And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

JOHN 21:6KJV
Know the Bible

John 21:6 (KJV)

What does John 21:6 mean?

John 21:6 describes Jesus telling his disciples to cast their fishing net on the right side of their boat, promising they will find fish; when they obey, they catch so many fish that they cannot haul the net in. This moment shows a miraculous provision and reveals Jesus’ identity to the disciples after his resurrection.

In this scene, the disciples are fishing on the Sea of Galilee after Jesus’ resurrection but have caught nothing all night. Jesus, standing on the shore (though they do not recognize him at first), instructs them where to cast their net. Their overwhelming catch signals to the disciples that the man on the shore is Jesus, echoing a similar event from earlier in his ministry.

The Greek behind John 21:6

  • The word for "right" (δεξιὰ, dexia) specifically points to the right-hand side of the boat, which may have seemed arbitrary or unusual to experienced fishermen, highlighting the authority of Jesus’ instruction.
  • The verb "draw" (ἑλκύειν, helkuein) means to haul or drag, emphasizing the physical struggle and the sheer number of fish caught—far more than normal, underscoring the miraculous nature of the event.
  • The word for "multitude" (πλῆθος, plēthos) means a large number or crowd, stressing just how abundant the catch was, far beyond what the disciples could manage.

Why John 21:6 matters

  • John 21:6 clears up any idea that the disciples’ success was due to their own skill; the catch happens only when they follow Jesus’ direction, highlighting dependence on him.
  • This verse connects to earlier miracles in the Gospels, reminding readers of Jesus’ power and his ongoing care for his followers even after his resurrection.
  • The overwhelming catch helps the disciples recognize Jesus, showing that he is still present and active in their lives, even when they do not immediately see him.

Where else these words appear

“draw” Greek G1670 · used in 8 verses

  • John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
  • Acts 16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

“net” Greek G1350 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 1:19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
  • Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

“fishes” Greek G2486 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • Luke 9:16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

“were” Greek G2480 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
  • Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.