John 21:8
And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἦλθον
came
G2064
ἦλθον
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 24
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
γὰρ
(for
G1063
γὰρ
(for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
12 of 24
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
land
G1093
γῆς
land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
14 of 24
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὡς
as it were
G5613
ὡς
as it were
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
16 of 24
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
17 of 24
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The 'little ship' was likely a 20-30 foot wooden fishing boat typical of Galilee, propelled by oars or small sail. Dragging a net full of 153 large fish (verse 11) over 100 yards would require significant physical effort, even with multiple men. The shallow shoreline allowed them to drag the net rather than attempting to haul it aboard, which would have swamped the small vessel.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Peter's swimming to Jesus and the other disciples' dragging the catch illustrate different but equally valid expressions of devotion and service?
- What does their faithful completion of the task (bringing the full net) teach about perseverance in ministry even when the work is difficult?
- In your spiritual life, when are you called to 'swim to Jesus' in passionate personal devotion, and when are you called to 'drag the net' in steady, faithful labor?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The other disciples came in a little ship (τῷ πλοιαρίῳ/tō ploiariō)—John uses the diminutive form, emphasizing the small fishing boat contrasted with the enormous catch. While Peter swims impetuously to Jesus, the other disciples fulfill their responsibility: dragging the net with fishes (σύροντες τὸ δίκτυον τῶν ἰχθύων/syrontes to diktyon tōn ichthyōn). This presents complementary discipleship: Peter's passionate personal devotion and the others' faithful completion of assigned tasks.
The distance as it were two hundred cubits (ὡς ἀπὸ πηχῶν διακοσίων/hōs apo pēchōn diakοsiōn)—approximately 100 yards or 300 feet—was swimmable yet far enough that dragging a net full of large fish required substantial effort. The disciples don't abandon the catch to follow Peter; they bring the fruit of Christ's command to shore. This illustrates the church's mission: faithful laborers bringing the harvest to Christ, not for their own glory but to present it to Him.