John 21:9

As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

As soon {G5613} then {G3767} as they were come {G576} to {G1519} land {G1093}, they saw {G991} a fire of coals {G439} there, and {G2532} fish {G3795} laid {G2749} thereon {G1945}, and {G2532} bread {G740}.

When they stepped ashore, they saw a fire of burning coals with a fish on it, and some bread.

When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it, and some bread.

So when they got out upon the land, they see a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

John 21:9 describes a poignant moment immediately following Jesus' miraculous intervention in the disciples' fishing efforts. After a long, fruitless night, the disciples, guided by the resurrected Jesus from the shore, cast their net one last time and caught an overwhelming number of fish. As they make their way to land, this verse reveals what awaits them, already prepared by their Lord.

Context

This verse is part of the final chapter of John's Gospel, detailing Jesus' third post-resurrection appearance to a group of His disciples. Having fished all night without success, they encounter Jesus on the shore, though they don't immediately recognize Him. After Jesus instructs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, they experience a miraculous catch of 153 large fish (John 21:6). Peter, recognizing the Lord, eagerly jumps into the sea to reach Him. Upon their arrival at the shore, they discover that Jesus has already prepared a meal for them, highlighting His proactive care and divine provision.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: Jesus demonstrates His ongoing care for His disciples' most basic needs, preparing a meal of fish and bread. This act underscores His role as a compassionate and attentive provider, even after His resurrection.
  • Post-Resurrection Reality: The intimate setting of Jesus preparing and sharing a meal with His disciples further affirms His bodily resurrection and His continued, tangible presence with His followers. It's a powerful display of His living reality.
  • Restoration and Fellowship: This shared meal fosters renewed fellowship between the risen Lord and His disciples. For Peter especially, the "fire of coals" subtly sets the stage for his coming restoration, providing a backdrop for reconciliation after his earlier denial.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a fire of coals" translates the Greek word anthrakia (ἀνθρακιά). This specific term is used only one other time in John's Gospel: in John 18:18, where Peter stood by a charcoal fire warming himself shortly before denying Jesus three times. The deliberate repetition of this unique word here in John 21:9 is highly significant. It subtly links this scene of provision and fellowship to the earlier moment of Peter's failure, setting the stage for Jesus' powerful and tender restoration of Peter that immediately follows this verse.

Practical Application

John 21:9 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus is not only our Savior but also our diligent provider who understands and meets our practical needs. Even when our own efforts seem fruitless, or we feel exhausted and discouraged, Jesus is present, often already preparing what we need. This scene encourages us to trust in His divine provision and to seek intimate fellowship with Him. He desires to nourish us, both physically and spiritually, and to lovingly restore us, even after our failures, demonstrating His unwavering love and grace.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 19:5

    And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise [and] eat.

  • 1 Kings 19:6

    And he looked, and, behold, [there was] a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

  • John 21:10

    Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

  • John 21:13

    Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

  • John 18:18

    And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

  • Matthew 4:11

    Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

  • Mark 8:3

    And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

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