New Testament
John 21:6
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He told them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you'll find some." So they cast it, and they couldn't haul it in because of the great number of fish.
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And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
What John 21:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus instructs his disciples to cast their fishing net on the right side of the boat. Despite having caught nothing all night, they obey his command and are overwhelmed by the large catch of fish. This moment illustrates the power of following Jesus' guidance, even when it seems unlikely to yield results. The disciples' willingness to listen and act on Jesus' words leads to a miraculous outcome, demonstrating that faith and obedience can lead to unexpected blessings. This event also symbolizes the abundance that comes from aligning with God's will, as well as the importance of trusting in Jesus' wisdom over our own understanding. The disciples' experience serves as a reminder that sometimes, success comes from stepping out in faith and following directions that may not make sense at first.
How to apply John 21:6 to your life
This passage encourages us to trust in Jesus' guidance in our lives. When faced with challenges or uncertainty, we should be willing to listen and act on His instructions, even if they seem unconventional. Our obedience can lead to unexpected blessings.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Breakfast by the Sea (John 21:1–14)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 21:6 mean?
John 21:6 describes a moment when Jesus tells his disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat after a night of catching nothing. Their obedience results in a miraculous catch of fish, illustrating the importance of following Jesus' guidance.
What is the significance of casting the net on the right side in John 21:6?
Casting the net on the right side symbolizes obedience to Jesus' instructions. Despite their previous failure, the disciples' willingness to follow his command leads to an unexpected abundance of fish.
How does John 21:6 relate to faith and obedience?
In John 21:6, the disciples demonstrate faith by following Jesus' unconventional advice. Their successful catch of fish serves as a reminder that obedience to Jesus can lead to surprising blessings.
What lesson can we learn from John 21:6?
John 21:6 teaches us the value of trusting in Jesus' guidance, especially when we face challenges. It encourages us to act on his instructions, as doing so can lead to unexpected rewards.
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