John 21:5

Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

Then {G3767} Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Children {G3813}, have ye {G2192} any {G3387} meat {G4371}? They answered {G611} him {G846}, No {G3756}.

He said to them, “You don’t have any fish, do you?” “No,” they answered him.

So He called out to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” “No,” they answered.

Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No.

Commentary

John 21:5 presents a tender and pivotal moment in the post-resurrection narrative, highlighting Jesus' care for His disciples and His divine provision. After a night of fruitless labor, the disciples encounter a figure on the shore who reveals Himself to be the Lord.

Context

This verse is set on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee) after Jesus' resurrection. Seven of His disciples, led by Peter, had returned to their former occupation of fishing, perhaps feeling a sense of uncertainty or a need for familiar routine. They had toiled all night without catching anything, a common experience for fishermen in that region. Jesus appears on the shore at dawn, initially unrecognized by them. His question in verse 5 serves as a gentle opening to a miraculous encounter and a significant moment of restoration and recommissioning for Peter and the others. This scene echoes an earlier miraculous catch of fish that marked the initial calling of some disciples to be "fishers of men" in Luke 5.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The disciples' complete failure to catch fish underscores human limitation and the futility of effort without divine blessing. Jesus' intervention immediately demonstrates His power to provide, even in seemingly barren situations.
  • Jesus' Tenderness and Care: Addressing them as "Children" (see Linguistic Insights below) reveals Jesus' deep affection and concern for their well-being, both physical and spiritual. He cares for their immediate need for food as well as their ultimate purpose.
  • The Unrecognized Christ: Initially, the disciples do not recognize Jesus. This highlights a common theme in post-resurrection appearances where recognition often comes through specific actions or words of Christ, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment.
  • Preparation for Recommissioning: This interaction sets the stage for Jesus to guide them to a miraculous catch, followed by a meal and a crucial dialogue with Peter, leading to his restoration and recommissioning for ministry.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Children" (Greek: paidia - παιδία): This term is a tender and affectionate diminutive, conveying a sense of loving concern rather than merely indicating youth or subordination. It's a term of endearment, much like a father speaking to his beloved offspring, emphasizing Jesus' gentle and caring nature towards His disciples who had been through so much.
  • "Meat" (Greek: prosphagion - προσφάγιον): While translated as "meat" in KJV, the Greek term specifically refers to "something eaten with bread," commonly understood to mean fish in the context of Galilee. It's a direct question about their catch, indicating Jesus' awareness of their occupation and their immediate need for sustenance after a long, unsuccessful night.

Practical Application and Reflection

John 21:5 offers profound lessons for believers today. When we feel our efforts are fruitless, our labor in vain, or we are disoriented after significant life events, Christ is often nearer than we realize. His gentle question, "Have ye any meat?", isn't born of ignorance but of loving concern, inviting us to acknowledge our need and depend on His provision. It reminds us that our Lord cares about our daily struggles and physical needs, not just our spiritual ones. This verse encourages us to be attentive to His voice and guidance, especially when our own strength and strategies have failed, trusting that His direction will lead to abundance and purpose, much like the fruitfulness that comes from abiding in Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Philippians 4:19 (7 votes)

    But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

  • Philippians 4:11 (4 votes)

    Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.

  • Philippians 4:13 (4 votes)

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Luke 24:41 (2 votes)

    And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

  • Luke 24:43 (2 votes)

    And he took [it], and did eat before them.

  • Psalms 37:3 (2 votes)

    Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

  • Hebrews 13:5 (2 votes)

    [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.