John 21:21

21 Peter having seen this one, saith to Jesus, `Lord, and what of this one?'

John 21:21 Meaning and Commentary

John 21:21

Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus
Peter took a great deal of notice of John, and very likely understood, that he meant by his rising up and following Christ, to signify his readiness for service and suffering in the cause of Christ: and therefore says,

Lord, and what shall this man do?
The phrase in the original is very short and concise, "Lord, and this what?" The Arabic version renders it, "and this, of what mind is he?" it looks as if he was of the same mind with me to follow thee; but it is better rendered by us, "what shall this man do?" in what work and service shall he be employed, who seems as willing as I am to serve thee? or it may be rendered thus, "and what shall this man suffer?" shall he suffer at all? and if he shall, what kind of death shall he undergo? what will become of him? what will be his end? how will it fare with him? this he said, partly out of curiosity, and partly out of concern for him, they two being associates and intimates, who had a strong affection for each other.

John 21:21 In-Context

19 and this he said, signifying by what death he shall glorify God; and having said this, he saith to him, `Be following me.'

20 And Peter having turned about doth see the disciple whom Jesus was loving following, (who also reclined in the supper on his breast, and said, `Sir, who is he who is delivering thee up?')

21 Peter having seen this one, saith to Jesus, `Lord, and what of this one?'

22 Jesus saith to him, `If him I will to remain till I come, what -- to thee? be thou following me.' This word, therefore, went forth to the brethren that that disciple doth not die,

23 yet Jesus did not say to him, that he doth not die, but, `If him I will to remain till I come, what -- to thee?'