John 21:21

21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord-what about him?"

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 He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, He told him, "Follow Me!"

20 So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them. [That disciple] was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, "Lord, who is the one that's going to betray You?"

21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord-what about him?"

22 "If I want him to remain until I come," Jesus answered, "what is that to you? As for you, follow Me."

23 So this report spread to the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not tell him that he would not die, but, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?"