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<!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 21:18 Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/21-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/43_Jhn_21_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 21:18 - Jesus Reinstates Peter" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." /><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/21-18.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/21-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/21-17.htm" title="John 21:17">◄</a> John 21:18 <a href="/john/21-19.htm" title="John 21:19">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/john/21.htm">New International Version</a> Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” <a href="/esv/john/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” <a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” <a href="/blb/john/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you dressed yourself and walked where you desired; but when you shall be old, you will stretch forth your hands, and another will dress you and will bring you where you do not desire." <a href="/kjv/john/21.htm">King James Bible</a> Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. <a href="/nkjv/john/21.htm">New King James Version</a> Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” <a href="/nasb_/john/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Truly, truly I tell you, when you were younger, you used to put on your belt and walk wherever you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will put your belt on you, and bring you where you do not want to go.” <a href="/nasb/john/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself, and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” <a href="/lsb/john/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” <a href="/amp/john/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I assure you and most solemnly say to you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and walked wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and arms, and someone else will dress you, and carry you where you do not wish to go.” <a href="/csb/john/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” <a href="/hcsb/john/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220I assure you: When you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don&#8217t want to go.&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. <a href="/cev/john/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I tell you for certain that when you were a young man, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will hold out your hands. Then others will wrap your belt around you and lead you where you don't want to go." <a href="/erv/john/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. <a href="/gwt/john/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I can guarantee this truth: When you were young, you would get ready to go where you wanted. But when you're old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will get you ready to take you where you don't want to go." <a href="/gnt/john/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> I am telling you the truth: when you were young, you used to get ready and go anywhere you wanted to; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you up and take you where you don't want to go." <a href="/isv/john/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Truly, I tell you emphatically, when you were young, you would fasten your belt and go wherever you liked. But when you get old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten your belt and take you where you don't want to go." <a href="/msb/john/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.? <a href="/net/john/21.htm">NET Bible</a> I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go." <a href="/nheb/john/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Truly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you do not want to go." <a href="/wbt/john/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Verily, verily, I say to thee, When thou wast young, thou didst gird thyself and walk whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldst not. <a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "In most solemn truth I tell you that whereas, when you were young, you used to put on your girdle and walk whichever way you chose, when you have grown old you will stretch out your arms and some one else will put a girdle round you and carry you where you have no wish to go." <a href="/web/john/21.htm">World English Bible</a> Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you were girding yourself and were walking to where you willed, but when you may be old, you will stretch forth your hands, and another will gird you, and will carry [you] to where you do not will”; <a href="/blb/john/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you dressed yourself and walked where you desired; but when you shall be old, you will stretch forth your hands, and another will dress you and will bring you where you do not desire." <a href="/ylt/john/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> verily, verily, I say to thee, When thou wast younger, thou wast girding thyself and wast walking whither thou didst will, but when thou mayest be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another will gird thee, and shall carry thee whither thou dost not will;' <a href="/slt/john/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Truly, truly, I say to thee, when thou west younger, thou didst gird thyself and walk where thou wouldest; and when thou shalt grow old, thou shalt stretch out thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and bring thee where thou wilt not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Amen, amen I say to thee, when thou wast younger, thou didst gird thyself, and didst walk where thou wouldst. But when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee whither thou wouldst not. <a href="/cpdv/john/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked wherever you wanted. But when you are older, you will extend your hands, and another shall gird you and lead you where you do not want to go.” <a href="/nabre/john/21.htm">New American Bible</a> Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to tie up your girdle yourself, and walk wherever you pleased; but when you become old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will tie up for you your girdle, and take you where you do not wish. