King James Version

What Does John 21:6 Mean?

John 21:6 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they ...” — study this verse from John chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”

John 21:6 · King James Version

Context

4

But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5

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

6

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

7

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.

8

And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

Read John 21 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find—The stranger's command from shore seems arbitrary, yet obedience brings miraculous abundance. The Greek word for 'right side' (δεξιός/dexios) carries symbolic weight—the right side represents divine favor and blessing throughout Scripture. They were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes (πλῆθος τῶν ἰχθύων/plēthos tōn ichthyōn)—the overwhelming catch echoes Luke 5:4-7 at the ministry's beginning, now at its end.

This moment deliberately mirrors the first call: failed fishing, Jesus' command, miraculous catch, recognition. The disciples had returned to their old occupation after witnessing the crucifixion, perhaps uncertain of their future. Christ meets them in their workplace, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His continued provision. The net that doesn't break (verse 11) despite the enormous catch contrasts with the torn nets in Luke 5:6, suggesting the church's unity under resurrection power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred at the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee) shortly after Jesus' resurrection. The disciples had fished all night without success—a professional failure, as these were experienced fishermen. Dawn fishing was unusual; the best catches came at night. Jesus stood on shore about 100 yards away (two hundred cubits, verse 8). First-century fishing used large drag nets (σαγήνη/sagēnē) cast from boats and drawn to shore.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's specific command to cast on the right side illustrate that obedience to His word, not human expertise, produces spiritual fruit?
  2. What does the parallel between this catch and the first call (Luke 5) teach about Christ restoring failed disciples to fruitful ministry?
  3. When has God surprised you with abundance after a period of fruitless labor, and how did that change your perspective on His provision?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ὁ1 of 28
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 28

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 28

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτὸ4 of 28

“it”

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

ἔβαλον5 of 28

“Cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

εἰς6 of 28

“on”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ7 of 28
G3588

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

δεξιὰ8 of 28

“the right”

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

μέρη9 of 28

“side”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

τοῦ10 of 28
G3588

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

πλοίου11 of 28

“of the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

τὸ12 of 28
G3588

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

δίκτυον13 of 28

“the net”

G1350

a seine (for fishing)

καὶ14 of 28

“and”

G2532

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

εὑρήσετε15 of 28

“ye shall find”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἔβαλον16 of 28

“Cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

οὖν17 of 28

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

καὶ18 of 28

“and”

G2532

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

οὐκ19 of 28
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔτι20 of 28

“now”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

αὐτὸ21 of 28

“it”

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

ἑλκύσαι22 of 28

“to draw”

G1670

to drag (literally or figuratively)

ἴσχυσαν23 of 28

“able”

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ24 of 28

“for”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ25 of 28
G3588

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

πλήθους26 of 28

“the multitude”

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

τῶν27 of 28
G3588

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

ἰχθύων28 of 28

“of fishes”

G2486

a fish

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 21:6 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 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 5:4-7Acts 2:41Acts 4:4John 2:5Hebrews 2:6-9

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