Bible Strands
John 21:22
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus answers Peter’s question about the beloved disciple’s fate, redirecting Peter’s attention from comparing his path to another’s to focusing solely on his own obedience.
The words — ἐὰν (ean) means “if” and θέλω (thelō) means “I desire,” establishing Jesus’ sovereign authority over the disciple’s lifespan. μένειν (menein) translates to “to remain,” denoting the condition of staying alive until the Lord’s return.
The thread — The theme of steadfast endurance before the Lord’s return appears in Revelation 2:25 and Revelation 3:11, where believers are instructed to hold fast to their faith.
Why it lands — The text commands undistracted obedience to Christ’s call, treating curiosity about God’s sovereign plans for others as irrelevant to personal discipleship.
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
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Cross-references
- Revelation 2:25 than to hold fast to what you have until I come.
- Revelation 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
- Mark 9:1 Then Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God arrive with power.”
- Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
- Matthew 24:3 While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
- Matthew 24:44 For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.
- John 21:19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
- James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.