and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus' words to Simon, "from now on you will be catching men," carry a profound double meaning. While it signifies a calling to salvation, the Greek word used highlights capturing them alive, contrasting the fishermen's catch meant for death with disciples' work for eternal life. This same verb could also describe capturing people alive for wicked purposes, making Jesus' promise a radical reclaiming of a powerful, potentially dangerous, metaphor.
and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a miraculous catch of fish that overwhelms Peter, James, and John, they recognize Jesus' divine power and their own unworthiness, prompting Peter to confess his sinfulness. Jesus then reassures them, not to be afraid, and immediately calls these fishermen, partners in their trade, to a new and profound purpose in His kingdom.
Simon, James, and John were already in business together. Jesus didn't just call them to a new job; he transformed their existing partnership into something infinitely grander.
The disciples weren't starting from scratch. They were already 'partners,' sharing in the profits and labor of their fishing business.
Jesus’ words, 'you will be catching men,' carry a profound meaning beyond simply drawing people in. It’s about capturing them for life, not death.
The verb Jesus uses is significant. It literally means 'to catch alive,' a stark contrast to the death-dealing nature of fishing or warfare.
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Simon Peter’s immediate fear was a natural reaction to encountering divine power. Jesus’ words, 'Do not be afraid,' are the starting point for their new mission.
The encounter with Jesus' power and presence naturally evokes a sense of awe and fear in those who recognize their own sinfulness.
Understand the original words
phobeomai · Greek Verb
A command to cease feeling anxiety or terror, often spoken by God or His messengers when humanity encounters the holy or supernatural; it is an assurance of divine peace and purpose.
zōgreō · Greek Verb
A metaphorical description of the evangelistic mission, moving from secular labor to the spiritual harvest of souls, signifying the transition from physical sustenance to kingdom work.
Jesus's call to the disciples, especially Peter, James, and John, was a pivotal moment, transforming their lives from fishermen to heralds of salvation. The metaphor of 'catching men alive' speaks to bringing people to life and freedom in Christ, contrasting with the death that literal fishing could imply.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus begins teaching and healing throughout Galilee, gathering a following.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus calls disciples
Jesus calls several fishermen, including Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, to follow him and become 'fishers of men'. This marks a significant step in forming his core group of followers.
Early 1st century AD
Growing crowds and opposition
As Jesus's fame spreads, crowds increase, but so does suspicion and opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection
The central events of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, which validate his claims and mission.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the early church
The coming of the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles, including Peter, James, and John, to boldly preach the gospel, fulfilling Jesus's promise to make them 'fishers of men'.
This passage recounts the same event, highlighting Jesus' call to Peter, Andrew, James, and John to become 'fishers of men' and their immediate obedience.
Jeremiah 16:16This Old Testament prophecy speaks of God sending for 'fishers' who will 'catch' men, foreshadowing Jesus' commission to his disciples with this very metaphor.
Ezekiel 47:8-10This vision describes waters that bring life and teem with fish, with fishermen casting nets, offering a symbolic backdrop to the life-giving mission of 'catching men'.
2 Timothy 2:26This verse uses a similar verb to describe escaping from the devil's trap to do God's will, emphasizing that being 'caught' by God's servants leads to life, contrasting with destructive captures.
John 21:1-6This passage shows a post-resurrection encounter where Jesus again directs Peter in a miraculous catch of fish, reinforcing the theme of their calling and Jesus' divine authority over both the natural and spiritual realms.
cambridgeLuke 5:10: "And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
10 . partners ] Here koinonoi , ‘associates’ in profits, &c. Fear not ] Accordingly, on another occasion, when Peter sees Jesus walking on the sea, so far from crying Depart from me , he cries “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come to Thee on the water” ( Matthew 14:28 ); and when he saw the Risen Lord standing in the misty morn…
vincentLuke 5:10: "And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
Partners (κοινωνοὶ)In Luke 5:7 the word rendered partners is μέτοχοι; from μετά, with, and ἔχω, to have. The word here denotes a closer association, a common interest. The kindred noun, κοινωνία, fellowship, is used of the fellowship of believers with Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9); the communion of the body and blood of…
Jesus' words to Simon, "from now on you will be catching men," carry a profound double meaning. While it signifies a calling to salvation, the Greek word used highlights capturing them alive, contrasting the fishermen's catch meant for death with disciples' work for eternal life. This same verb could also describe capturing people alive for wicked purposes, making Jesus' promise a radical reclaiming of a powerful, potentially dangerous, metaphor.
After a miraculous catch of fish that overwhelms Peter, James, and John, they recognize Jesus' divine power and their own unworthiness, prompting Peter to confess his sinfulness. Jesus then reassures them, not to be afraid, and immediately calls these fishermen, partners in their trade, to a new and profound purpose in His kingdom.
After a miraculous catch of fish that overwhelms Peter, James, and John, they recognize Jesus' divine power and their own unworthiness, prompting Peter to confess his sinfulness. Jesus then reassures them, not to be afraid, and immediately calls these fishermen, partners in their trade, to a new and profound purpose in His kingdom.
"and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”" — Jesus' words to Simon, "from now on you will be catching men," carry a profound double meaning. While it signifies a calling to salvation, the Greek word used highlights capturing them alive, contr…
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Last reviewed October 2026