CINXE.COM
John 21:21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 21:21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/21-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/43_Jhn_21_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 21:21 - Jesus and the Beloved Apostle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Peter saw him, he asked, Lord, what about him?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/21-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/21-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/21-20.htm" title="John 21:20">◄</a> John 21:21 <a href="/john/21-22.htm" title="John 21:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore having seen him, Peter says to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what <i>shall</i> this man <i>do</i>?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what <i>about</i> this man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Peter, upon seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, and what <i>about</i> this man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Peter therefore seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So when Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man [what is in his future]?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord—what about him?” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Peter saw this disciple, he asked Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he said, "Lord, what about him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he asked, ?Lord, what about him??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So when Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />On seeing him, Peter asked Jesus, "And, Master, what about him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Having seen this one, Peter says to Jesus, “Lord, and what of this one?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore having seen him, Peter says to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Peter having seen this one, saith to Jesus, 'Lord, and what of this one?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Peter having seen him, says to Jesus, Lord, and what this.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Him therefore when Peter had seen, he saith to Jesus: Lord, and what shall this man do? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, when Peter had seen him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, but what about this one?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, My Lord, what about him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />When Kaypha saw this one, he said to Yeshua, “And what of this man, my Lord?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Peter seeing this one, said to Jesus: Lord, what shall this one do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then Peter seeing him says to Jesus; Lord, but what shall he do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Peter looking at him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what will become of this man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />upon seeing him, Peter said to Jesus, Lord, and what shall become of him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />On seeing him, Peter asked Jesus, "And, Master, what about him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Peter therefore, seeing him, says to Jesus, "Lord, and what <i>will</i> this man <i>do</i>?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><i>and upon</i> seeing him, Peter saith to Jesus, Lord, what <i>shall</i> this <i>man do?</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/21-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=7542" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">Jesus and the Beloved Apostle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20</span>Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?” <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">When</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idōn (V-APA-NMS) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">Peter saw</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touton (DPro-AMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">him,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4074.htm" title="4074: Petros (N-NMS) -- Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.">he</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">asked,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites."></a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrie (N-VMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">“Lord,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what about</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">him?”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-23.htm">John 13:23-25</a></span><br />One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. / So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about. / Leaning back against Jesus, he asked, “Lord, who is it?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-15.htm">John 18:15-16</a></span><br />Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. / But Peter stood outside at the door. Then the disciple who was known to the high priest went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-26.htm">John 19:26-27</a></span><br />When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-27.htm">Matthew 16:27-28</a></span><br />For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done. / Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-28.htm">Matthew 19:28-30</a></span><br />Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. / And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. / But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21-23</a></span><br />“What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” / “You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered. / “You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said. “But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-33.htm">Matthew 26:33-35</a></span><br />Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.” / “Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” / Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-35.htm">Mark 10:35-40</a></span><br />Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and declared, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” / “What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired. / They answered, “Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46-48</a></span><br />Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. / But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. / And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-30</a></span><br />A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-6.htm">Acts 1:6-8</a></span><br />So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” / Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. / But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/12-2.htm">Acts 12:2</a></span><br />He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-10.htm">Romans 14:10-12</a></span><br />Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. / It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” / So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">1 Corinthians 3:13-15</a></span><br />his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. / If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. / If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a></span><br />Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Peter seeing him said to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?