Bible Strands
John 21:9
When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it, and some bread.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator describes the disciples arriving on shore after hauling in their net, where they find Jesus standing beside a prepared meal. This occurs immediately after the miraculous catch and their approach to land.
The words — ἀνθρακιὰν (anthrakian) denotes a fire made specifically of coals, while βλέπουσιν (blepousin) conveys the immediate visual perception of the scene. These terms anchor the moment in concrete physical reality rather than abstract symbolism.
The thread — The prepared meal echoes the angelic provision for Elijah under the broom tree in 1 Kings 19:5. Jesus later directs the disciples to bring some of the caught fish in John 21:10 and distributes the bread and fish Himself in John 21:13.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe that physical provision precedes spiritual instruction. It demands acknowledgment that Jesus meets immediate human need before issuing subsequent commands.
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
As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
Cross-references
- 1 Kings 19:5 Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”
- John 21:10 Jesus told them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
- John 21:13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and He did the same with the fish.
- John 18:18 Because it was cold, the servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire they had made to keep warm. And Peter was also standing with them, warming himself.
- Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.
- Mark 8:3 If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a great distance.”
- Luke 12:29 And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it.