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Amen, amen, I tell you, that when you were young, you were girding your loins and you were walking where you wanted, but when you are old, you shall reach out your hands and others shall gird your loins for you and shall escort you to where you do not want.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Verily, verily I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself, and walked whither you chose; but when you have become old, you shall stretch forth your hands, and another shall gird you, and lead you whither you would not. <a href="/godbey/john/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Truly, truly, I say unto you, When you were young, you girded yourself, and walked about where you wished: but when you get old, you will reach forth your hands, and another will lead you, where you do not wish.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast a younger man, thou didst gird up thyself, and go about whithersoever thy choice led thee: but when thou shalt grow old, another person extending thy hands, shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. <a href="/mace/john/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I tell you for certain, tho' when you was a youth you girded your self, and rambled where you had a mind: yet when you are old, your hands shall be stretch'd out, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee where you will be unwilling to go. <a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "In most solemn truth I tell you that whereas, when you were young, you used to put on your girdle and walk whichever way you chose, when you have grown old you will stretch out your arms and some one else will put a girdle round you and carry you where you have no wish to go." <a href="/worrell/john/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Verily, verily, I say to you, when you were young, you were wont to gird yourself, and to walk wheresoever you wished; but, when you become old, you will stretch forth your hands, and another will gird you, and carry you whither you wish not."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Verily, verily I say unto thee, When thou wast younger, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst about where thou wouldest: but when thou art old, thou shalt stretch out thine hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee where thou wouldest not.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/21-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=7501" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">Jesus Reinstates Peter</a> …17Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18<a href="/greek/281.htm" title="281: Amēn (Heb) -- Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.">Truly,</a> <a href="/greek/281.htm" title="281: amēn (Heb) -- Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.">truly,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">when</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēs (V-IIA-2S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">you were</a> <a href="/greek/3501.htm" title="3501: neōteros (Adj-NMS-C) -- (a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh. ">young,</a> <a href="/greek/2224.htm" title="2224: ezōnnyes (V-IIA-2S) -- To gird, put on the girdle, especially as preparatory to active work. From zone; to bind about.">you dressed</a> <a href="/greek/4572.htm" title="4572: seauton (PPro-AM2S) -- Of yourself. ">yourself</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4043.htm" title="4043: periepateis (V-IIA-2S) -- From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.">walked</a> <a href="/greek/3699.htm" title="3699: hopou (Adv) -- Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.">where</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: ētheles (V-IIA-2S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">you wanted;</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.">when</a> <a href="/greek/1095.htm" title="1095: gērasēs (V-ASA-2S) -- To become old, grow old. From geras; to be senescent.">you are old,</a> <a href="/greek/1614.htm" title="1614: ekteneis (V-FIA-2S) -- To stretch out (forth), cast forth (as of an anchor), lay hands on. From ek and teino; to extend.">you will stretch out</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheiras (N-AFP) -- A hand. ">hands,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/243.htm" title="243: allos (Adj-NMS) -- Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; else, i.e. Different.">someone else</a> <a href="/greek/2224.htm" title="2224: zōsei (V-FIA-3S) -- To gird, put on the girdle, especially as preparatory to active work. From zone; to bind about.">will dress</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5342.htm" title="5342: oisei (V-FIA-3S) -- To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.">lead you</a> <a href="/greek/3699.htm" title="3699: hopou (Adv) -- Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.">where</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: theleis (V-PIA-2S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">you do not want to go.” </a> 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/13-36.htm">John 13:36</a> “Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.” <a href="/john/12-33.htm">John 12:33</a> He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die. <a href="/2_peter/1-14.htm">2 Peter 1:14</a> because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. <a href="/acts/21-11.htm">Acts 21:11</a> Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’” <a href="/matthew/26-34.htm">Matthew 26:34</a> “Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24</a> Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. <a href="/luke/9-23.htm">Luke 9:23</a> Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. <a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Luke 22:32-34</a> But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” / “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.” / But Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” <a href="/mark/8-34.htm">Mark 8:34</a> Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples, and He told them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. <a href="/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23-24</a> I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. / But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. <a href="/isaiah/46-4.htm">Isaiah 46:4</a> Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16</a> I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. <a href="/jeremiah/1-19.htm">Jeremiah 1:19</a> They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. <a href="/psalms/71-18.htm">Psalm 71:18</a> Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. <a href="/psalms/48-14.htm">Psalm 48:14</a> For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even till death.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Truly, truly, I say to you, When you were young, you gird yourself, and walked where you would: but when you shall be old, you shall stretch forth your hands, and another shall gird you, and carry you where you would not.but.<a href="/john/13-36.htm">John 13:36</a> Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.<a href="/acts/12-3.htm">Acts 12:3,4</a> And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) … another.<a href="/acts/21-11.htm">Acts 21:11</a> And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.thou wouldest not.<a href="/john/12-27.htm">John 12:27,28</a> Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour… <a href="/2_corinthians/5-4.htm">2 Corinthians 5:4</a> For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/18-3.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/john/19-38.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/john/15-19.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Dress</a> <a href="/john/19-2.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/john/21-3.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/luke/17-8.htm">Gird</a> <a href="/psalms/76-10.htm">Girdest</a> <a href="/john/21-7.htm">Girdle</a> <a href="/john/3-30.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/john/20-27.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/john/20-16.htm">Round</a> <a href="/john/18-39.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/luke/22-53.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/john/18-34.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/john/12-20.htm">Used</a> <a href="/john/16-23.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/john/11-54.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/john/18-39.htm">Want</a> <a href="/john/16-19.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/john/9-34.htm">Wast</a> <a href="/john/21-13.htm">Way</a> <a href="/john/9-25.htm">Whereas</a> <a href="/john/3-8.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-17.htm">Whichever</a> <a href="/john/18-20.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/john/16-19.htm">Wished</a> <a href="/john/19-11.htm">Wouldest</a> <a href="/john/12-15.htm">Young</a> <a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Younger</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/20-10.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/acts/5-9.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/acts/6-5.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">Dress</a> <a href="/acts/1-10.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/john/21-22.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/acts/12-8.htm">Gird</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-40.htm">Girdest</a> <a href="/acts/12-8.htm">Girdle</a> <a href="/acts/5-24.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/acts/4-4.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/acts/2-23.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Round</a> <a href="/acts/5-25.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/acts/4-30.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/acts/5-3.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/acts/3-2.htm">Used</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/acts/3-8.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/john/21-22.htm">Want</a> <a href="/acts/5-33.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Wast</a> <a href="/acts/1-11.htm">Way</a> <a href="/romans/2-10.htm">Whereas</a> <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/acts/7-7.htm">Whichever</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-20.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/acts/10-10.htm">Wished</a> <a href="/acts/7-28.htm">Wouldest</a> <a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Young</a> <a href="/acts/5-6.htm">Younger</a><div class="vheading2">John 21</div>1. <a href="/john/21-1.htm">Jesus appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great catch of fish.</a> 12. <a href="/john/21-12.htm">He dines with them;</a> 15. <a href="/john/21-15.htm">earnestly commands Peter to feed his lambs and sheep;</a> 18. <a href="/john/21-18.htm">foretells him of his death;</a> 22. <a href="/john/21-22.htm">rebukes his curiosity.</a> 24. <a href="/john/21-24.htm">The conclusion.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Truly, truly, I tell you This phrase, often translated as "Verily, verily" or "Amen, amen," is used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of what He is about to say. It is a solemn affirmation, indicating that the following statement is of great significance. This double affirmation is unique to the Gospel of John and underscores the authority of Jesus' words.when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted This part of the verse reflects the freedom and independence associated with youth. In the cultural context of the time, dressing oneself and choosing one's path were symbols of autonomy and self-determination. This imagery is used to contrast the later loss of freedom that comes with age or circumstances beyond one's control.but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands The phrase "stretch out your hands" is often interpreted as a metaphor for crucifixion, a form of execution that was common in the Roman Empire. This imagery foreshadows Peter's martyrdom, as tradition holds that he was crucified in Rome. The stretching out of hands can also symbolize submission and vulnerability, as one is led by others.and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. This indicates a loss of personal freedom and control, suggesting that Peter will face circumstances beyond his choosing. Historically, this is understood as a prophecy of Peter's death, where he would be led to a place of execution against his will. Theologically, it reflects the cost of discipleship and the ultimate surrender to God's will, even unto death. This prophecy is fulfilled in the tradition that Peter was martyred for his faith, highlighting the theme of sacrifice and commitment in following Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The resurrected Lord who is speaking to Peter, providing him with a prophecy about his future. 2. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter (Simon Peter)</a> One of Jesus' closest disciples, who is being addressed directly by Jesus in this passage. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sea_of_galilee.htm">The Sea of Galilee</a> The location where Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, as described earlier in <a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">John 21</a>. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The broader context in which this prophecy would be fulfilled, as Peter becomes a leading figure in the early Christian community. 5. <a href="/topical/m/martyrdom.htm">Martyrdom</a> The event foreshadowed by Jesus in this verse, indicating the manner of Peter's death.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_prophecy.htm">Understanding Prophecy</a> Jesus' words to Peter remind us that God knows our future and has a plan for our lives, even if it involves suffering. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_following_christ.htm">Faithfulness in Following Christ</a> Peter's journey from denial to martyrdom illustrates the transformative power of Christ's love and forgiveness. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Jesus' prophecy to Peter highlights the reality that following Christ may lead to personal sacrifice and suffering. <a href="/topical/e/embracing_god's_will.htm">Embracing God's Will</a> Like Peter, we are called to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when it leads us into difficult circumstances. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith.htm">Legacy of Faith</a> Peter's life and death serve as a powerful testimony to the enduring impact of a life fully committed to Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 21</a> <a href="/q/how_did_apostle_peter_die.htm">What was the manner of Apostle Peter's death?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_apostle_john_die.htm">What was the cause of Apostle John's death?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_2_peter.htm">Who is the author of 2 Peter?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_the_apostles_die.htm">What were the causes of the apostles' deaths?</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>(18) Verily, verily, I say unto thee.--This phrase is peculiar to St. John. (Comp. Note on <a href="/john/1-51.htm" title="And he said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man.">John 1:51</a>.) The remainder of the verse contains three pairs of sentences answering to each other:--"Thou wast young,". . . . "Thou shalt be old;""Thou girdedst thyself,". . . . "Thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee;""And walkedst whither thou wouldest," . . . "And carry thee whither thou wouldest not."Thou wast young.--Literally, thou wast younger (than thou art now). Peter must have been at this time (comp. <a href="/matthew/8-14.htm" title="And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.">Matthew 8:14</a>) in middle age.Thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee.--Do these words refer to the crucifixion of Peter? Tradition, from Tertullian downwards (Scorp. xv.; De Praescr. xxxv.), states that he was crucified, and, interpreting this prophecy by the event, asserts that they do. Tertullian himself so understood them, for he says, "Then is Peter girded by another when he is bound to the cross."But on the other hand, (1) the girding (with chains) would precede, not follow, the crucifixion; (2) it would be more natural to speak of another stretching forth his hands if the nailing them to the cross is intended; (3) the last clause, "carry thee whither thou wouldest not," could not follow the stretching of the hands on the transverse beam of the cross.It seems impossible therefore to adopt the traditional reference to crucifixion, and we must take the words, "stretch forth thy hands," as expressing symbolically the personal surrender previous to being girded by another. To what exact form of death the context does not specify. We have thus in the second pair of sentences, as in the first and third, a complete parallelism, the stretching forth of the hands being a part of the girding by another, and the whole being in contrast to "Thou girdedst thyself." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Verily, verily, I say unto thee. This form of address links the pre-resurrection life to that which follows, proclaims the identity of the being and the unity of the Person of the Christ under new conditions. More than that, much solemnity is conferred on this final word of the Master. When thou wast younger than thou art now; i.e. before thou camest under my sway; when thou wert supreme ruler of the fishing-fleet of Capernaum, with wife and family dependent on thee; when Andrew, James, and John (thy partners) were in a measure all doing thy will, following in thy train, submitting to thy behests, - thou girdodst thyself for whatever task was set before thee; thou hadst the choice of duties and pleasures; thou hadst time at thy disposal, thy method of service in thine own hands, even as now it was thy will to gird thee for the task of swimming to my feet (see <a href="/isaiah/45-5.htm">Isaiah 45:5</a>; <a href="/proverbs/31-17.htm">Proverbs 31:17</a>; <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">1 Kings 18:46</a>; <a href="/john/13-4.htm">John 13:4, 5</a>, διαζώννυμι; <a href="/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35-37</a>; <a href="/luke/17-8.htm">Luke 17:8</a>; <a href="/acts/12-8.htm">Acts 12:8</a>, περιζώννυμι; <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">1 Peter 1:13</a>, ἀναζώννυμι. The simple verb is used here in reference to all kinds of "girding"). So that the Lord reminds him of his natural self-will, so conspicuous and prominent, the secret of all his weakness and much of his individuality. And thou walkedst whither thou wouldest; or literally, thou wert in the habit of walking whithersoever thou weft willing or desiring to do; i.e. thine outward conduct, and the whole line of thy daily enterprise and duty, was not only an utterance of thine own self-mastery, but even thy