John 21:7
That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Peter's impulsive leap into the sea, though driven by love for Jesus, isn't just about eagerness; it's a return to his previous working attire as a sign of respect. He wasn't completely naked, but stripped down to his undergarment for labor, and the act of putting on his outer coat signifies his desire to present himself properly before the Lord he just recognized.
After Jesus' resurrection, he reappears to his disciples while they are fishing on the Sea of Galilee. John, the disciple Jesus loved, is the first to recognize Jesus on the shore and tells Peter, who impulsively throws himself into the water to get to Jesus quickly, while the other disciples follow with the boat full of fish.
In the hush after Jesus' resurrection, a miraculous catch of fish leads to a profound moment of recognition. But who sees first, and why does it matter?
The passage highlights the distinct personalities of John and Peter, even in their shared devotion to Jesus.
Two Ways of Knowing
Peter, stripped down for hard work, immediately covers himself upon hearing it's Jesus. What does this seemingly small action reveal about his heart?
Peter's haste to put on his 'fisher's coat' is more than just modesty; it's an act of reverence and preparation.
Reverence in Action
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A reference to the risen Jesus Christ, acknowledging His authority, divinity, and sovereignty as Master over all things, including nature.
hon ēgapa ho Iēsous · Greek Phrase
A distinctive description of the Apostle John, highlighting the special intimacy and unique fellowship he experienced in his relationship with Jesus.
ependytēn · Greek Noun
In this context, an outer garment or cloak worn by a fisherman; symbolically, it reflects the social decorum and respect due when entering the presence of the Lord.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, buried, and then appears to his disciples following his resurrection, confirming the events of the Gospels.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Appears to Disciples
After his resurrection, Jesus repeatedly appears to his followers over a period of 40 days, sometimes in ways that are initially surprising or unrecognized.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Appears by the Sea of Tiberias
Jesus reveals himself to seven of his disciples, including Peter and the beloved disciple (John), who are fishing on the Sea of Galilee.
c. AD 30-33
Peter's Impulsive Return to Jesus
Upon recognizing Jesus, Peter, filled with eagerness and love, immediately puts on an outer garment and swims to shore, while the others follow with the boat and fish.
This passage describes a similar miraculous catch of fish that led to Peter's recognition of Jesus' divine authority and his own unworthiness, echoing the theme of recognition and awe in John 21.
Matthew 14:28-29Peter's impulsive attempt to walk on water to reach Jesus shows a similar eagerness and characteristic boldness that he displays here by jumping into the sea to get to his Lord faster.
John 13:23This verse highlights John as 'the disciple whom Jesus loved,' establishing his unique closeness and insight, which is why he is the first to recognize Jesus in this post-resurrection appearance.
Galatians 3:27The detail of Peter putting on his garment relates to the concept of being clothed in Christ; in this instance, Peter is covering himself out of reverence before meeting Jesus, signifying a desire for proper presentation before his Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:11The transformative power of Christ is evident in Peter's actions here, moving from despair and confusion after his denial to eager, loving action upon recognizing his Risen Lord, reflecting the cleansing and transformation described in this passage.
ellicottJohn 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."
(7) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter. —Comp. Introduction, p 375. The traits of character which have before met us are exactly preserved here. John, true to the life of contemplation, is first to trace in the present draught of fishes an analogy…
meyerJohn 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."
John 21:7 . Πάλιν τὰ ἰδιώματα τῶν οἰκείων ἐπιδείκνυνται τρόπων οἱ μαθηταὶ Πέτρος καὶ Ἰωάννης . Ὁ μὲν γὰρ θερμότερος , ὁ δὲ ὑψηλότερος ἦν · καὶ ὁ μὲν ὀξύτερος ἦν , ὁ δὲ διορατικώτερος . Διὰ τοῦτο ὁ μὲν Ἰωάννης πρῶτως ἐπέγνω τὸν Ἰησοῦν · ὁ δὲ Πέτρος πρῶτος ἦλθε πρὸς αὐτόν…
Peter's impulsive leap into the sea, though driven by love for Jesus, isn't just about eagerness; it's a return to his previous working attire as a sign of respect. He wasn't completely naked, but stripped down to his undergarment for labor, and the act of putting on his outer coat signifies his desire to present himself properly before the Lord he just recognized.
After Jesus' resurrection, he reappears to his disciples while they are fishing on the Sea of Galilee. John, the disciple Jesus loved, is the first to recognize Jesus on the shore and tells Peter, who impulsively throws himself into the water to get to Jesus quickly, while the other disciples follow with the boat full of fish.
After Jesus' resurrection, he reappears to his disciples while they are fishing on the Sea of Galilee. John, the disciple Jesus loved, is the first to recognize Jesus on the shore and tells Peter, who impulsively throws himself into the water to get to Jesus quickly, while the other disciples follow with the boat full of fish.
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"That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea." — Peter's impulsive leap into the sea, though driven by love for Jesus, isn't just about eagerness; it's a return to his previous working attire as a sign of respect. He wasn't completely naked, but st…
