John 21:11
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
Original Language Analysis
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 23
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς,
land
G1093
γῆς,
land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
10 of 23
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
μεγάλων
of great
G3173
μεγάλων
of great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
13 of 23
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοσούτων
for all there were so many
G5118
τοσούτων
for all there were so many
Strong's:
G5118
Word #:
18 of 23
apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
Historical Context
Peter's leadership role is emphasized—he alone draws the net to land. This foreshadows his prominence in Acts, where he leads the church in gathering the first harvest at Pentecost (Acts 2). The Sea of Galilee contained abundant fish species, and a catch of 153 large fish would represent extraordinary professional success, worth substantial money. That they left this catch to follow Jesus (again) demonstrates the priority of Christ over earthly gain.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the unbroken net, contrasted with the broken nets in Luke 5, illustrate the difference between pre-resurrection and post-resurrection church unity and strength?
- What does the specific number 153—real, countable, historical—teach about the Gospel accounts as actual history rather than symbolic mythology?
- How does Peter's action of drawing the catch to Jesus (not keeping it for himself) model pastoral leadership that presents converts to Christ rather than building personal kingdoms?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three (ἑκατὸν πεντήκοντα τριῶν/hekaton pentēkonta triōn)—The precise number 153 has fascinated interpreters for centuries. Some note that ancient zoology (Hieronymus) claimed 153 species of fish existed, suggesting the gospel's universal scope—every nation will be gathered. Others observe mathematical properties: 153 is the sum of 1+2+3...+17 (triangular number), or 1³+2³+3³+4³+5³. While the symbolism remains debated, the specificity itself matters—this was a real, countable, historical catch, not legend or myth.
More significant is the detail: for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken (οὐκ ἐσχίσθη τὸ δίκτυον/ouk eschisthē to diktyon). In Luke 5:6, the initial call resulted in nets breaking (διερρήσσετο/dierrēsseto) from the catch. Now, at the conclusion of Jesus' earthly ministry, the net holds despite being full of 'great fishes' (μεγάλων/megalōn). This pictures the church: empowered by resurrection, it will hold together despite the multitude and diversity of those gathered. Church unity is resurrection power, not human management.