What does John 21:3 mean?
"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." - John 21:3

In John 21:3, the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing."
This verse comes at the end of the Gospel of John and takes place after the resurrection of Jesus. The disciples, particularly Peter, are grappling with the shocking events they have just experienced. They have witnessed the crucifixion and then the resurrection of their beloved teacher and leader, Jesus. They are faced with the challenge of moving forward and finding their place in the world without his physical presence. Peter, who had denied Jesus three times before his crucifixion, is likely feeling a mix of emotions – guilt, confusion, and uncertainty about his role in the future of the movement that Jesus had started.
In response to these feelings, Peter declares, "I go a fishing." This statement may seem like a simple declaration of intent to return to an old way of life, but it holds deeper significance. Fishing was Peter's profession before he was called by Jesus to become a fisher of men. By saying "I go a fishing," Peter may be expressing a desire to return to his former life and leave behind the challenges and responsibilities that come with following Jesus. This moment shows Peter's struggle to come to terms with the changes that have occurred since Jesus' resurrection.
The other disciples, perhaps feeling the same uncertainty and loss, agree to join Peter in his fishing trip. The act of "entering into a ship immediately" can be seen as a metaphor for their willingness to follow Peter's lead. However, the phrase "and that night they caught nothing" reveals the futility of their efforts. This lack of success can be seen as symbolic of their inability to find fulfillment in their old way of life and their need to move forward in faith.
Overall, this verse captures a pivotal moment in the lives of the disciples as they grapple with the aftermath of Jesus' resurrection and their own personal struggles. The themes of uncertainty, grief, and the search for purpose are evident in this passage. Peter's declaration and the subsequent lack of success in fishing reflect the internal turmoil and disorientation experienced by the disciples as they try to make sense of the new reality they find themselves in.
In a broader context, this verse can also be seen as a reflection of the human experience. Just as the disciples faced challenges and uncertainty after the resurrection of Jesus, we too encounter moments of transition and change in our own lives. We may find ourselves grappling with doubt, fear, and the temptation to return to a familiar, but ultimately unfulfilling, way of life. The story of Peter and the other disciples serves as a reminder that even in our moments of doubt and struggle, there is hope and the potential for renewal.
In conclusion, John 21:3 captures a deeply human moment in the lives of the disciples, as they wrestle with the implications of Jesus' resurrection. It highlights the themes of uncertainty, grief, and the search for purpose, and serves as a reminder of the universal struggles we all face in times of change. Ultimately, this verse offers a message of hope and the possibility of finding fulfillment in embracing new opportunities and following a path of faith.
Have questions about John 21:3?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
John 21:3 Artwork
John 21:3 - "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing."
John 21:3 - "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing."
"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." - John 21:3
numbers 21:8-9 & John 3:14
1 John 3:21 - "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God."
John 3:21 - "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."
"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." - 1 John 3:21
John 20:21
john 21:9
John 21:6
"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." - John 3:21
John 21:21 - "Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?"
John 21:6
John 21:17
John 21:25
John 21:6
John 21:6
John 14:15-21
1 John 3:21-22 - "Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight."
John 3:3
John 21:15-19
John 3:24 - "For John was not yet cast into prison."
John 2:21 - "But he spake of the temple of his body."
1 John 3:20-21 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
John 3:3-8
John 3
1 John 3:20-21 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (Picture only no words)
1 John 3:1-3
1 John 3:20-21 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (Picture only no words)
John 21:13 - "Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise."