New International VersionHe said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
New Living TranslationThen he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
English Standard VersionHe said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.
Berean Standard BibleHe told them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it there, and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
Berean Literal BibleAnd He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and they were not able to haul it in from the multitude of the fish.
King James BibleAnd he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
New King James VersionAnd He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
New American Standard BibleAnd He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find the fish.” So they cast it, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great quantity of fish.
NASB 1995And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
NASB 1977And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find a catch.” They cast therefore, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
Amplified BibleAnd He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat (starboard) and you will find some.” So they cast [the net], and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great catch of fish.
Christian Standard Bible“Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
Holman Christian Standard Bible“Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” He told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
American Standard VersionAnd he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Contemporary English VersionSo he told them, "Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish." They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
English Revised VersionAnd he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe told them, "Throw the net out on the right side of the boat, and you'll catch some." So they threw the net out and were unable to pull it in because so many fish were in it.
Good News TranslationHe said to them, "Throw your net out on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some." So they threw the net out and could not pull it back in, because they had caught so many fish.
International Standard VersionHe told them, "Throw the net on the right hand side of the boat, and you'll catch some." So they threw it out and were unable to haul it in because it was so full of fish.
NET BibleHe told them, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they threw the net, and were not able to pull it in because of the large number of fish.
New Heart English BibleAnd he said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." They cast it therefore, and now they weren't able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Weymouth New Testament"Throw the net in on the right hand side," He said, "and you will find fish." So they threw the net in, and now they could scarcely drag it along for the quantity of fish. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe told them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it there, and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
World English BibleHe said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThey answered Him, “No”; and He said to them, “Cast the net at the right side of the boat, and you will find [some]”; they cast, therefore, and no longer were they able to draw it, from the multitude of the fishes.
Berean Literal BibleAnd He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and they were not able to haul it in from the multitude of the fish.
Young's Literal Translation they answered him, 'No;' and he said to them, 'Cast the net at the right side of the boat, and ye shall find;' they cast, therefore, and no longer were they able to draw it, from the multitude of the fishes.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he said to them, Cast the net to the right parts of the ship, and ye shall find. Therefore they cast, and were no more able to draw it, from the multitude of fishes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe saith to them: Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast therefore; and now they were not able to draw it, for the multitude of fishes.
Catholic Public Domain VersionHe said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the ship, and you will find some.” Therefore, they cast it out, and then they were not able to draw it in, because of the multitude of fish.
New American BibleSo he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish.
New Revised Standard VersionHe said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe said to them, Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find. So they threw it, and they were not able to draw the net, because of the many fishes which it had caught.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishHe said to them, “Throw your net on the right side of the ship, and you will find.” And they cast and they could not haul in the net from the multitude of the fish it had caught. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHe said to them: Throw the net on the right side of the ship, and you will find. They threw it, therefore, and were no longer able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Godbey New TestamentHe says to them, Cast the net to the right side of the ship, and you will find: then they cast it, and were not able to draw it on account of the multitude of the fishes.
Haweis New Testament
Then he said to them, Shoot the net on the right side of the vessel, and ye shall find fish. They shot it therefore, and now they were not able to drag it in from the quantity of fishes.
Mace New Testament
they answered him, no, and he said to them, cast the net on the right side of the vessel, and ye shall find, so they cast it, and it was so full of fish they were not able to draw it.
Weymouth New Testament
"Throw the net in on the right hand side," He said, "and you will find fish." So they threw the net in, and now they could scarcely drag it along for the quantity of fish.
Worrell New Testament
And He said to there,"Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find." They castit, therefore; and no longer were they able to draw it, for the multitude of the fishes.
Worsley New Testament
They answered Him, No. And He said unto them,Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye will findsome. So they castit, and they were not able to draw itup by reason of the multitude of fishes.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Appears by the Sea of Tiberias… 5So He called out to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6He toldthem,“Castthenetontherightsideof theboat,andyou will find some.”Sothey cast it there,andthey were unableto haul it inbecause ofthegreat numberoffish.7Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it) and jumped into the sea.…
Cross References Luke 5:4-7When Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” / “Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” / When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear. ...
Matthew 4:19“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
John 15:5I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 6:12-13And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” / So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
Mark 1:17“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
John 2:5-8His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” / Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons. / Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. ...
Matthew 17:27“But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.”
Luke 24:41-43While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” / So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, / and He took it and ate it in front of them.
John 20:27Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”
John 6:9-11“Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?” / “Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them. / Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.
1 Kings 17:14-16for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” / So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household. / The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah.
2 Kings 4:2-7“How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. / Then go inside, shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour oil into all these jars, setting the full ones aside.” ...
Exodus 16:4-5Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. / Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”
Genesis 22:13-14Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. / And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
1 Samuel 9:6-8“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” / “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.”
