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 21:3KJV
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John 21:3 (KJV)

What does John 21:3 mean?

John 21:3 describes Simon Peter telling the other disciples that he is going fishing, and the others deciding to join him. That night, despite their efforts, they do not catch any fish. The verse shows the disciples returning to their old work after Jesus’ resurrection, but finding no success on their own.

Simon Peter is speaking to several other disciples by the Sea of Galilee after Jesus’ resurrection. The group includes Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two others. The verse sets the scene for what follows: the disciples’ return to fishing, their lack of results, and the stage for Jesus’ next appearance to them.

The Greek behind John 21:3

  • ἀλιεύειν (alieuein, "fishing"): This word means to catch fish, not just to go out on the water. It suggests the disciples were returning to their former occupation, not just passing time.
  • ἐμβάντες (embantes, "entered"): This word often means to step into or board, emphasizing the deliberate action of getting into the boat together.
  • ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ νυκτί (en ekeinē tē nykti, "that night"): The phrase highlights the timing, showing they worked all night, a typical fishing practice, but still caught nothing, which sets up the significance of what happens next.

Why John 21:3 matters

  • John 21:3 shows the disciples’ uncertainty and return to familiar routines after Jesus’ resurrection, highlighting their need for direction.
  • The verse sets up the miracle that follows, emphasizing that the disciples’ efforts without Jesus lead to emptiness, preparing for Jesus’ intervention.
  • This moment connects to earlier Gospel stories where Jesus called fishermen to follow him, echoing themes of calling, provision, and dependence on Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“caught” Greek G4084 · used in 12 verses

  • John 7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
  • John 8:20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
  • Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

“immediately” Greek G2117 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
  • John 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

“night” Greek G3571 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
  • Luke 21:37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
  • Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

“ship” Greek G4143 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.