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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

John 21:3

As the disciples stand together and see boat after boat put off, Simon Peter can stand it no longer but suddenly exclaims, Ὑπάγω ἁλιεύειν, “I am off to fish”. This is a relief to all and finds a ready response, Ἐρχόμεθα καὶ ἡμεῖς σὺν σοί, At once they embark, and as we watch that boat's crew putting off with their whole soul in their fishing, we see in how precarious a position the future of Christianity hung. They were only sure of one thing that they must live. But ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ νυκτὶ ἐπίασαν οὐδέν, “during that night they took nothing”. Ἁλίσκονται δὲ μάλιστα οἱ ἰχθύες πρὸ ἡλίου ἀνατολῆς καὶ μετὰ τὴν δύσιν Aristotle, Hist. Animal., viii. 19, quoted by Lampe. [On ἐπίασαν, see John 7:30 and Revelation 19:20.

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See also John 21:3 in other biblical comments:

  • Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

    Verse John 21:3. _PETER SAITH - I GO A FISHING._] Previously to the crucifixion of our Lord, the temporal necessities of himself and his disciples appear to have been supplied by the charity of indiv...

  • Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary

    THAT NIGHT THEY CAUGHT NOTHING - This was so ordered in the providence of God that the miracle which was performed might appear more remarkable....

  • Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein

    CHAPTER 21 _ 1. At the Sea of Tiberias. The Third Manifestation. (John 21:1 .)_ 2. Peter's Restoration and Ministry; the manner of His Death Predicted. (John 21:15 .) 3. Tarry Till I Come. (John 21...

  • Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

    THE APPEARANCE BY THE LAKE OF TIBERIAS. As Josephus speaks of the lake as the lake near Tiberias, the name used here cannot be pressed as a proof of late date. The verb used for manifested is not foun...

  • B. W. Johnson's Bible Commentary

    SIMON PETER SAITH,. GO. FISHING. Peter here is true to the character portrayed in all the Gospels as well as Acts. He is the leader. It is upon his proposition and example that the disciples resort to...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    THE RISEN LORD (John 21:1-14)...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    After these things Jesus again showed himself to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. This was the way in which he showed himself. Simon Peter, and Thomas, who is called Didymus, and Nathanael, who c...

  • Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

    UNTO. to. I GO. FISHING. I go forth to fish. WITH. Greek. _sun._ App-104. INTO. Greek _eis._ App-104. A. the; probably that of Matthew 4:21, belonging to Zebedee and his sons. IMMEDIATELY. All th...

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    _Simon Peter_ As so often, he takes the lead. In the interval of waiting for definite instructions the disciples have returned to their usual employment. Once more we have precise and vivid details, a...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    THE MANIFESTATION TO THE SEVEN AND THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    ἘΝΈΒΗΑΝ for ἈΝΈΒΗΣΑΝ. Omit εὐθύς after ΠΛΟΙ͂ΟΝ. 3. S. Peter, as so often, takes the lead: and again we have precise and vivid details, as from an eyewitness. In the interval of waiting for definite in...

  • Catena Aurea Commentary

    Ver 1. After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself. 2. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nat...

  • Charles Box Commentaries

    _PETER SAID, "I AM GOING FISHING" -- JOHN 21:1-3:_ God blessed us to observe another of Jesus' appearances to His disciples. He appeared this time to them by the Sea of Galilee. Peter, along with some...

  • Charles Rose Commentaries

    ΆΛΙΕΎΕΙΝ _praes. act. inf. от_ ΆΛΙΕΎΩ (G232) ловить рыбу. _Inf._ цели, "чтобы ловить рыбу" — он снова берется за свое прежнее дело, ΈΞΉΛΘΟΝ _aor. ind. act. от_ ΈΞΈΡΧΟΜΑΙ (G2064) выходить, ΈΝΈΒΗΣΑΝ _...

  • Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

    SIMON PETER SAITH—I GO A FISHING.— _I am going a fishing._ Heylin. Our Lord having, first by the angels, and then in person, ordered his disciples to go home to Galilee, with a promise that they shoul...

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    OMNIPOTENT LORD _Text: John 21:1-14_ 1 After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifested himself on this wise. 2 There were together Sim...

  • Combined Bible Commentary

    EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN John 21:1-14 The following is an Analysis of our present passage:— The varied details of chapter 21 supply a most instructive and marvelously complete lesson on serv...

  • Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

    Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. SIMON PETER SAITH UNT...

  • Concordant Commentary on the New Testament by A. E. Knoch

    27 While we hardly care to sympathize with doubting Thomas, yet we feel grateful for the unanswerable evidence his case called forth. The reality of our Lord's resurrection is put beyond all question...

