John 21:7
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 34
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκεῖνος
that
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 34
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 34
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 34
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
11 of 34
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριός
the Lord
G2962
κύριός
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
13 of 34
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
17 of 34
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
19 of 34
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριός
the Lord
G2962
κύριός
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
21 of 34
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
unto him (for
G1063
γὰρ
unto him (for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
27 of 34
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
29 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔβαλεν
did cast
G906
ἔβαλεν
did cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
30 of 34
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
31 of 34
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
32 of 34
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
John 13:23Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.John 19:26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!John 20:2Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
Historical Context
Fishermen typically worked in minimal clothing, especially at night. The 'naked' (γυμνός/gymnos) indicates wearing only a tunic without outer garment. Peter's action—dressing to dive in—shows cultural values: appearing properly clothed before Jesus mattered more than convenience. The Sea of Galilee is about 13 miles long; they were close to shore (200 cubits = roughly 100 yards).
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's recognition through love versus Peter's response through action illustrate different but complementary expressions of devotion to Christ?
- What does Peter's concern to be properly clothed in Christ's presence teach about reverence, even in moments of enthusiastic reunion?
- How do you balance contemplative recognition of Christ (like John) with active response to His presence (like Peter) in your spiritual life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That disciple whom Jesus loved (ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς/ho mathētēs ekeinos hon ēgapa ho Iēsous)—John identifies himself through this phrase, emphasizing Christ's love rather than his own name. John recognizes first: It is the Lord (Ὁ κύριός ἐστιν/Ho kyrios estin). Love perceives what others miss; intimacy brings recognition. Yet Peter acts first—characteristic of their personalities throughout the Gospels.
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. The Greek ἐπενδύτης (ependytēs) refers to an outer garment. Peter, working stripped to his undergarment, hurriedly dresses before plunging into the water—a seemingly contradictory action showing both propriety (must be clothed in the Lord's presence) and impetuosity (can't wait for the boat). This mixture of reverence and eagerness characterizes Peter: he denied Christ three times yet loves Him enough to swim a hundred yards fully clothed to reach Him.