In classical Greek the verb translated eat here and had eaten in verse 15 means “to eat breakfast.” The only other instance of this verb in the New Testament is in Luke 11.37, where the reference is to the main meal of the day. The related noun is used in Matthew 22.4; Luke 11.38; 14.12. In all three verses the word designates the main meal of the day, rather than breakfast. However, it is possible to translate the verb here with the original meaning “to eat breakfast,” because of the contextual setting. New English Bible has “Come and have breakfast.”

The Greek verb translated dared may also be rendered “was brave enough” or “… bold enough.” The reason given (because they knew it was the Lord) seems illogical, since it suggests that the disciples did not need to ask Jesus who he was. Nevertheless, even though they knew it was Jesus, they may have wanted some confirmation from him.

As in verse 7 (It is the Lord), so in this verse the title Lord is used of the resurrected Jesus.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .