King James Version

What Does John 6:21 Mean?

John 6:21 in the King James Version says “Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

John 6:21 · KJV


Context

19

So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

20

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

21

Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

22

The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

23

(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples 'willingly received him into the ship,' and immediately 'the ship was at the land whither they went.' Both Jesus' reception and the ship's sudden arrival suggest supernatural elements. Their willing reception contrasts with previous fear, showing how Christ's self-revelation produces faith and welcome. His presence brings immediate arrival at our destination.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The immediate arrival at their destination after receiving Jesus suggests either miraculous transport or John's focus on the significant point: Christ's presence ensures safe arrival. Some ancient manuscripts emphasize the miraculous nature of this immediate arrival.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does willingly receiving Christ into our circumstances change outcomes?
  2. What does the ship's immediate arrival teach about Christ's power to complete our journeys?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἤθελον1 of 18

they willingly

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

οὖν2 of 18

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

λαβεῖν3 of 18

received

G2983

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

αὐτὸν4 of 18

him

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

εἰς5 of 18

into

G1519

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

τὸ6 of 18
G3588

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

πλοῖον7 of 18

the ship

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

καὶ8 of 18

and

G2532

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

εὐθέως9 of 18

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

τὸ10 of 18
G3588

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

πλοῖον11 of 18

the ship

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ἐγένετο12 of 18

was

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐπὶ13 of 18

at

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς14 of 18
G3588

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

γῆς15 of 18

the land

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

εἰς16 of 18

into

G1519

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

ἣν17 of 18
G3739

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

ὑπῆγον18 of 18

they went

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively


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 6:21 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 6:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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