through Christ's guidance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast (Greek, _bállō_):** This verb signifies a forceful or decisive throwing motion. In this context, it describes the act of launching the fishing net into the water. Its use here emphasizes the disciples' immediate and complete obedience to Jesus' command, despite their exhaustion and the unlikelihood of success based on their professional experience. It's not a hesitant or half-hearted attempt, but a full commitment to the instruction.
* **Right (Greek, _dexiós_) / Side (Greek, _méros_):** "Dexios" refers to the right hand or, as here, the right side. "Meros" denotes a part, division, or share. The combination "on the right side" (eis dexiōn meros) indicates a specific and precise direction. While some interpret this symbolically, its primary significance in the narrative is Jesus' exact and supernatural knowledge of where the fish were located, contrasting sharply with the disciples' generalized and unfruitful efforts across the entire body of water. It underscores the precision of divine guidance.
* **Multitude (Greek, _plēthos_):** This noun denotes a fullness, a large number, or a throng. Its use here emphasizes the overwhelming, abundant, and unexpected nature of the catch. It signifies not just a good haul, but an extraordinary quantity that exceeded their capacity to manage, highlighting the super-abundance that results from obedience to Christ's specific counsel. The sheer volume of fish makes it clear that this was no ordinary catch but a miraculous intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, 'Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.'"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus' authoritative and precise instruction. Having observed their fruitless labor, the unrecognized Lord offers a simple, yet counter-intuitive, command. The phrase "ye shall find" serves as a promise, directly linking their obedience to a guaranteed outcome. This is a direct test of their faith and willingness to follow guidance that contradicts their professional experience and recent failure.
* **"They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes."**: This second clause details the immediate and overwhelming result of their obedience. The word "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) highlights the direct consequence of their action. The phrase "not able to draw it" (G2480, _ischýō_, "to have force or strength"; G1670, _helkýō_, "to drag") underscores the sheer volume and weight of the catch, indicating that the net was so full it exceeded their physical capacity to pull it into the boat. The "multitude of fishes" (G4128, _plēthos_ of G2486, _ichthýs_) dramatically emphasizes the miraculous abundance, showcasing divine provision that far surpasses human expectation or capability.

#### Literary Devices
John 21:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, starkly juxtaposing the disciples' "nothing" caught after a night of professional toil with the "multitude of fishes" caught instantly upon following Jesus' instruction. This highlights the difference between human effort alone and effort guided by divine wisdom. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**, as these seasoned fishermen, unable to catch anything, are instructed by a seemingly unknown figure on the shore, only to achieve an unprecedented catch. The event functions as a **Sign**, a common literary feature in John's Gospel, pointing beyond the physical miracle to a deeper spiritual truth about Jesus' identity, power, and the nature of His kingdom work. The overwhelming "multitude of fishes" can be seen as **Symbolism**, foreshadowing the abundant harvest of souls that the disciples would gather through their future ministry, empowered by the resurrected Christ. Furthermore, the narrative creates an **Echo** or **Parallelism** with the first miraculous catch in Luke 5, reinforcing the theme of Jesus calling His followers to be "fishers of men" and demonstrating His consistent power and purpose throughout His ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over creation and His desire to bless His obedient children. The disciples' fruitless night symbolizes human effort apart from divine guidance, while the overflowing net represents the super-abundance that flows from obedience to Christ's specific word. It teaches that true fruitfulness in any endeavor—be it ministry, work, or personal life—is not solely dependent on our skill or labor, but on our alignment with God's will and our willingness to trust His direction, even when it seems counter-intuitive. This divine provision also serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' post-resurrection power and continued care for His disciples, reminding them that He is still Lord over all circumstances and the source of all blessing. It underscores the principle that God often provides in ways and at times we least expect, turning our barrenness into overflow.

