King James Version

What Does John 21:7 Mean?

John 21:7 in the King James Version says “Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lo... — study this verse from John chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 21:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That disciple whom Jesus loved (ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς/ho mathētēs ekeinos hon ēgapa ho Iēsous)—John identifies himself through this phrase, emphasizing Christ's love rather than his own name. John recognizes first: It is the Lord (Ὁ κύριός ἐστιν/Ho kyrios estin). Love perceives what others miss; intimacy brings recognition. Yet Peter acts first—characteristic of their personalities throughout the Gospels.

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. The Greek ἐπενδύτης (ependytēs) refers to an outer garment. Peter, working stripped to his undergarment, hurriedly dresses before plunging into the water—a seemingly contradictory action showing both propriety (must be clothed in the Lord's presence) and impetuosity (can't wait for the boat). This mixture of reverence and eagerness characterizes Peter: he denied Christ three times yet loves Him enough to swim a hundred yards fully clothed to reach Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fishermen typically worked in minimal clothing, especially at night. The 'naked' (γυμνός/gymnos) indicates wearing only a tunic without outer garment. Peter's action—dressing to dive in—shows cultural values: appearing properly clothed before Jesus mattered more than convenience. The Sea of Galilee is about 13 miles long; they were close to shore (200 cubits = roughly 100 yards).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's recognition through love versus Peter's response through action illustrate different but complementary expressions of devotion to Christ?
  2. What does Peter's concern to be properly clothed in Christ's presence teach about reverence, even in moments of enthusiastic reunion?
  3. How do you balance contemplative recognition of Christ (like John) with active response to His presence (like Peter) in your spiritual life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
λέγει1 of 34

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

οὖν2 of 34

Now

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

3 of 34
G3588

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

μαθητὴς4 of 34

disciple

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἐκεῖνος5 of 34

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὃν6 of 34

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἠγάπα7 of 34

loved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

8 of 34
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς9 of 34

Jesus

G2424

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

τῷ10 of 34
G3588

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

Πέτρος11 of 34

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

12 of 34
G3588

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

κύριός13 of 34

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐστιν14 of 34

It is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Σίμων15 of 34

when Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

οὖν16 of 34

Now

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

Πέτρος17 of 34

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

ἀκούσας18 of 34

heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι19 of 34

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

20 of 34
G3588

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

κύριός21 of 34

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐστιν22 of 34

It is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸν23 of 34
G3588

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

ἐπενδύτην24 of 34

his fisher's coat

G1903

a wrapper, i.e., outer garment

διεζώσατο25 of 34

he girt

G1241

to gird tightly

ἦν26 of 34

he was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γὰρ27 of 34

unto him (for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

γυμνός28 of 34

naked

G1131

nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)

καὶ29 of 34

and

G2532

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

ἔβαλεν30 of 34

did cast

G906

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

ἑαυτὸν31 of 34

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

εἰς32 of 34

into

G1519

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

τὴν33 of 34
G3588

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

θάλασσαν34 of 34

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)


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 21:7 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 21:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study