John 21:9
As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
As soon
G5613
ὡς
As soon
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 14
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀπέβησαν
as they were come
G576
ἀπέβησαν
as they were come
Strong's:
G576
Word #:
3 of 14
literally, to disembark; figuratively, to eventuate
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
land
G1093
γῆν
land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 14
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀψάριον
fish
G3795
ὀψάριον
fish
Strong's:
G3795
Word #:
11 of 14
a relish to other food (as if cooked sauce), i.e., (specially), fish (presumably salted and dried as a condiment)
Historical Context
Charcoal fires (anthrakia) were portable braziers used for warmth and cooking. The presence of both fish already cooking and the enormous fresh catch demonstrates Christ's provision: He supplies our needs independent of our labor yet invites us to contribute what He's enabled us to catch. First-century Palestinian meals often consisted of bread and fish, the staples of Galilean fishermen.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the charcoal fire connecting this scene to Peter's denial demonstrate Christ's intentional, grace-filled restoration process?
- What does Jesus' preparation of breakfast before the disciples arrive teach about His care for our daily, physical needs—not just spiritual concerns?
- How does Christ's invitation to bring your catch to a meal He's already prepared picture the relationship between divine provision and human labor in God's kingdom?
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Analysis & Commentary
They saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread (ἀνθρακιὰν κειμένην καὶ ὀψάριον ἐπικείμενον καὶ ἄρτον/anthrakian keimenēn kai opsarion epikeimenon kai arton)—Jesus has already prepared breakfast before they arrive. The resurrected Christ serves His disciples, demonstrating His continued care for their physical needs. The detail of fire of coals (ἀνθρακιά/anthrakia) is significant—this same word appears only twice in the New Testament: here and at Peter's denial (John 18:18). Jesus deliberately recreates the setting where Peter failed, transforming the site of betrayal into a place of fellowship and restoration.
The meal itself—fish and bread—echoes the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:9-11) where Jesus multiplied loaves and fishes. Christ provides both the miraculous catch they've just hauled in and the meal already prepared. He needs nothing from us yet graciously includes our labor in His provision. The resurrected Lord cooks breakfast for fishermen, showing that glorification doesn't distance Jesus from humble service but perfects it.