Bible Strands
John 21:5
So He called out to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” “No,” they answered.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus stands on the shore at dawn and calls out to the disciples in the boat, who have not yet recognized him. He asks them directly whether they have caught any fish.
The words — The Greek παιδία (paidia) literally means "little children" or "young ones," reflecting a familiar address. The particle οὖν (oun) functions as "therefore" or "so," linking this question to the preceding narrative.
The thread — The theme of divine provision appears in Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 37:3, where God supplies needs and calls for trust and faithfulness. The disciples' empty nets contrast with the subsequent miraculous catch recorded in John 21:6.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge human inability and wait for divine direction before acting. It frames obedience as a response to a question that reveals both need and opportunity.
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
Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
Cross-references
- Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
- Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
- Luke 24:41 While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
- Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
- 1 John 2:13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.
- 1 John 2:18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour.