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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 21:22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/21-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/43_Jhn_21_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 21:22 - Jesus and the Beloved Apostle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Jesus answered, If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? 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You must follow me.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” <a href="/esv/john/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” <a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!” <a href="/blb/john/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Jesus says to him, "If I desire him to remain until I come, what is it to you? You follow Me!" <a href="/kjv/john/21.htm">King James Bible</a> Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. <a href="/nkjv/john/21.htm">New King James Version</a> Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” <a href="/nasb_/john/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” <a href="/nasb/john/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> Jesus said to him, &#8220If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” <a href="/lsb/john/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” <a href="/amp/john/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Jesus said to him, “If I want him to stay alive until I come [again], what is that to you? You follow Me!” <a href="/csb/john/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” <a href="/hcsb/john/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220If I want him to remain until I come,&#8221 Jesus answered, &#8220what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. <a href="/cev/john/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus answered, "What is it to you, if I want him to live until I return? You must follow me." <a href="/erv/john/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. <a href="/gwt/john/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus said to Peter, "If I want him to live until I come again, how does that concern you? Follow me!" <a href="/gnt/john/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus answered him, "If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" <a href="/isv/john/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jesus told him, "If it's my will for him to remain until I come back, how does that concern you? You must keep following me!" <a href="/msb/john/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Jesus answered, ?If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!? <a href="/net/john/21.htm">NET Bible</a> Jesus replied, "If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours? You follow me!" <a href="/nheb/john/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Jesus said to him, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me." <a href="/wbt/john/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Jesus saith to him, If I will that he shall tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. <a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "If I desire him to remain till I come," replied Jesus, "what concern is that of yours? You, yourself, must follow me." <a href="/web/john/21.htm">World English Bible</a> Jesus said to him, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Jesus says to him, “If I will him to remain until I come, what [is that] to you? Follow Me.” <a href="/blb/john/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Jesus says to him, "If I desire him to remain until I come, what is it to you? You follow Me!" <a href="/ylt/john/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Jesus saith to him, 'If him I will to remain till I come, what -- to thee? be thou following me.' This word, therefore, went forth to the brethren that that disciple doth not die, <a href="/slt/john/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Jesus says to him, If I will him to remain till I come, what to thee? follow me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Jesus saith to him: So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? follow thou me. <a href="/cpdv/john/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Jesus said to him: “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow me.” <a href="/nabre/john/21.htm">New American Bible</a> Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Jesus said to him, If I wish him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you? You follow me. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Yeshua said to him, “If I want this one to remain until I come to you, what is it to you? You come after me.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Jesus said to him: If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? Do you follow me. <a href="/godbey/john/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Jesus says to him, <FR>If I wish him to tarry until I come, what is that to thee?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Jesus saith to him, If I will that he abide till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. <a href="/mace/john/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Jesus said, if I will have him stay till I come, what have you to do with that? do you follow me. <a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "If I desire him to remain till I come," replied Jesus, "what concern is that of yours? You, yourself, must follow me." <a href="/worrell/john/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Jesus saith to him, <FR>"If I wish him to remain till I come, what is it to you? follow Me."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Jesus saith unto him, <FR>If I will that he stay till I come, what <Fr>is it<FR> to thee? Follow thou me.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/21-22.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=7547" 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 and the Beloved Apostle</a> …21When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” 22<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/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</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. ">answered,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: Ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">“If</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelō (V-PSA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I want</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/3306.htm" title="3306: menein (V-PNA) -- To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.">to remain</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Conj) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.">until</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchomai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- To come, go. ">I return,</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 is that</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</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/4771.htm" title="4771: sy (PPro-N2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You</a> <a href="/greek/190.htm" title="190: akolouthei (V-PMA-2S) -- To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.">follow</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me!” </a> 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. However, Jesus did not say that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?”