King James Version

What Does John 21:14 Mean?

John 21:14 in the King James Version says “This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.” — study this verse from John chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 21:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Read John 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead (τοῦτο ἤδη τρίτον ἐφανερώθη Ἰησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς/touto ēdē triton ephanerōthē Iēsous tois mathētais)—John marks this as the third post-resurrection appearance to the disciples collectively (not counting individual appearances to Mary Magdalene or the two on the Emmaus road). The first was in the upper room without Thomas (John 20:19-23), the second with Thomas present (John 20:26-29), now this third by the Sea of Galilee.

The verb ἐφανερώθη (ephanerōthē) means 'was manifested' or 'revealed himself'—emphasizing that resurrection appearances were sovereign disclosures, not chance encounters. Jesus revealed Himself according to His purpose and timing. The pattern of three witnesses or testimonies establishes certainty (Deuteronomy 19:15, 2 Corinthians 13:1). Three times Jesus manifested His resurrection, moving disciples from doubt to certainty, from fear to mission. This third appearance, combining miraculous provision, intimate fellowship, and commissioning (verses 15-17), prepares them for Pentecost and worldwide witness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'third time' refers to group appearances recorded in John's Gospel, not the totality of appearances mentioned across all Gospels and 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. John selects seven signs in Jesus' ministry and carefully numbers post-resurrection appearances, demonstrating literary intentionality. The movement from Jerusalem (first two) to Galilee (third) fulfills the angel's instructions (Mark 16:7) and Jesus' promise (Matthew 26:32) to meet disciples in Galilee. This geographic shift symbolizes mission expansion—from Judea to Galilee to the ends of the earth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the pattern of three manifestations establish the certainty of resurrection for wavering disciples and for us?
  2. What does Jesus' sovereign timing of appearances—'manifesting himself' when and where He chose—teach about His continued lordship over the church?
  3. How do the three appearances progress in purpose (peace/commission, proof/belief, provision/restoration), and what does this progression reveal about Jesus' patient discipling of failures?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
τοῦτο1 of 12

“This”

G5124

that thing

ἤδη2 of 12

“now”

G2235

even now

τρίτον3 of 12

“the third time”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

ἐφανερώθη4 of 12

“is”

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

ὁ5 of 12
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς6 of 12

“that Jesus”

G2424

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

τοῖς7 of 12
G3588

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

μαθηταῖς8 of 12

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ,9 of 12
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

ἐγερθεὶς10 of 12

“after that he was risen”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ἐκ11 of 12

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν12 of 12

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

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 21:14 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 21:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 20:26John 20:19

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