King James Version

What Does John 21:13 Mean?

John 21:13 in the King James Version says “Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. — study this verse from John chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 21:13 · KJV


Context

11

Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

12

Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

13

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

14

This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

15

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise (ἔρχεται Ἰησοῦς καὶ λαμβάνει τὸν ἄρτον καὶ δίδωσιν αὐτοῖς/erchetai Iēsous kai lambanei ton arton kai didōsin autois)—The verbs deliberately echo the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:11: ἔλαβεν... ἐδίδου/elaben... edidou). Jesus serves them personally, distributing bread and fish. This isn't merely a meal but a liturgical moment, recalling both the wilderness feeding and the Last Supper.

The resurrected Christ continues His earthly pattern: He provides, He serves, He feeds. Glorification hasn't made Him distant or imperious; He remains the servant-King. The eucharistic overtones are unmistakable—taking bread, giving it to disciples. Yet this is a real meal with real food, emphasizing the physicality of resurrection. Jesus' body is transformed but not ethereal; glorified but not ghostly. He handles fish and bread, serving breakfast to hungry fishermen. Heaven doesn't despise earth; resurrection redeems it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The actions—taking bread, giving to disciples—mirror Jewish meal blessings and Christian Eucharist. Early Christians would recognize liturgical patterns in this narrative. The combination of miraculous provision (the catch) and Jesus' personal service models pastoral ministry: God provides the harvest, but shepherds must distribute the food. First-century readers would connect this breakfast to both Passover meals (commemorating God's provision in exodus) and prophetic messianic banquets.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus personally distributing food to the disciples model servant leadership for those He calls to 'feed His sheep'?
  2. What do the eucharistic echoes in this breakfast teach about Christ's continued provision for His church between resurrection and return?
  3. How does the physicality of this meal—real bread, real fish, real hunger satisfied—affirm the bodily resurrection against spiritual-only interpretations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἔρχεται1 of 15

cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

οὖν2 of 15

then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

3 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 15

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ5 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λαμβάνει6 of 15

taketh

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸν7 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄρτον8 of 15

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

καὶ9 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δίδωσιν10 of 15

giveth

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῖς11 of 15

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ12 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ13 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀψάριον14 of 15

fish

G3795

a relish to other food (as if cooked sauce), i.e., (specially), fish (presumably salted and dried as a condiment)

ὁμοίως15 of 15

likewise

G3668

similarly


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 21:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 21:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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