John 21:10
Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ἐνέγκατε
Bring
G5342
Ἐνέγκατε
Bring
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
5 of 11
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 11
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀψαρίων
the fish
G3795
ὀψαρίων
the fish
Strong's:
G3795
Word #:
8 of 11
a relish to other food (as if cooked sauce), i.e., (specially), fish (presumably salted and dried as a condiment)
ὧν
which
G3739
ὧν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 11
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal created covenant fellowship. By inviting the disciples to contribute their catch to the meal He'd prepared, Jesus establishes partnership—not equality, but gracious inclusion of servants in the Master's work. This echoes the incarnation itself: God needs nothing from us yet chooses to accomplish His purposes through human agency.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' command to bring fish to a meal He's already prepared challenge both self-reliance and passivity in ministry?
- What does Christ calling the divinely-enabled catch 'your fish' teach about how God honors our obedient participation in His work?
- In what areas of life are you tempted to either take full credit for fruit that came from God's power, or to withhold effort because 'God doesn't need my contribution'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Bring of the fish which ye have now caught (ἐνέγκατε ἀπὸ τῶν ὀψαρίων ὧν ἐπιάσατε νῦν/enegkate apo tōn opsariōn hōn epiasate nyn)—Though Jesus has already provided fish and bread, He commands the disciples to bring their catch. This invitation reveals profound truths about divine-human cooperation. Christ's provision is complete and sufficient, yet He graciously incorporates human labor into His work. The fish which ye have now caught were actually caught through His command and power (verse 6), yet He calls them 'your' catch.
This pattern pervades Scripture: God works, then invites us to participate and bring the fruit of His work as if it were our own contribution. The disciples couldn't have caught these fish without Christ's word, yet He honors their obedience by treating the catch as their offering. This demolishes both works-righteousness (we caught nothing without His command) and passivity (He still commands us to bring what He's enabled us to catch). Ministry fruitfulness comes from Christ's power, yet He dignifies our participation.