* [Luke 5:4-7](/luke/5-4-7 "Luke 5:4-7 - The First Miraculous Catch")
* [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Fishers of Men")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:6 offers a timeless lesson for every believer: our greatest breakthroughs often come not from more strenuous effort, but from deeper obedience to Christ's specific instructions. In a world that often values relentless striving, this passage reminds us that there are times when our "toiling all night" yields nothing, and what is truly needed is a simple, faith-filled act of casting our net where Jesus tells us. This applies to our ministries, careers, relationships, and personal spiritual growth. Are we exhausted from striving in our own strength, or are we listening for the Lord's quiet, precise guidance? The abundance that follows is not a reward for our labor, but a demonstration of His power and grace. This story also offers immense hope for those who feel they have failed or are experiencing a barren season. Just as Jesus met the disheartened disciples, He meets us in our moments of frustration, ready to offer a fresh word of direction that can turn scarcity into overflowing blessing, reminding us that His purposes for us are not thwarted by our past failures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel you might be "toiling all night" without much fruit?**
* **What might it look like for you to "cast the net on the right side of the ship" in your current circumstances, trusting Christ's specific guidance over your own wisdom or experience?**
* **How does the disciples' initial failure and subsequent abundance encourage you when you face perceived setbacks or barren seasons?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to Christ's voice and specific instructions in your daily life, rather than relying solely on your own efforts or conventional wisdom?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus tell them to cast the net on the "right side"?**

Answer: The instruction to cast the net on the "right side of the ship" is primarily a demonstration of Jesus' supernatural knowledge and authority. From a practical standpoint, it highlights His omniscience – He knew exactly where the fish were, even when the experienced fishermen did not. While some commentators have sought symbolic meaning (e.g., the "right" side representing favor or blessing), the text emphasizes the literal, precise instruction that leads to an immediate and overwhelming result. It underscores that the success was not due to a random chance or the disciples' skill, but solely to their obedience to Christ's specific and divinely informed command. This specificity contrasts sharply with their generalized, fruitless efforts throughout the night.

**How does this miracle relate to the disciples' mission?**

Answer: This miraculous catch is deeply symbolic and serves as a powerful re-commissioning of the disciples, particularly Peter. It echoes Jesus' earlier call to Peter to become a "fisher of men" ([Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - Jesus Calls Peter to be a Fisher of Men")). Just as Jesus provided an impossible catch of fish, He would empower them to gather a vast harvest of souls for His kingdom. The overwhelming "multitude of fishes" foreshadows the abundant spiritual harvest that would follow their preaching of the Gospel, especially after Pentecost ([Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - Three Thousand Added to the Church")). It reminds the disciples that while their human efforts might yield little, their ministry, empowered and directed by the resurrected Christ, would be incredibly fruitful.

**What is the significance of the disciples not recognizing Jesus at first?**

Answer: The disciples' initial failure to recognize Jesus ([John 21:4](/john/21-4 "John 21:4 - Jesus Appears on the Shore")) is a recurring theme in post-resurrection appearances (e.g., Mary Magdalene in John 20, the Emmaus disciples in Luke 24). This lack of immediate recognition serves several purposes. It emphasizes that Jesus' resurrected body was transformed, though still recognizable. More significantly, it highlights that spiritual recognition often comes through divine revelation or a specific act of the Lord. In this case, it was the miraculous catch, a sign of His power and knowledge, that opened their eyes to His identity ([John 21:7](/john/21-7 "John 21:7 - John Recognizes the Lord")). It teaches that while Christ is always present, our ability to perceive and acknowledge His presence and work in our lives may require a moment of divine illumination or a specific act of faith and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 21:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in demonstrating the resurrected Lord's ongoing sovereignty, provision, and redemptive purpose for His people. Jesus, the ultimate "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")), is not merely an earthly teacher but the risen King who holds all authority in heaven and on earth. His precise instruction to "Cast the net on the right side" underscores His omniscience and power over creation, even after His crucifixion, proving that His resurrection was not merely a return to life but an ascension to new levels of glory and authority. The miraculous catch itself, the "multitude of fishes," profoundly foreshadows the vast, impossible harvest of souls that would be gathered into God's kingdom through the church's mission, empowered by Christ's Spirit. This abundance is not achieved by human strength or wisdom, but by abiding in Christ, for "apart from me you can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")). Furthermore, this encounter serves as a tender prelude to Peter's restoration and re-commissioning, illustrating Christ's unwavering grace to forgive, heal, and restore those who have failed, empowering them for His purposes. The scene thus becomes a powerful testament to Jesus as the source of all spiritual fruitfulness, the one who equips His disciples for the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), and the ever-present Lord who guides His church to abundant success for His glory.

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 5:4

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

Luke 5:7

And they beckoned unto [their] partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

Acts 2:41

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

Acts 4:4

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

Hebrews 2:6

But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.