John 21:18 net — I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but wh…

NET Bible

"I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go.”"

— John 21:18, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

John 21:18 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.”

  • ASV

    “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. ”

  • WEB

    “Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don't want to go."”

  • DRB

    “Amen, amen, I say to thee, When thou wast younger, thou didst gird thyself and didst walk where thou wouldst. But when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee and lead thee whither thou wouldst not.”

  • BBE

    “Truly I say to you, When you were young, you made yourself ready and went wherever you had a desire to go: but when you are old, you will put out your hands and another will make you ready, and you will be taken where you have no desire to go.”

  • KJVA

    “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.”

John 21 — Context

15

Peter’s Restoration Then when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these do?” He replied,“Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him,“Feed my lambs.”

16

Jesus said a second time,“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He replied,“Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him,“Shepherd my sheep.”

17

Jesus said a third time,“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time,“Do you love me?” and said,“Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus replied,“Feed my sheep.

18

I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go.”

19

(Now Jesus said this to indicate clearly by what kind of death Peter was going to glorify God.) After he said this, Jesus told Peter,“Follow me.”

20

Peter and the Disciple Jesus Loved Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them.(This was the disciple who had leaned back against Jesus’ chest at the meal and asked,“Lord, who is the one who is going to betray you?”)

21

So when Peter saw him, he asked Jesus,“Lord, what about him?”

John 21:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does John 21:18 say?
John 21:18 in the NET Bible reads: “I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go.””
Where is John 21:18 in the Bible?
John 21:18 is found in the New Testament, in the book of John, chapter 21, verse 18.
Who wrote John?
John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, son of Zebedee. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of John about?
John's Gospel opens not in Bethlehem but "in the beginning," declaring Jesus to be the eternal Word made flesh. Through seven sign-miracles and seven "I AM" sayings, it presents Jesus as the bread, the light, the way, and the resurrection — that we might believe and have life in his name.
What are the major themes of John?
John explores themes including Word Made Flesh, Belief, Eternal Life, I AM, Love. These themes shape the meaning and context of John 21:18.
What translation should I read John 21:18 in?
John 21:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize John 21:18?
John 21:18 reads (NET): “I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go.”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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