This question was never spoken aloud. John records it to show what the disciples held back and why. They did not need to ask, because they were sure: they knew "that it was the Lord" (John 21:12). Gill says asking would have looked like insolence or unbelief, since His voice, His person, and the miracle made it plain. Matthew Henry gives two possible reasons for their silence: either they would not be so bold with Him, or "they must be stupid indeed if they questioned whether it was he or no."

The question was never asked, because the answer was already plain: they knew "that it was the Lord" (John 21:12). Jesus answered their silent wonder with action. He "cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise" (John 21:13). John adds, "This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead" (John 21:14).

"Come and dine" translates aristēsate, from a verb that Barnes explains means the morning meal, or breakfast. That is why the ESV reads, "Come and have breakfast." The word "durst" means dared.

The verb for "ask" here, exetazō, is stronger than a simple question. Thayer's lexicon defines it as to search out or examine strictly, and it appears only three times in the New Testament (Matthew 2:8; Matthew 10:11; John 21:12). The disciples did not dare to question Him closely about who He was.

This moment holds reverence and closeness together. The disciples sat at breakfast with the risen Lord and ate from His own hands, yet they did not dare to question Him. Gill notes that Jesus "does not send his disciples elsewhere for food, but invites them to come to him."

Earlier that morning the disciples had not known Him on the shore (John 21:4). Now they had no doubt. Jesus made Himself known through His word, the catch, and the meal He gave. Peter later described the apostles as witnesses "who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead" (Acts 10:41).