John 21:4

4 And early morn already breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; the disciples however did not know that it was Jesus.

John 21:4 Meaning and Commentary

John 21:4

But when the morning was now come
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. So Christ is sometimes near his people, and they know it not.

John 21:4 In-Context

2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael who was of Cana of Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter says to them, I go to fish. They say to him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and went on board, and that night took nothing.

4 And early morn already breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; the disciples however did not know that it was Jesus.

5 Jesus therefore says to them, Children, have ye anything to eat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said to them, Cast the net at the right side of the ship and ye will find. They cast therefore, and they could no longer draw it, from the multitude of fishes.

Footnotes

• [a]. Oida, see Note at 1Cor. 8.1.