Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt [his] fisher's coat [unto him], (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
Therefore {G3767} that {G1565} disciple {G3101} whom {G3739} Jesus {G2424} loved {G25} saith {G3004} unto Peter {G4074}, It is {G2076} the Lord {G2962}. Now {G3767} when Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074} heard {G191} that {G3754} it was {G2076} the Lord {G2962}, he girt {G1241} his fisher's coat {G1903} unto him,(for {G1063} he was {G2258} naked {G1131},) and {G2532} did cast {G906} himself {G1438} into {G1519} the sea {G2281}.
The talmid Yeshua loved said to Kefa, “It’s the Lord!” On hearing it was the Lord, Shim‘on Kefa threw on his coat, because he was stripped for work, and plunged into the lake;
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it) and jumped into the sea.
That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea.
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John 13:23
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. -
John 20:2
Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. -
John 19:26
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! -
2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: -
John 21:24
This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. -
John 21:20
¶ Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? -
Song Of Solomon 8:7
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if [a] man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
John 21:7 vividly portrays a moment of recognition and immediate, passionate response during one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee). After a night of unsuccessful fishing, Jesus, standing on the shore, instructs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, leading to an overwhelming catch of fish.
Context
This verse is set after Jesus' resurrection, where several disciples, including Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, and the sons of Zebedee, have returned to their fishing trade. Their all-night toil without catching anything symbolizes their current state of uncertainty or perhaps a return to old habits. The miraculous catch that precedes this verse acts as a catalyst for recognition, reminiscent of an earlier miraculous catch of fish that marked the calling of Peter and others at the outset of Jesus' ministry. It's in this context of divine provision and familiar miraculous power that the identity of the stranger on the shore is revealed.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "that disciple whom Jesus loved" (Greek: ho mathētēs hon ēgapa ho Iēsous) is a unique and tender self-designation used by John throughout his Gospel, emphasizing his deep bond and spiritual insight. The word "naked" (Greek: gymnos) in this context does not imply complete nudity, but rather being thinly clad, likely wearing only an undergarment or loincloth, which was common for fishermen at work. Peter's action to "girt" (gird or fasten) his outer garment was a practical step for modesty and ease of movement before entering the water.
Practical Application
John 21:7 encourages believers to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity that allows them to recognize Jesus' presence and work in their lives, even in unexpected or challenging circumstances, just as John did. It also challenges us to respond with Peter's unreserved passion and immediate devotion when we perceive the Lord's call or presence. Our response to Christ should be one of eagerness and readiness to meet Him, whether through worship, service, or personal surrender. This narrative reminds us that Jesus meets us even in our mundane tasks, offering miraculous provision and opportunities for restoration and renewed purpose.