Bible Strands

John 21:11

So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Simon Peter boards the boat and hauls the catch to the shore immediately after Jesus instructs the disciples to bring some of the fish (John 21:10). This occurs just before Jesus calls the group to breakfast, at which point the disciples recognize His identity (John 21:12).

The words — The text highlights εἵλκυσεν (eilkusen), meaning "drew," and τὸ δίκτυον (to diktuon), meaning "the net." Peter physically pulls the heavy, fish-laden net onto land.

The thread — The intact net contrasts with the tearing nets in Luke 5:6, while the precise count of 153 fish parallels the specific numerical results in Acts 2:41. These references link the event to broader biblical patterns of provision and gathering.

Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to acknowledge that divine provision operates within physical limits without requiring supernatural preservation of the container. It demands recognition that God's work is complete and secure, calling for obedient action before the provider.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

Cross-references

People named

Peter