Treasury of Scripture And he said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Cast. Matthew 7:27
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Luke 5:4-7
Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught… They cast. John 2:5
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, doit. Psalm 8:8
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea,and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. Hebrews 2:6-9
But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? … the multitude. Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were addedunto them about three thousand souls. Acts 4:4
Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. Jump to Previous AbleBoatCastCatchDragDrawFindFishFishesGreatHandHaulLargeMultitudeNetQuantityRightRight-HandScarcelyShipSideThrewThrowUnableWaterWeren'tJump to Next AbleBoatCastCatchDragDrawFindFishFishesGreatHandHaulLargeMultitudeNetQuantityRightRight-HandScarcelyShipSideThrewThrowUnableWaterWeren'tJohn 21 1.Jesus appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great catch of fish.12.He dines with them;15.earnestly commands Peter to feed his lambs and sheep;18.foretells him of his death;22.rebukes his curiosity.24.The conclusion.He told them,This phrase indicates a direct command from Jesus, highlighting His authority and knowledge. In the context of John 21, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, demonstrating His continued guidance and presence. This command echoes His earlier interactions with the disciples, where He often provided direction and insight beyond human understanding. “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,
The instruction to cast the net on the "right side" is significant. In biblical symbolism, the right side often represents favor and blessing. This directive challenges the disciples' previous efforts, which were fruitless, and suggests a divine strategy that contrasts with human effort. The specificity of the "right side" may also imply a test of obedience and faith, as the disciples had to trust Jesus' word over their own experience. and you will find some.”
This promise from Jesus assures the disciples of success if they follow His guidance. It reflects the certainty of His word and the abundance that comes from obedience to Him. This assurance is reminiscent of other biblical promises where God guarantees provision and blessing when His people act in faith (e.g.,Malachi 3:10). So they cast it there,
The disciples' immediate response to Jesus' command demonstrates their trust and willingness to follow His instructions. This act of obedience is crucial in the narrative, as it sets the stage for the miraculous catch. It parallels other instances in the Gospels where faith and action lead to divine intervention (e.g., the feeding of the 5,000 inJohn 6). and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
The overwhelming catch of fish symbolizes the abundance and provision that come from following Jesus. This miracle serves as a reminder of Jesus' power over creation and His ability to provide beyond human limitations. It also foreshadows the disciples' future role as "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), indicating the spiritual harvest they will gather through their ministry. The miraculous catch parallels the earlier event inLuke 5:1-11, reinforcing the theme of divine provision and the transformative impact of Jesus' presence. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe resurrected Christ who appears to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, providing guidance and performing a miracle. 2. DisciplesSpecifically, Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee (James and John), and two other disciples are present during this event. 3. Sea of TiberiasAlso known as the Sea of Galilee, this is the location where the disciples are fishing and where Jesus appears to them. 4. Miraculous Catch of FishThe event where Jesus instructs the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in a large catch of fish. 5. BoatThe vessel used by the disciples for fishing, symbolizing their return to their former way of life before Jesus' intervention. Teaching Points Obedience to Christ's CommandThe disciples' success came from following Jesus' specific instructions. This teaches the importance of listening to and obeying Christ's guidance in our lives. Trust in Divine ProvisionThe miraculous catch illustrates that when we rely on Jesus, He provides abundantly, often beyond our expectations or understanding. Recognizing Jesus' PresenceInitially, the disciples did not recognize Jesus. This reminds us to be attentive to Christ's presence and work in our daily lives, even when it is not immediately apparent. Returning to First LoveThe disciples returned to fishing, their former occupation, but Jesus redirects them to their true calling. This encourages believers to remain focused on their spiritual mission. Community and CooperationThe disciples worked together to haul in the catch, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from John 21
John 21:6 – How could the disciples instantly catch such a huge number of fish after being unsuccessful all night, in a way that defies normal fishing practices?
What is the significance of the Sea of Galilee story?
In Matthew 17:24–27, Jesus tells Peter to find a coin in a fish’s mouth to pay the temple tax. Is there any evidence or logical explanation for this unusual claim?
John 21:24–25 – Why does this chapter appear like an addendum compared to the rest of John’s Gospel, and does its different tone cast doubt on its authenticity?(6) Cast the net on the right side of the ship.--Comp. Note on Luke 5:6. Here the special direction is to cast the net on the right side. We must suppose that the net was cast on the left side, and that they think the speaker who stands on the shore sees some indication of fishes on the other side, for He is still as a stranger to them, and yet they at once obey Him. They were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.--That is, they were not able to draw it up into the boat. InJohn 21:8 they are described as dragging it to the shore.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek He toldεἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.them,αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.“CastΒάλετε(Balete)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 906:(a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.netδίκτυον(diktyon)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1350:A fishing-net. Probably from a primary verb diko; a seine.onεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.rightδεξιὰ(dexia)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1188:On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.sideμέρη(merē)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3313:A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.boat,πλοίου(ploiou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143:A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.you will find [some].”εὑρήσετε(heurēsete)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2147:A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.Soοὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.they cast [it there],ἔβαλον(ebalon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 906:(a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.they were unableἴσχυον(ischyon)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2480:To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.to haul it inἑλκύσαι(helkysai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1670:To drag, draw, pull, persuade, unsheathe. Or helko hel'-ko; probably akin to haireomai; to drag.because ofἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.great numberπλήθους(plēthous)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4128:A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace.ofτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.fish.ἰχθύων(ichthyōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2486:A fish. Of uncertain affinity; a fish.
Links John 21:6 NIVJohn 21:6 NLTJohn 21:6 ESVJohn 21:6 NASBJohn 21:6 KJV
John 21:6 BibleApps.comJohn 21:6 Biblia ParalelaJohn 21:6 Chinese BibleJohn 21:6 French BibleJohn 21:6 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: John 21:6 He said to them Cast the net (Jhn Jo Jn) |
