John 21:13
Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
Original Language Analysis
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δίδωσιν
giveth
G1325
δίδωσιν
giveth
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
10 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 15
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
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 #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The actions—taking bread, giving to disciples—mirror Jewish meal blessings and Christian Eucharist. Early Christians would recognize liturgical patterns in this narrative. The combination of miraculous provision (the catch) and Jesus' personal service models pastoral ministry: God provides the harvest, but shepherds must distribute the food. First-century readers would connect this breakfast to both Passover meals (commemorating God's provision in exodus) and prophetic messianic banquets.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus personally distributing food to the disciples model servant leadership for those He calls to 'feed His sheep'?
- What do the eucharistic echoes in this breakfast teach about Christ's continued provision for His church between resurrection and return?
- How does the physicality of this meal—real bread, real fish, real hunger satisfied—affirm the bodily resurrection against spiritual-only interpretations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise (ἔρχεται Ἰησοῦς καὶ λαμβάνει τὸν ἄρτον καὶ δίδωσιν αὐτοῖς/erchetai Iēsous kai lambanei ton arton kai didōsin autois)—The verbs deliberately echo the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:11: ἔλαβεν... ἐδίδου/elaben... edidou). Jesus serves them personally, distributing bread and fish. This isn't merely a meal but a liturgical moment, recalling both the wilderness feeding and the Last Supper.
The resurrected Christ continues His earthly pattern: He provides, He serves, He feeds. Glorification hasn't made Him distant or imperious; He remains the servant-King. The eucharistic overtones are unmistakable—taking bread, giving it to disciples. Yet this is a real meal with real food, emphasizing the physicality of resurrection. Jesus' body is transformed but not ethereal; glorified but not ghostly. He handles fish and bread, serving breakfast to hungry fishermen. Heaven doesn't despise earth; resurrection redeems it.