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    MANIFESTATION OF THE RISEN LORD TO SEVEN DISCIPLES AT THE SEA OF TIBERIAS. The Fourth Gospel confirms the synoptic tradition that there were appearances in Galilee as well as in Judæa. The date of thi...

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    SUPPLEMENTARY 1-25. Appendix. The Gospel is brought to a definite close, its contents are reviewed, and its purpose stated in John 20:30; John 20:31. The present chapter is therefore probably an appen...

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    I GO A FISHING] The period of waiting had doubtless tried the Apostles severely, and it was more as a distraction, than as a means of livelihood that St. Peter returned to his nets. THAT NIGHT] At nig...

  • EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries

    JOHN TELLS THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT JESUS GOSPEL OF JOHN _MARION ADAMS_ CHAPTER 21 JESUS APPEARS TO 7 *DISCIPLES 21:1-14 V1 Afterwards, Jesus appeared again to his *disciples by the Sea called Tiberi...

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    SIMON PETER SAITH UNTO THEM, I GO A FISHING. — The words are the vivid representation by an ear-witness of what actually took place as they re turned to their ordinary work during the interval between...

  • Expositor's Bible Commentary (Nicoll)

    XXIV. _ APPEARANCE AT SEA OF GALILEE._ "After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias; and He manifested Himself on this wise. There were together Simon Pet...

  • Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

    THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES John 21:1-9 It would almost seem as if the Apostles thought that the radiant vision of Christ was withdrawn forever; or did they think that they would glorify Him bes...

  • G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

    This chapter undoubtedly added later by the writer is a revelation or manifestation of the risen Christ. Here He is seen interested in His disciples, and caring for their immediate needs, and that in...

  • George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

    How comes it that Peter, after his conversion, should return to his fishing, when Jesus Christ had said, that he that sets his hand to the plough, and looks back, is not worthy of the kingdom of heave...

  • Godbey's Commentary on the New Testament

    CHAPTER 31 JESUS APPEARS AT THE SEA OF GALILEE John 21:1-4. “ _After these things_, _Jesus again manifested Himself to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias_.” This city stands on the west coast of th...

  • Godet's commentary on Luke, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians

    APPENDIX: 21:1-25. After the conclusion John 20:30-31, this section is a surprise to the reader. It contains two scenes: one of a general interest for the whole circle of the disciples (John 21:1-14);...

  • Godet's commentary on Luke, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians

    I. JESUS AND THE DISCIPLES: JOHN 21:1-14. This first scene includes two pictures: that of the _fishing_ and that of the _repast._ The fishing: John 21:1-8. The theatre of this story is remarkable: it...

  • Godet's commentary on Luke, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians

    “ _Simon Peter says to them, I go a fishing. They say to him, We also go with thee. They went forth and entered immediately into the boat; and they took nothing that night._ 4. _But when the morning w...

  • Hawker's Poor man's commentary

    Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. (4) But when the morning...

  • Introductory Lectures - Commentary by William Kelly

    In John 21:1-25, the appended scene is the fishing. After a night of failure, a vast multitude of fish is taken in the net, without breaking it or risking the ships (Luke 5:1-39), or the need of gathe...

  • John Calvin's Bible Commentary

    3._I am going to fish. _That Peter gave his attention to _fishing, _ought not to be regarded as inconsistent with his office. By _breathing on _him, Jesus had ordained him to be an Apostle, as we saw...

  • John Darby's Synopsis

    The next chapter, while rendering a fresh testimony to the resurrection of Jesus, gives us to Verse 13 a picture of the millennial work of Christ; from thence to the end, the especial portions of Pete...

  • John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

    SIMON PETER SAITH UNTO THEM, I GO A FISHING,.... Which was his business before his conversion; and now having nothing to do, and his Lord and master having, as yet, no service for him in the ministry...

  • John Trapp Complete Commentary

    Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. Ver. 3. _I go a fishing...

  • Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    _Simon Peter saith, I go a fishing_ They were now waiting for Christ's promised appearance to them, and it was certainly commendable in Peter that he wished to redeem the time and not be idle; but end...

  • Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament (1851)

    Our wants are to be supplied through our own voluntary and active instrumentality. Due attention to worldly concerns is required, and is acceptable to Jesus Christ. When rightly employed in secular bu...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST AT THE SEA OF TIBERIUS. The fishing expedition:...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    SIMON PETER SAITH UNTO THEM, I GO A-FISHING. THEY SAY UNTO HIM, WE ALSO GO WITH THEE. THEY WENT FORTH, AND ENTERED INTO A SHIP IMMEDIATELY; AND THAT NIGHT THEY CAUGHT NOTHING. Jesus had told His disci...

  • Leslie M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible

    APPEARING IN GALILEE (vs.1-14) The scene now changes from Jerusalem to Galilee. We have seen in chapter 20:19-25 the picture of the gathering of the Church of God, and in the remaining verses that of...

  • Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

    1-14 Christ makes himself known to his people, usually in his ordinances; but sometimes by his Spirit he visits them when employed in their business. It is good for the disciples of Christ to be toge...

  • Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible

    Peter and divers others were fishermen, as we have formerly heard, and had boats which they so employed. Though they were called to the work of the ministry, yet, churches not yet being gathered and c...

  • Patchworkid's Personal Study Bible Notes

    John 21:3 Simon G4613 Peter G4074 said G3004 (G5719) them G846 going G5217 (G5719) fishing G232 ...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    THE DISCIPLES CANNOT BE FRUITFUL WITHOUT THE POWER OF JESUS (JOHN 21:1)....

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    ‘There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus (‘the twin'), and Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter says to them, “I am goin...

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    John 21:3. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth and entered into the boat, and that night they laid hold on nothing. It is hardly pro...

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    The authenticity and genuineness of the chapter upon which we now enter have been keenly contested; while many, who admit that John is the author of the chapter, see in it not so much an organic part...

  • Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

    I GO A FISHING (υπαγω αλιευειν). The present active infinitive αλιευειν expresses purpose as often. It is a late verb from αλιευς (fisherman) and occurs in Jeremiah 16:16, in Philo, Plutarch, and on...

  • Scofield's Bible Commentary

    I GO Contrast (Numbers 9:17)....

  • Sermon Bible Commentary

    John 21:3 I. The lot of Christ's disciples is usually a life of toil. In this, there is little difference between the Christian and the worldling; if anything, the difference is in the worldling's fav...

  • Sermon Bible Commentary

    John 21 We Learn from this Chapter I. The wide range of the pastoral office. Whenever the minister is exclusively a fisherman and neglects the labour of the shepherd, he is only doing half his work....

  • Sermon Bible Commentary

    John 21:1 I. It had been by a miraculous draught of fishes, like the one now before us, that, at the outset of His ministry, Christ had drawn away three at least of the seven now around Him, from thei...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    John 21:1. _After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself._ Jesus loved to show himself to his people. Of old, his delights...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    John 21:1. _After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself._ May every one of you, my fellow-disciples, realize that Jesus i...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    John 21:1. _After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and N...

  • Summarized Bible Commentary

    CONTENTS: The risen Christ surprises the disciples and directs their fishing. Peter given opportunity to reaffirm His allegiance to Christ. CHARACTERS: Jesus, disciples, Peter, Thomas, John. CONCLUS...

  • Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    John 21:2. _There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus,_ a word which designates a twin; _and Nathanael, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples._ Here are seven; the four abs...

  • The Bible Study New Testament

    I AM GOING FISHING. As usual, Peter takes the lead....

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing_ I GO A FISHING 1. A sudden inspiration. 2. A prompt resolution. 3. A hopeful expedition. 4. A laborious occupation. 5. A fruitless speculation. 6....

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias_ THE SEA OF TIBERIAS twelve full miles in length by nearly seven in breadth, formed by the widening of the rive...

  • The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

    JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 21:3 NIGHT was the preferred time for fishing in ancient times (Luke 5:5). Fish caught during the night could be sold fresh in the morning....

  • The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

    JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 21:1 Epilogue: The Roles of Peter and of the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved. Chapter John 21:1 describes Jesus’ third and final resurrection appearance in this Gospel.

  • The Great Commentary of Cornelius à Lapide

    1-25 CHAPTER 21 VER. 1. _After these things_, &c. From this it appears that Peter and the other Apostles had gone from Judea into Galilee, as Christ had bidden them (_S. Matthew 23:10_). For this appe...

  • The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

    _EXPLANATORY AND CRITICAL NOTES_ John 21:1. AFTER THESE THINGS (see John 5:1, etc.).—_I.e._ after the events recorded in chap. 20. THE SEA OF TIBERIAS.—See John 6:1. SHOWED HIMSELF.—_Rather_ MANIFESTE...

  • The Pulpit Commentaries

    EXPOSITION JOHN 21:1 3. The epilogue, answering to the prologue. The post-resurrection life corresponds with the pre-incarnate energy of the Logos. 1. Long and sustained controversy has prevailed o...

  • Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith

    Now after these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and this is how it happened. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus [the twin], and Natha...

  • Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

    1 Corinthians 3:7; 1 Corinthians 9:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Kings 6:1;...

  • Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament (4 Volume Set)

    A ship [τ ο π λ ο ι ο ν]. Rev., the boat; restoring the article, which indicates a familiar implement. See on Luke 5:2. Immediately. Omit. That night. The emphatic pronoun that [ε κ ε ι ν η] may ind...

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Old Testament