</p><p class="hdg">Lord.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">Matthew 24:3,4</a></b></br> And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what <i>shall be</i> the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23,24</a></b></br> Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/1-6.htm">Acts 1:6,7</a></b></br> When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/21-20.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Master</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Peter</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/21-22.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/acts/1-6.htm">Master</a> <a href="/acts/1-13.htm">Peter</a><div class="vheading2">John 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/21-1.htm">Jesus appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great catch of fish.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/21-12.htm">He dines with them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/21-15.htm">earnestly commands Peter to feed his lambs and sheep;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/21-18.htm">foretells him of his death;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/21-22.htm">rebukes his curiosity.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/21-24.htm">The conclusion.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When Peter saw him</b><br>Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is often portrayed as impulsive and curious. This moment occurs after Jesus' resurrection, during a post-resurrection appearance by the Sea of Galilee. The "him" refers to the disciple whom Jesus loved, traditionally understood to be John. This setting is significant as it is the same location where Jesus first called Peter to follow Him, symbolizing a full-circle moment in Peter's journey of faith. The Sea of Galilee was a central location in Jesus' ministry, and its mention here underscores the continuity of His mission even after His resurrection.<p><b>he asked,</b><br>Peter's question reflects his human nature and concern for his fellow disciple. This inquiry comes after Jesus has just reinstated Peter following his denial, asking him three times to "feed my sheep." Peter's question may indicate a mix of curiosity and concern about the future roles and destinies of the other disciples. It also highlights the communal aspect of the early Christian community, where the actions and fates of individuals were of collective interest.<p><b>“Lord, what about him?”</b><br>Peter addresses Jesus as "Lord," acknowledging His authority and divinity. This title is significant as it reflects the early Christian understanding of Jesus' divine nature. The question "what about him?" suggests Peter's interest in the fate of John, possibly in light of Jesus' earlier prophecy about Peter's own future martyrdom. This moment emphasizes the theme of individual callings and destinies within the Christian faith, as Jesus' response will focus on the importance of following Him regardless of others' paths. This interaction also serves as a reminder of the unique roles each disciple plays in the unfolding of God's plan, echoing the diverse gifts and callings mentioned in <a href="/1_corinthians/12.htm">1 Corinthians 12</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a></b><br>One of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his impulsive nature and deep devotion to Christ. In <a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">John 21</a>, Peter is being restored by Jesus after denying Him three times.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The resurrected Christ, appearing to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. He is in the process of reaffirming Peter's role among the disciples.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_beloved_disciple.htm">The Beloved Disciple</a></b><br>Traditionally understood to be John, the author of the Gospel. He is present during this exchange and is the subject of Peter's question in <a href="/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21</a>.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sea_of_galilee.htm">Sea of Galilee</a></b><br>The location where Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection. It is a significant place for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_restoration.htm">The Event of Restoration</a></b><br>This chapter focuses on Jesus restoring Peter after his denial, emphasizing forgiveness and commissioning for future ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/focus_on_your_calling.htm">Focus on Your Calling</a></b><br>Jesus' response to Peter's question about John ("If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!") teaches us to focus on our own calling and not compare ourselves to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a></b><br>The passage encourages believers to trust in God's unique plan for each person, understanding that His purposes are perfect and individualized.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_commissioning.htm">Restoration and Commissioning</a></b><br>Just as Peter was restored and commissioned, believers can find hope in Jesus' forgiveness and His call to serve despite past failures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_distraction.htm">Avoiding Distraction</a></b><br>Peter's question about John serves as a reminder to avoid distractions and remain steadfast in our personal walk with Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_individual_roles.htm">Community and Individual Roles</a></b><br>While we are part of a larger community of believers, each person has a distinct role and purpose within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/origin_of_belief__'beloved_disciple'_immortal.htm">John 21:20-23 - Where did the belief originate that the 'disciple whom Jesus loved' would never die, and what does it imply about the credibility of the text?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jesus_ask_peter_3_times.htm">John 21:15-17 - Why does Jesus repeat his question to Peter three times, and does this contradict or overlap inconsistently with Peter's declarations in earlier chapters?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_mary_recognize_jesus.htm">Why does Mary Magdalene initially fail to recognize Jesus (John 20:14-15), and how do differing Gospel accounts explain or contradict this moment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_the_disciple_whom_jesus_loved.htm">Who was the disciple whom Jesus loved?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Lord, and what shall this man do</span>?--The motive prompting this question was probably that of loving interest in the future of his friend. It may well be that the two friends, in the sadness of the dark days through which they had passed, had talked together of what their Master's predictions of the future meant, and had wondered what there was in store for themselves. They knew the world was to hate them as it had hated Him, and they never knew what its hatred for Him was. One of them had learnt that he was to follow his Lord in death as in life, and he now sees the other following them as they draw apart from the group, and would fain know the future of his friend as he knew his own.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 21, 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Peter then,</span> <span class="cmt_word">seeing this man, saith to Jesus, Lord, and this man, what?