Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him,(for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

JOHN 21:7KJV
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John 21:7 (KJV)

What does John 21:7 mean?

John 21:7 describes the moment when Jesus’ followers recognize him on the shore after a remarkable catch of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved tells Peter who is there, and Peter responds by putting on his outer garment and jumping into the water toward him.

The verse follows Jesus’ direction to cast the net, which brought a large catch. The loved disciple speaks first, while Peter acts immediately. Their different responses move the scene from fishing toward the meeting with Jesus on shore.

The Greek behind John 21:7

  • “naked” — γυμνός (gymnos): This word can describe someone without an outer garment as well as someone without any clothing. Here, the mention of Peter’s fisher’s coat suggests he was dressed for work without that outer garment.
  • “coat” — ἐπενδύτης (ependytēs): This word refers to an outer garment. Peter fastens it around himself before entering the water.

Why John 21:7 matters

  • The recognition comes before Peter reaches shore. The words “It is the Lord” identify the person at a distance, after the catch has drawn the disciples’ attention.
  • The verse names the speaker by his relationship to Jesus rather than by his personal name. The same description, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” appears earlier in John’s account.
  • Peter’s entry into the sea contrasts with the other disciples’ arrival by boat in verse 8. The account presents Peter as setting out separately, while the others bring the net of fish.

Where else these words appear

“girt” Greek G1241 · used in 3 verses

  • John 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
  • John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

“naked” Greek G1131 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
  • Mark 14:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
  • Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
  • 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.

“sea” Greek G2281 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
  • 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;