John 21 17

John 21:17 kjv

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:17 nkjv

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.

John 21:17 niv

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

John 21:17 esv

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

John 21:17 nlt

A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.

John 21 verses

John 21 17 Meaning

Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him more than the others, then instructs him to feed His sheep. This emphasizes Peter's restored apostleship and unique commission from Jesus after his denial. It's a threefold question mirroring Peter's threefold denial, and a threefold command to shepherd God's flock.

John 21 17 Context

This encounter takes place after Jesus' resurrection. Peter, who had famously denied Jesus three times, is fishing with other disciples. Jesus joins them, a miraculous catch of fish occurs, and after a meal, Jesus speaks to Peter privately. This moment is a crucial restoration and commissioning for Peter, preparing him for his leadership role in the early church following Jesus' ascension. The backdrop is the disciples' confusion and grief, and Jesus' affirmation of His authority and plan for them.

John 21 17 Word Analysis

• Σίμων (Simōn): Simon. Peter's original name, given by his father John (Ἰωάννου, Iōannou). Jesus often uses this name when emphasizing Peter's human origin or reminding him of his past.

• Ἰωάννου (Iōannou): Son of John. A common Galilean patronymic.

• ἀγαπᾷς (agapās): you love. This is the second-person singular present active indicative of ἀγαπάω (agapáō), which signifies a deep, often selfless, divine-like love. Jesus uses this word for the first two questions.

• φιλεῖς (phileis): you love. This is the second-person singular present active indicative of φιλέω (philéō), which denotes affection, fondness, or brotherly love. Peter uses this word in his reply, and Jesus uses it in the third question.

• μὲ (me): me. Direct object pronoun, emphasizing Jesus.

• περισσότερον (perissoteron): more than. Comparative adverb, suggesting a higher degree. The implicit object of comparison is "these" (referring to the other disciples or possibly the fish/fishing equipment).

• τῶν τούτων (tōn toutōn): these. Masculine genitive plural demonstrative pronoun. Likely referring to the other disciples present, or perhaps even the catch of fish and their occupation.

• τίθην (tithēn): to put, to lay, to feed. The third-person singular present subjunctive of τίθημι (títhēmi). In this context, referring to the nourishment and care of the sheep.

• ἀρνία (arnia): little lambs. Diminutive of ἀμνός (amnós), meaning sheep. Often interpreted to mean young or tender believers, requiring gentle care.

• πρόβατα (probata): sheep. Plural of πρόβατον (próbaton), generally meaning sheep, signifying the flock as a whole, or mature believers needing guidance.

• First exchange (v. 15): Jesus uses "agapas" (agapās) for the love question. "More than these" points to Peter's special calling and possibly his earlier boast.

• Second exchange (v. 16): Jesus again uses "agapas" (agapās), softening the "more than these" element.

• Third exchange (v. 17): Jesus uses "phileis" (phileis), mirroring Peter's perceived level of love or his previous denial. Peter’s hurt prompts his use of "phileis." The shift highlights the restoration, not the superiority of his love.

• Feeding the flock: The dual command "feed my lambs" (τίθην ἀρνία μου, tithēn arnia mou) and "tend my sheep" (ποιμαίνειν τὰ πρόβατα μου, poimainein ta probata mou) indicates comprehensive care for believers at all stages.

John 21 17 Bonus Section

The scene evokes elements of Elijah's interaction with Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-12), where Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Here, Peter's unique role, affirmed by Jesus, positions him as a primary shepherd under Christ. The discussion also touches on the different kinds of love recognized in Greek, with "agape" often representing God's perfect love and "phileo" representing human affection or friendship. The specific charge to "feed" (tithenai) implies active nourishment and sustenance, not just passive guarding.

John 21 17 Commentary

This is a pivotal moment of restoration and commissioning. Jesus isn't interrogating Peter but reaffirming his place. The threefold questioning directly addresses Peter's three denials, cleansing and healing that wound. The command to "feed/tend my sheep" signifies a delegation of pastoral responsibility. Peter is called to nourish, protect, and guide the flock with a love that overcomes past failures. The specific terms "lambs" and "sheep" may suggest Peter's role in caring for both new converts and mature believers. Peter's future ministry, particularly as described in his epistles, directly aligns with this charge.

• Jesus establishes Peter's devotion and preparedness to lead.
• The repetition of the question demonstrates compassion and thorough restoration.
• The use of different words for "love" (agapao vs. phileo) acknowledges the human element in Peter's response.
• "Feed my lambs" highlights the nurture of new believers.
• "Tend my sheep" emphasizes the ongoing care and oversight of the church.