</span> What is the duty, place, fate, or honor of this man? Paulus and Tholuck suggest in the words the inquiry, "May not this man come now and hear our intercourse, share in my travail and the like?" Meyer supposes it to be dictated by a certain jealousy or curiosity, a consciousness of contrast between his own impetuosity and the beloved disciple's quietude and self-possession. Clearly the inquiry was not altogether pleasing to the Lord, and led him once more to reiterate the original injunction, <span class="cmt_word">If I will that he abide until I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.</span> Do <span class="accented">thou</span> follow <span class="accented">me</span>, and cease to inquire after another's duty. Meyer considers that the <span class="greek">μένειν</span> is the opposite to <span class="greek">ἀκολουωεῖν</span> - that the latter word means "following unto death and martyrdom," while the former means "to be preserved alive," and turns to <a href="/philippians/1-25.htm">Philippians 1:25</a> and <a href="/1_corinthians/15-6.htm">1 Corinthians 15:6</a> in vindication. Doubtless that was the crude explanation which led to the subsequent legend of his immortality on earth, and the apostle's own disclaimer; but the word <span class="greek">μένειν</span> seems to be used in <a href="/john/1-37.htm">John 1:37, 39, 40</a>, and in many other places, of the complement and entire fulfillment of the idea and practice of <span class="greek">ἀκολουθεῖν</span> - of that abiding in Christ which is the full result of heartfelt following and unquestioning submission to the Savior's will (<a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4, 5, 10</a>; see also <a href="/1_john/2-6.htm">1 John 2:6, 17, 24, 26</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">1 John 3:24</a>; <a href="/1_john/4-15.htm">1 John 4:15</a>). Taking with these passages the corresponding and alternative use of the word to express the manner in which God, truth, or love "abides" in the child of God, it would seem as though it were the keynote of much of John's most mature experience - a fact which is very remarkably elucidated by the passage before us. Baur, Hilgenfeld, Schwegler, Strauss, have urged from this passage that the writer was contending against the Petrine tendency in the Church, by representing John as the higher and more distinguished apostle; and, according to Kostlin, a precisely opposite expression was conveyed by the unknown writer, who meant to flatter the Roman primacy, in the second century, by the dignities thus conferred upon the chief of the apostles. Both hypotheses are baseless. The beloved disciple quietly accepts here the role of "abiding," "waiting," "resting in the Lord," and admits the superior energy and constant initiation which Peter was, as a man, constrained to pursue. There is no jealousy between them, nor the hint of it. John receives more than he asks. "If I will that he abide till I come," etc., has been variously interpreted (the condition is not a simple supposition, there is a probability or uncertainty in the period of the "abiding" - the apodosis declares the as yet unuttered condition to be without bearing on Peter's immediate duty). Some have said that it means, "If I will that he enjoy the long life and the natural death of one who rests with Christ until he comes to take him home by a quiet departure, until he comes to receive him to himself" (<a href="/john/14-3.htm">John 14:3</a>. So Ewald and Olshausen). This view is improbable, because most certainly in that sense, Peter too followed and tarried and abode with Christ till the day when he was taken home. Luthardt suggests that the saying, as here given and interpreted by John himself, not of physical immortality, but of the coming itself, is John's way of asserting that the Lord has come; that in the fall of Jerusalem, A.D. 70, the destruction of the theocracy, and the obvious establishment of the true kingdom in all the world was the "coming," the <span class="greek">παρουσία</span>, the <span class="greek">ἔρχομαι</span>, of which the Savior had always spoken. John "sees the coming of the Lord in that event." In this general interpretation, Stier and Hengstenberg concur. Westcott throws more light upon it by wisely emphasizing (<span class="greek">ἕως ἔρχομαι</span>) the coming, not as one great event, but that continuous realization of his return which is the lofty privilege of faith; and shows that in numerous places <span class="greek">ἕως</span> points, not so much to the ultimate consummation, as to the interval which will elapse between the commencement and the consummation of the coming (cf. <a href="/john/9-4.htm">John 9:4</a>; <a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35</a>; <a href="/mark/6-45.htm">Mark 6:45</a> (with <span class="greek">ἀπολύει</span>); <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">1 Timothy 4:13</a>; <a href="/luke/19-2.htm">Luke 19:2</a>; <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Matthew 5:25</a>). How frequently has Christ spoken, in the latest discourses, of coming again, to fill the sorrowing with joy, to teach in the power of the Comforter, to judge the prince of this world, to raise and quicken the dead! Such abiding is the full issue of faithful following. Surely two types of character pervade the whole dispensation the Martha and the Mary types; the faithful servant who works and trades with his talents, and the virgin who waits for the Bridegroom; and these two types both meet with appropriate advice. Simon is bidden to follow, and, occupied with busy cares of the Church, leave results to Christ; but John, who has passed into the sanctuary of holy love, is encouraged to rest patiently, and in obscurity and silence, to glory and serve by "standing and waiting." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/21-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[When]</span><br /><span class="grk">οὖν</span> <span class="translit">(oun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Peter] saw</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰδὼν</span> <span class="translit">(idōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him,</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦτον</span> <span class="translit">(touton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[he]</span><br /><span class="grk">Πέτρος</span> <span class="translit">(Petros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4074.htm">Strong's 4074: </a> </span><span class="str2">Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked,</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγει</span> <span class="translit">(legei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Lord,</span><br /><span class="grk">Κύριε</span> <span class="translit">(Kyrie)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what about</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[him]?”</span><br /><span class="grk">οὗτος</span> <span class="translit">(houtos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/21-21.htm">NT Gospels: John 21:21 Peter seeing him said to Jesus Lord (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/21-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 21:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 21:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/21-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 21:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 21:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>