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Verse

John 21:4

ESV Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
NIV Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
NASB But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
CSB When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus.
NLT At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was.
KJV But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
NKJV But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

What does John 21:4 mean?

Peter and six other disciples have returned to Galilee after Jesus' resurrection (Matthew 28:9–10; John 21:1–2). Most of these were fishermen before Christ called them (John 1:35–42). In one of His earlier lessons, Jesus directed Peter to make what seemed to be a pointless change in his technique: to cast the net on the other side of the boat (Luke 5:3–5). The result was a catch of fish so large it nearly sank two boats (Luke 5:6–7). Peter recognized that this wasn't just a lucky guess, but a supernatural miracle, and reacted accordingly (Luke 6:8).

The current fishing trip may have been meant to simply pass time, or to earn money. Either way, it was unsuccessful (John 21:3). As the sun comes up, they see a figure on shore, who calls out. What He tells them will echo Jesus' earlier instructions (John 21:4–5), and Peter will once again understand that it is the Son of God who is speaking (John 21:6–7).
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What is the Gospel?
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