…<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="/matthew/16-27.htm">Matthew 16:27-28</a> 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.” <a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">Matthew 24:36</a> No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. <a href="/matthew/25-13.htm">Matthew 25:13</a> Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. <a href="/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33-37</a> Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. ... <a href="/luke/12-40.htm">Luke 12:40</a> You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” <a href="/luke/19-13.htm">Luke 19:13</a> Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. <a href="/acts/1-7.htm">Acts 1:7</a> Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Romans 14:4</a> Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a> 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. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:15-17</a> By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. / For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. / After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:1-2</a> Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. / For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. <a href="/2_peter/3-8.htm">2 Peter 3:8-9</a> Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. / The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. <a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">Revelation 1:7</a> Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. <a href="/revelation/22-20.htm">Revelation 22:20</a> He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! <a href="/genesis/50-19.htm">Genesis 50:19</a> But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Jesus said to him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you? follow you me.If.<a href="/matthew/16-27.htm">Matthew 16:27,28</a> For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works… <a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">Matthew 24:3,27,44</a> 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 shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? … <a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31</a> When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:follow.<a href="/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19</a> This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/5-21.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-21.htm">Concern</a> <a href="/john/17-24.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/john/19-7.htm">Die</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Disciple</a> <a href="/john/21-19.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Following</a> <a href="/john/21-18.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/john/21-21.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/4-40.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/john/21-18.htm">Want</a> <a href="/john/20-18.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/21-23.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/acts/15-14.htm">Concern</a> <a href="/john/21-23.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/john/21-23.htm">Die</a> <a href="/john/21-23.htm">Disciple</a> <a href="/acts/3-24.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/acts/3-24.htm">Following</a> <a href="/acts/1-26.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/john/21-23.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/21-23.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/john/21-23.htm">Want</a> <a href="/john/21-23.htm">Word</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>Jesus answered This phrase indicates a direct response from Jesus, highlighting His authority and wisdom. In the context of <a href="/john/21.htm">John 21</a>, Jesus is addressing Peter after His resurrection. The setting is significant as it occurs by the Sea of Galilee, a place of previous miracles and teachings. Jesus' response is part of a larger conversation about Peter's future and his role in the early church.If I want him to remain until I return Here, Jesus refers to the beloved disciple, traditionally understood to be John. This statement has been the subject of much theological discussion. It suggests Jesus' sovereign will over the lives of His followers. The phrase "until I return" alludes to the Second Coming, a central tenet of Christian eschatology. This reflects the early church's expectation of Christ's imminent return, as seen in other New Testament writings like <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:15-17</a>.what is that to you? This rhetorical question emphasizes personal responsibility and the individual nature of discipleship. Jesus redirects Peter's focus from curiosity about others to his own calling. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of personal accountability before God, as seen in <a href="/romans/14-12.htm">Romans 14:12</a>, where each person is accountable to God for their own actions.You follow Me! The command "You follow Me" is a call to discipleship, echoing Jesus' initial invitation to Peter in <a href="/matthew/4-19.htm">Matthew 4:19</a>. It underscores the importance of obedience and commitment to Christ above all else. This imperative is central to the Christian life, as following Jesus involves a personal relationship and a willingness to embrace His teachings and mission. The call to follow is a recurring theme in the Gospels, highlighting the cost and reward of true discipleship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the resurrected Lord who is speaking to His disciples, providing guidance and instruction. 2. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter (Simon Peter)</a> One of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter is the one being directly addressed by Jesus in this verse. He is known for his impulsive nature and deep devotion to Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/j/john.htm">John (the disciple whom Jesus loved)</a> Although not named directly in this verse, John is implied to be the disciple Jesus refers to. He is traditionally understood to be the author of the Gospel of John. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sea_of_galilee.htm">Sea of Galilee</a> The setting for this conversation, where Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_return_of_christ.htm">The Return of Christ</a> An eschatological event alluded to by Jesus, indicating His second coming.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/focus_on_your_calling.htm">Focus on Your Calling</a> Jesus' response to Peter emphasizes the importance of focusing on one's own calling and mission rather than being preoccupied with others' paths. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Jesus' words remind us that God has a unique plan for each individual, and we must trust His sovereignty over our lives and the lives of others. <a href="/topical/a/avoid_comparisons.htm">Avoid Comparisons</a> The passage teaches us to avoid comparing our journey with others, as each person's walk with Christ is distinct and purposeful. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_christ.htm">Obedience to Christ</a> The command "You follow Me" underscores the necessity of obedience to Christ's call, regardless of circumstances or distractions. <a href="/topical/e/eschatological_awareness.htm">Eschatological Awareness</a> Jesus' mention of His return encourages believers to live with an awareness of the end times, motivating a life of faithfulness and readiness.<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/what_is_the_indescribable_gift.htm">Will you come, Lord Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'preach_to_the_poor'_mean.htm">What are the key themes in Book of the Rooster?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_three_nephites.htm">Who are the Three Nephites in Mormon belief?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_apostle_john_die.htm">What was the cause of Apostle John's death?</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>(22) If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?--The answer must be taken as reproving the spirit which would inquire into another's life and work, with the effect of weakening the force of its own. Here, as in all the earlier details of St. Peter's life, his character is emotional, earnest, loving, but wanting in depth, and not without self-confidence. The words "Follow Me," the meaning of which he has not missed, may well have led him to thoughts and questions of what that path should be, and the truth may well have sunk into the depth of his heart, there to germinate and burst forth in principle and act. But he is at once taken up with other thoughts. He is told to follow, but is ready to lead. He would know and guide his friend's life rather than his own. To him, and to all, there comes the truth that the Father is the husbandman, and it is He who trains every branch of the vine. There is a spiritual companionship which strengthens and helps all who join in it; there is a spiritual guidance which is not without danger to the true strength of him that is led, nor yet to that of him who leads.The word rendered "tarry" is that which we have before had for "abide" (see <a href="/john/12-34.htm" title="The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ stays for ever: and how say you, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?">John 12:34</a>, and comp. <a href="/philippians/1-25.htm" title="And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;">Philippians 1:25</a> and <a href="/1_corinthians/15-6.htm" title="After that, he was seen of above five hundred brothers at once; of whom the greater part remain to this present, but some are fallen asleep.">1Corinthians 15:6</a>). It is here opposed to "Follow Me" (in the martyrdom), and means to abide in life.The phrase, "If I will that he tarry till I come," is one of those the meaning of which cannot be ascertained with certainty, and to which, therefore, every variety of meaning has been given. We have already seen that the Coming of the Lord was thought of in more than one sense. (Comp. especially Notes on <a href="/matthew/16-28.htm" title="Truly I say to you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.">Matthew 16:28</a> and Matthew 24; and see also in this Gospel, Note on <a href="/john/14-3.htm" title="And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.">John 14:3</a>.) The interpretation which has found most support is that which takes the "coming of the Lord" to mean the destruction of Jerusalem, which St. John, and perhaps he only of the Apostles, lived to see. But the context seems to exclude this meaning, for the mistake of <a href="/john/21-23.htm" title="Then went this saying abroad among the brothers, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not to him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you?">John 21:23</a> would surely have been corrected by a reference to the fact that St. John had survived, and wrote the Gospel after, the "coming of the Lord." The interpretation which the next verse itself suggests is that our Lord made no statement, but expressed a supposition, "If I will," "If it even be that I will;" and this both gives the exact meaning of the Greek, and corresponds with the remainder of our Lord's answer. He is directing St. Peter to think of his own future. and not of his friend's; and He puts a supposition which, even if it were true, would not make that friend's life a subject for him then to think of. Had our Lord told him that St. John should remain on earth until His coming, in any sense of the word, then He would have given an answer, which He clearly declined to give. . . . <a href="/commentaries/john/21-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. answered, Λέγει (Legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd 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. “If Ἐὰν (Ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. I want θέλω (thelō) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to remain μένειν (menein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3306.htm">Strong's 3306: </a> To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay. until ἕως (heōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. I return, ἔρχομαι (erchomai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. what [is that] τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you? σέ (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. You σύ (sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. follow ἀκολούθει (akolouthei) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_190.htm">Strong's 190: </a> To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany. Me!” μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/21-22.htm">NT Gospels: John 21:22 Jesus said to him If I desire (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/21-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 21:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 21:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/21-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 21:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 21:23" /></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>