What Does John 21:9 Mean in the King James?
As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The same rare Greek word for this charcoal fire names the fire beside which Peter denies Jesus, so the breakfast opens inside the memory of failure.
THE MEANING
The rare word for the charcoal fire carries Peter’s denial into this scene, where fish and bread are already waiting. The remembered place of failure holds welcome alongside it.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The belief that failure cancels welcome is undone by the meal already waiting at the fire that recalls it.
THE ROOT
ἀνθρακιά
anthrakia
GROWS FROM
ἀνθρακ-
anthrak-
Coal or charcoal; the form ἀνθρακιά (anthrakia) names a bed or fire of coals.
“fire of coals” in this verse is anthrakia. English’s ordinary “fire” can make the two scenes sound generic, but John repeats the specific word for a charcoal fire. The welcome on the shore meets Peter at a scene that recalls his denial.
ALSO GROWS
anthrax: a coal, charcoal
ἄνθραξ
This names the burning material itself, beneath John’s word for the charcoal fire.
anthrakia: a bed or heap of burning coals; a charcoal fire
ἀνθρακιά
John uses this uncommon word for both the fire beside Peter’s denial and the breakfast fire (John 18:18; 21:9).
ἐπικείμενον
epikeimenon
GROWS FROM
κεῖμαι
keimai
To lie, be placed, or be situated.
“laid thereon” in this verse is epikeimenon. The fish is already lying on the fire when the disciples arrive. The same root appears in words for reclining at a meal, placing the arranged food beside the posture of those who will eat.
ALSO GROWS
anakeimai: to recline, especially at a meal
ἀνάκειμαι
This compound shares κεῖμαι (keimai), linking the fish laid out before the disciples with the posture of reclining diners.
katakeimai: to lie down, be lying down
κατάκειμαι
This compound also carries the sense of lying or being situated, showing the root beneath “laid” in the verse.
THE PATTERN
Restoration meets remembered failure with provision already set out.
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.THE THREAD
And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.John uses the same noun, ἀνθρακιά (anthrakia, charcoal fire), in both verses. In John 18:18 Peter stands beside that fire just before denying Jesus; in John 21:9 the same word surrounds a meal already waiting for him.
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