John 21:4

4 When, however, day was now dawning, Jesus stood on the beach, though the disciples 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 Simon Peter was with Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zabdi, and two others of the Master's disciples.

3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." "We will go too," said they. So they set out and went on board their boat; but they caught nothing that night.

4 When, however, day was now dawning, Jesus stood on the beach, though the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

5 He called to them. "Children," He said, "have you any food there?" "No," they answered.

6 "Throw the net in on the right hand side," He said, "and you will find fish." So they threw the net in, and now they could scarcely drag it along for the quantity of fish.