Bible Discussion Thread

In John 21:11

Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

What does the 153 signify? Why doesn't it say a lot or a little? Why is it this specific number? I've never found an answer for this.

John 21:11 Niv

The number 153 signify the large fish which ware also in the net and still there were many fish as well in the net as it needed to be dragged.

The miracle that was performed by our lord Jesus Christ yet with the large fish of 153 and the rest of the fish the net did not tear

(The many fish and the net withholding the weight)

11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

Please pray for understanding in Jesus' name amen.

Thank you for your reply Duncan. I do pray for understanding and that's why I'm here. I also know that Scripture interprets Scripture but still I am baffled. I'm trying to lean on the understanding of others. It's not really that important to know this. It's not essential for salvation or anything. I would just like to know what other people think of the 153 fish. Why that particular number?

Hi Elizabeth Moon,

The reason why i tell people to Pray for understanding is because God has given to us Freely and Jesus said whoever reads let him understand

Matthew 24:15

And when you pointed that question i too would like to know the meaning but the best way to find the answer is to go back in our prayer closest and enquire from the author of the scripture.

Amen.

may the peace of God and our lord Jesus Christ be with you amen.

Hello Elizabeth. There have been several opinions/theories proffered about the significance of this number 153. I'm unconvinced that any of them have any value at all, rather I read that verse as given.

In John 21:8, we see those disciples "dragging the net with fish(es)". These verses don't give us all the words & acts performed at that time. There could have been a discussion amongst them, why their nets didn't break with such a haul of fish, when normally they could only lift up a smaller amount of fish. Maybe, there was a discussion among them while on their boat that they should count their haul when they got to land, to see what they could actually lift in a net when Jesus gave them His Word. And they could even publicize it amongst other fisherfolk that they may marvel at this & begin to believe in the power of Christ. All this is only my guess, as none of it is given in the Bible (maybe others have other thoughts), but I feel that there is nothing more in that number '153', other than revealing a great quantity of fish caught in a net; in a net which was only capable of holding much less.

Well thank you for your answer Chris. Anyone else I've ever asked this question to has responded, "I don't know". I appreciate you taking time to give me a suitable answer. It is speculation to be sure. There are many things I want to ask Jesus when I get to heaven, this being one.