wishes, the momentary waywardness of thy purposes, found immediate gratification. But a great change has come over thee; thou hast passed through a new experience. Already thou feelest that thou art not thine own; thy heart and strength, thy hands, thy feet, thy very girdle and sandal, are beginning to seem to thee no longer at thine own disposal. Thy self-will is checked, thy natural audacity and power of initiation are repressed into much narrower limits. Thou-hast found thyself weaker than a little child; thou art in need of this Divine principle of "love," deep and fervent, reverential as well as personal, not only to utter bold expressions of regard, but to form the very focus and new central force of thy whole being; and so it will come to pass that this new force will more than master thee; and when thou shalt be old and gray with years, thy service to that other and higher wilt shall be complete: thou wilt stretch forth thy hands in token of entire submission to the will of another, however it may be revealed to thee - whether at the instance of "the angel" or "Herod," of "Cornelius" or Nero's executioner! This remarkable phrase has often been supposed to mean the "stretching forth of the hands of the crucified" on his being appended to the cross. But such a process would follow rather than precede the "girding," which is, on such an interpretation, taken literally of the girding that preceded the nailing. There can be no doubt, from the language of St. John, that this was the final and forcible illustration of the new principle that would take full possession of Simon Peter. But meanwhile it was a long life of willing surrender to the Supreme Will which gives its highest meaning to these words. And another shall gird thee, and carry thee(or, bring thee) whither thou art not wishing to go. The old self-will, though it be indeed mastered, will not have utterly vanished. If it be not so, where would be the sacrifice? Even the blessed Lord himself said, "Not my will, but thine be done." Verily, even the sanctified nature of the sinless Man, prepared in the spotless womb of the blessed Virgin by the Holy Ghost, anointed by the Spirit, and in living absolute union with the only begotten Son, - even he was, in human consciousness, disposed to cry, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me," etc. We need not wonder, then, that to the very last, when the supreme will was manifested to Peter in the approaches of violent death, he should feel the will of the flesh thwarted. The exquisite legend embodied in the "Domiue, quo vadis?" (see <a href="/john/13-33.htm">John 13:33</a>) confirms the entire representation of the character of Peter. So also does the story, preserved by Tertullian ('De Pries.,' 35; ' Ad Scorp.,' 15) and Eusebius ('Hist. Eccl.,' 3:1), that the apostle preferred crucifixion with his head downwards, on the plea that to be crucified as his Master was too great an honor for one that had denied his Lord. <a href="/commentaries/john/21-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Truly, Ἀμὴν (Amēn) Hebrew Word <a href="/greek/strongs_281.htm">Strong's 281: </a> Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely. truly, ἀμὴν (amēn) Hebrew Word <a href="/greek/strongs_281.htm">Strong's 281: </a> Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you, σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. when ὅτε (hote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When. you were ἦς (ēs) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. young, νεώτερος (neōteros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3501.htm">Strong's 3501: </a> (a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh. you dressed ἐζώννυες (ezōnnyes) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2224.htm">Strong's 2224: </a> To gird, put on the girdle, especially as preparatory to active work. From zone; to bind about. yourself σεαυτὸν (seauton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4572.htm">Strong's 4572: </a> Of yourself. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. walked περιεπάτεις (periepateis) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow. where ὅπου (hopou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3699.htm">Strong's 3699: </a> Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot. you wanted; ἤθελες (ētheles) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. when ὅταν (hotan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3752.htm">Strong's 3752: </a> When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. you are old, γηράσῃς (gērasēs) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1095.htm">Strong's 1095: </a> To become old, grow old. From geras; to be senescent. you will stretch out ἐκτενεῖς (ekteneis) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1614.htm">Strong's 1614: </a> To stretch out (forth), cast forth (as of an anchor), lay hands on. From ek and teino; to extend. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. hands, χεῖράς (cheiras) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> A hand. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. someone else ἄλλος (allos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_243.htm">Strong's 243: </a> Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. will dress ζώσει (zōsei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2224.htm">Strong's 2224: </a> To gird, put on the girdle, especially as preparatory to active work. From zone; to bind about. you σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. lead [you] οἴσει (oisei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5342.htm">Strong's 5342: </a> To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb. where ὅπου (hopou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3699.htm">Strong's 3699: </a> Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot. you do not want to go.? θέλεις (theleis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/21-18.htm">John 21:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/21-18.htm">NT Gospels: John 21:18 Most certainly I tell you when you (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/21-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 21:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 21:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/21-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 21:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 21:19" /></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>