Jesus addressed the disciples with an affectionate masculine greeting (Gr. paidia). The translation "boys" captures the spirit of His word. The form of Jesus" question in the Greek text assumed a negative answer; He expected that they had caught nothing. One can sense the discouragement and mild embarrassment in the disciples" "no." Jesus was in the process of teaching these men their personal inadequacy even in the type of work they knew best and had most experience with. It was important that they articulate their failure. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
John 21:1-9 - The Miraculous Draught Of Fishes
It would almost seem as if the Apostles thought that the radiant vision of Christ was withdrawn forever; or did they think that they would glorify Him best, and be most likely to encounter Him, if they returned to the paths of ordinary toil? This miracle closely corresponds to that recorded in Luke 5:1-39, and proves that the methods of the risen Lord are not unlike those of His earthly ministry. Still He stands on the shore in the morning haze, to comfort the hearts of discouraged workers, telling them where to cast their net and revealing the certainty of His help. The eyes that love as John loved are the quickest to descry his presence. He thinks not only of our spoils, but of us, and provides for our sustenance and comfort-not bread only, but fish and a fire. Is not this a picture of the believer's death?-the plunge into the cold stream of dividing water; the welcome on the other shore; the discovery that Christ had expected and prepared; and the feast with the Lord Himself, as He girds Himself to minister. [source]
Chapter Summary: John 21
1Jesus appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great catch of fish 12He dines with them; 15earnestly commands Peter to feed his lambs and sheep; 18foretells him of his death; 22rebukes his curiosity 24The conclusion
Greek Commentary for John 21:5
Children [Παιδια] Diminutive of παις pais and used here alone by Jesus in addressing his disciples. It is a colloquial expression like “my boys.” The aged Apostle John uses it in 1 John 2:13,1 John 2:18. Have ye aught to eat? The negative answer is expected by this polite inquiry as in John 4:29. The rare and late word προσπαγιον prosphagion from the root παγ phag (εστιω esthiō to eat) and προς pros (in addition) was used for a relish with bread and then for fish as here. So in the papyri. Nowhere else in the N.T. [source]
Children [παιδία] Or, little children. Used also by John, in address, twice in the First Epistle (1 John 2:13,1 John 2:18), where, however, the more common word is τεκνία , little children. [source]
Have ye any meat [μή τι προσφάγιον ἔχετε] The interrogative μή τι indicates that a negative answer is expected: you have not, I suppose, anything. Προσφάγιον is equivalent to ὀψάριον , what is added to bread at a meal, especially fish. See on John 6:9. Only here in the New Testament. Wyc, any supping-thing. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 21:5
John 6:67Would ye also go away? [Μη και υμεις τελετε υπαγειν] Jesus puts it with the negative answer (μη mē) expected. See John 21:5 where Jesus also uses μη mē in a question. Judas must have shown some sympathy with the disappointed and disappearing crowds. But he kept still. There was possibly restlessness on the part of the other apostles. [source]
1 John 2:1My little children [τεκνία μου] Τεκνίον , little child, diminutive of τέκνον childoccurs in John 8:33; 1 John 2:12,1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:7,1 John 3:18; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:21. This particular phrase is found only here (best texts omit my in 1 John 3:18). Used as a term of affection, or possibly with reference to the writer's advanced age. Compare Christ's word, παιδία children(John 21:5) which John also uses (1 John 2:13,1 John 2:18). In the familiar story of John and the young convert who became a robber, it is related that the aged apostle repaired to the robber's haunt, and that the young man, on seeing him, took to flight. John, forgetful of his age, ran after him, crying: “O my son why dost thou fly from me thy father? Thou, an armed man, - I, an old, defenseless one! Have pity upon me! My son, do not fear! There is still hope of life for thee. I wish myself to take the burden of all before Christ. If it is necessary, I will die for thee, as Christ died for us. Stop! Believe! It is Christ who sends me.” [source]
Greek Commentary for John 21:5
Diminutive of παις pais and used here alone by Jesus in addressing his disciples. It is a colloquial expression like “my boys.” The aged Apostle John uses it in 1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:18. Have ye aught to eat? The negative answer is expected by this polite inquiry as in John 4:29. The rare and late word προσπαγιον prosphagion from the root παγ phag (εστιω esthiō to eat) and προς pros (in addition) was used for a relish with bread and then for fish as here. So in the papyri. Nowhere else in the N.T. [source]
Or, little children. Used also by John, in address, twice in the First Epistle (1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:18), where, however, the more common word is τεκνία , little children. [source]
The interrogative μή τι indicates that a negative answer is expected: you have not, I suppose, anything. Προσφάγιον is equivalent to ὀψάριον , what is added to bread at a meal, especially fish. See on John 6:9. Only here in the New Testament. Wyc, any supping-thing. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 21:5
Jesus puts it with the negative answer (μη mē) expected. See John 21:5 where Jesus also uses μη mē in a question. Judas must have shown some sympathy with the disappointed and disappearing crowds. But he kept still. There was possibly restlessness on the part of the other apostles. [source]
Τεκνίον , little child, diminutive of τέκνον childoccurs in John 8:33; 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:7, 1 John 3:18; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:21. This particular phrase is found only here (best texts omit my in 1 John 3:18). Used as a term of affection, or possibly with reference to the writer's advanced age. Compare Christ's word, παιδία children(John 21:5) which John also uses (1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:18). In the familiar story of John and the young convert who became a robber, it is related that the aged apostle repaired to the robber's haunt, and that the young man, on seeing him, took to flight. John, forgetful of his age, ran after him, crying: “O my son why dost thou fly from me thy father? Thou, an armed man, - I, an old, defenseless one! Have pity upon me! My son, do not fear! There is still hope of life for thee. I wish myself to take the burden of all before Christ. If it is necessary, I will die for thee, as Christ died for us. Stop! Believe! It is Christ who sends me.” [source]