John 21:6
And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 28
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
ἔβαλον
Cast
G906
ἔβαλον
Cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
5 of 28
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεξιὰ
the right
G1188
δεξιὰ
the right
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
8 of 28
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
μέρη
side
G3313
μέρη
side
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
9 of 28
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔβαλον
Cast
G906
ἔβαλον
Cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
16 of 28
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
17 of 28
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
G3756
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 28
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
ἴσχυσαν
able
G2480
ἴσχυσαν
able
Strong's:
G2480
Word #:
23 of 28
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
ἀπὸ
for
G575
ἀπὸ
for
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
24 of 28
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλήθους
the multitude
G4128
πλήθους
the multitude
Strong's:
G4128
Word #:
26 of 28
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
Cross References
Acts 2:41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.Acts 4:4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.John 2:5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
Historical Context
This occurred at the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee) shortly after Jesus' resurrection. The disciples had fished all night without success—a professional failure, as these were experienced fishermen. Dawn fishing was unusual; the best catches came at night. Jesus stood on shore about 100 yards away (two hundred cubits, verse 8). First-century fishing used large drag nets (σαγήνη/sagēnē) cast from boats and drawn to shore.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's specific command to cast on the right side illustrate that obedience to His word, not human expertise, produces spiritual fruit?
- What does the parallel between this catch and the first call (Luke 5) teach about Christ restoring failed disciples to fruitful ministry?
- When has God surprised you with abundance after a period of fruitless labor, and how did that change your perspective on His provision?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find—The stranger's command from shore seems arbitrary, yet obedience brings miraculous abundance. The Greek word for 'right side' (δεξιός/dexios) carries symbolic weight—the right side represents divine favor and blessing throughout Scripture. They were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes (πλῆθος τῶν ἰχθύων/plēthos tōn ichthyōn)—the overwhelming catch echoes Luke 5:4-7 at the ministry's beginning, now at its end.
This moment deliberately mirrors the first call: failed fishing, Jesus' command, miraculous catch, recognition. The disciples had returned to their old occupation after witnessing the crucifixion, perhaps uncertain of their future. Christ meets them in their workplace, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His continued provision. The net that doesn't break (verse 11) despite the enormous catch contrasts with the torn nets in Luke 5:6, suggesting the church's unity under resurrection power.