This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

JOHN 21:19KJV
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John 21:19 (KJV)

What does John 21:19 mean?

John 21:19 explains that Jesus was telling Peter what kind of death he would experience, and that this death would honor God. After saying this, Jesus invited Peter to follow him, calling Peter to a life of discipleship even knowing the cost.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to Peter after his resurrection, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had just restored Peter after Peter’s earlier denial, and now hints at Peter’s future martyrdom as a way Peter would glorify God. The invitation to “Follow me” is both a personal call and a sign that Peter’s journey with Jesus is not over, even though it will involve sacrifice.

The Greek behind John 21:19

  • “signifying” (ἐσημαίνεν, sēmainen): This Greek word means to indicate or show by a sign. Here, it suggests that Jesus was not speaking plainly but hinting at something deeper—Peter’s future death.
  • “glorify” (δοξάσει, doxasei): This word means to honor or bring glory. The verse teaches that even Peter’s death would serve to honor God, not just his life.
  • “Follow” (ἀκολούθει, akolouthei): This is a command in Greek, calling Peter to continue as a disciple. It is a personal, ongoing invitation, not just a one-time action.

Why John 21:19 matters

  • John 21:19 clarifies that Jesus knew about Peter’s future suffering and still called him to follow, showing that discipleship can involve real cost.
  • The verse connects Peter’s personal story to the larger theme of faithfulness and restoration after failure, as Jesus reinstates Peter after his denial.
  • This moment sets the stage for Peter’s leadership in the early church, highlighting that following Jesus is not just about past mistakes but about ongoing commitment, even in the face of hardship.

Where else these words appear

“signifying” Greek G4591 · used in 6 verses

  • John 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
  • John 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
  • Acts 25:27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

“what” Greek G4169 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
  • Mark 11:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
  • John 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

“glorify” Greek G1392 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • John 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
  • Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

“Follow” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  • John 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.