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John 21:4

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 21:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
John 21:4 — American Standard Version

Context — John 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifested [himself] on this wise.
2There was together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing.
4But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
5Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No.
6And 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.
7That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea.
← John 21:3John 21:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when the morning was now come, etc.] The day began to dawn, and light to appear, very early in the morning; for Christ visits his right early, and is a present help to them in their time of trouble. Jesus stood on the shore: on firm ground, whilst his disciples were beating about in the waves, and toiling to no purpose. So Christ, risen from the dead, is glorified, is in heaven; but not unmindful of his people amidst all their afflictions in this world: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus; though he was so near them that they could hear what he said; but it not being broad daylight they could not distinctly discern him, or their eyes might be held that they could not know him.…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Jesus stood--(Compare Joh 20:19, Joh 20:26). but the disciples knew not it was Jesus--Perhaps there had been some considerable interval since the last manifestation, and having agreed to betake themselves to their secular employment, they would be unprepared to expect Him.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Knew not that it was Jesus - Probably it was yet twilight, and in the distance they could not distinctly recognize him. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“They knew not that it was Jesus - Probably their eyes were holden. John 21:6”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“21:4 Jesus was standing on the beach, but the men did not recognize him (cp. 20:11-16; Luke 24:13-53).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“but: Joh 20:14; Mar 16:12; Luk 24:15, Luk 24:16, Luk 24:31 John 21:5”
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Related study paths

Read John 21 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification