John 21:15

KJV

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3767} when {G3753} they had dined {G709}, Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} to Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074}, Simon {G4613}, son of Jonas {G2495}, lovest thou {G25} me {G3165} more than {G4119} these {G5130}? He saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Yea {G3483}, Lord {G2962}; thou {G4771} knowest {G1492} that {G3754} I love {G5368} thee {G4571}. He saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Feed {G1006} my {G3450} lambs {G721}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After breakfast, Yeshua said to Shim‘on Kefa, “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, do you love me more than these?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I’m your friend.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

Berean Standard Bible

When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.”

American Standard Version

So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:15 records a pivotal moment of restoration and recommissioning between the resurrected Jesus and Simon Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Following Peter's triple denial of Christ, this verse initiates a profound three-fold dialogue where Jesus tenderly probes the depth of Peter's love, setting the stage for his renewed call to shepherd Christ's flock, emphasizing that genuine affection for the Lord is the indispensable foundation for all faithful service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the climactic concluding chapter of John's Gospel, which details Jesus' third post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, specifically at the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). It immediately follows a miraculous catch of fish, reminiscent of Peter's initial call, and a shared breakfast of fish and bread. The preceding chapters, particularly [John 18](/john/18 "John 18 - Jesus' Arrest and Peter's Denial"), recount Peter's three denials of Jesus before the crucifixion, a deeply painful failure that this current interaction directly addresses. The three-fold questioning of Peter's love in [John 21:15-17](/john/21-15-17 "John 21:15-17 - Jesus Restores Peter") is widely understood as Jesus' compassionate restoration of Peter, mirroring and reversing his earlier denials, and preparing him for future leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting on the Sea of Galilee evokes strong memories of Jesus' initial calling of Peter and other disciples as "fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples")). Fishing was a primary industry in this region, and the disciples' return to it after Jesus' crucifixion highlights their uncertainty and perhaps a sense of lost purpose. The act of sharing a meal, particularly breakfast, carried significant cultural weight, signifying fellowship, reconciliation, and the establishment of a covenantal bond. Jesus' direct address to "Simon, son of Jonas" (or John) rather than "Peter" (the name Jesus had given him, meaning "rock") subtly reminds Peter of his human vulnerability and past failure, yet it is immediately followed by a profound question of love that invites restoration.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and biblical theology. First, it powerfully illustrates **Restoration and Forgiveness**, demonstrating God's boundless grace in offering reconciliation even after profound failure, as seen in the parable of the [Prodigal Son](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son"). Second, it underscores the theme of **Love as the Foundation for Service**, emphasizing that genuine, sacrificial love for Christ (agape) is the essential prerequisite for all Christian ministry and leadership, echoing Jesus' command for His disciples to [love one another](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment"). Finally, it highlights the **Pastoral Commission**, signifying the shepherd's vital role in nurturing and caring for Christ's flock, a theme found throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament prophets (e.g., [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Shepherds of Israel")) to Peter's own later exhortations to elders ([1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Shepherd the Flock of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **agapáō (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb, used by Jesus in His first question ("lovest thou me"), denotes a divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love, often associated with God's love for humanity. It describes a love of will and principle, a deliberate choice of devotion rather than mere sentiment. Jesus asks Peter if he possesses this highest form of love for Him, a love that transcends circumstances and personal feelings.
* **philéō (Greek, _philéō'_):** Peter's response, "I love thee," uses this verb, which signifies a strong brotherly affection, fondness, or friendship. It denotes a love based on personal attachment, sentiment, and emotional connection. Peter's choice of _philéō_ rather than _agapáō_ in his initial response reveals his honest assessment of his current capacity for love, acknowledging his human limitations and perhaps the recent failure that had exposed his lack of _agapáō_ in a moment of crisis.
* **bóskō (Greek, _bóskō'_):** This verb, translated as "Feed" in Jesus' command "Feed my lambs," means "to pasture" or "to fodder." It implies providing nourishment, guidance, and protection, much like a shepherd tending to his flock. This command directly links Peter's love for Jesus to a practical, nurturing ministry, emphasizing the active care required for the spiritual well-being of believers.
* **arníon (Greek, _arníon'_):** This word, translated as "lambs," is a diminutive form, literally meaning "lambkin." It suggests tender, vulnerable, and young sheep. In the context of the church, "lambs" represent new believers, those weak in faith, or those in need of special care and guidance. Jesus' use of this term highlights the delicate and crucial responsibility Peter is being entrusted with—to care for the most vulnerable members of Christ's flock.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So when they had dined":** This phrase sets the scene immediately after a shared meal, emphasizing a moment of fellowship and intimacy. The meal itself, a breakfast of fish and bread prepared by Jesus, signifies His continued care for His disciples and establishes a relaxed, personal setting for the profound conversation that follows.
* **"Jesus saith to Simon Peter, 'Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?'":** Jesus initiates the dialogue by addressing Peter by his birth name, "Simon, son of Jonas," a tender yet pointed reminder of his human identity and perhaps his recent failure. The crucial question, "lovest thou me more than these?", uses the Greek word _agapáō_ (divine, unconditional love). The phrase "more than these" is ambiguous, potentially referring to the other disciples (Is Peter's love for Jesus greater than theirs, as he once boasted?), or to the fishing nets/boats (Does Peter love Jesus more than his former livelihood?), or even to the fish they just caught (Does he love Jesus more than earthly sustenance?). Regardless of the precise comparison, Jesus is probing the absolute priority and quality of Peter's love for Him.
* **"He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.":** Peter's immediate response is an affirmation, "Yea, Lord." However, he uses the Greek word _philéō_ (brotherly affection, fondness) for "I love thee." This choice is significant; it reflects Peter's honest self-assessment. He acknowledges his genuine affection and friendship for Jesus, but perhaps not yet the full measure of the divine, self-sacrificial _agapáō_ that Jesus initially asked about, especially in light of his recent denial. His appeal, "thou knowest," indicates a reliance on Jesus' omniscience to discern the sincerity of his heart, despite his past failings.
* **"He saith unto him, 'Feed my lambs.'":** Jesus' immediate command to Peter, "Feed my lambs," is a direct pastoral charge. The verb "feed" (_bóskō_) implies providing nourishment and care, while "my lambs" (_arníon_) refers to the vulnerable, young, or new members of Christ's flock. This command links Peter's expressed _philéō_ love directly to a practical act of service, demonstrating that genuine love for Christ manifests in caring for His people. It is the first of three such commands in this dialogue, each building upon the other, signifying Peter's restoration to his apostolic ministry.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes rich use of **Symbolism**, particularly the imagery of the "lambs" and the act of "feeding." The lambs symbolize the vulnerable and nascent members of Christ's church, while the act of feeding represents the spiritual nourishment, protection, and guidance that a shepherd (Peter, and by extension, all spiritual leaders) must provide. This imagery connects to the broader biblical motif of God as the ultimate Shepherd of His people. The **Repetition** of the question of love and the command to "feed" or "tend" (in subsequent verses) creates a powerful rhetorical structure, emphasizing the profound importance of Peter's restoration and the nature of his recommissioning. This three-fold exchange also serves as a direct **Parallelism** to Peter's three-fold denial, offering a symmetrical act of restoration and reaffirmation. Furthermore, the dialogue itself is a form of **Interrogation**, where Jesus' questions are not merely seeking information but are designed to elicit a confession of love and to facilitate Peter's spiritual healing and recommissioning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:15 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine forgiveness, the prerequisite for Christian service, and the core responsibility of spiritual leadership. It underscores that God's grace is always available for restoration, even after significant failure, and that true ministry flows from a heart genuinely devoted to Christ. The subtle interplay between _agapáō_ and _philéō_ highlights the journey of spiritual growth, where human affection (philéo) is a starting point that Christ seeks to transform and deepen into divine, self-sacrificial love (agape) as the foundation for effective service. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that love for Christ is not merely an emotion but an active commitment that expresses itself in caring for His people.

* [Luke 15:20](/luke/15-20 "Luke 15:20 - The Father's Forgiveness")
* [1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Shepherd the Flock of God")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:15 offers profound and comforting truths for every believer. It reminds us that our past failures, no matter how grievous, do not disqualify us from God's grace or His call to service. Just as Jesus tenderly restored Peter, He extends the same grace to us, inviting us to confess our love and receive renewed purpose. This passage challenges us to examine the depth and quality of our love for Christ: Is it merely a sentimental affection (_philéō_), or is it a deep, committed, and sacrificial love (_agapáō_) that prioritizes Him above all else, including our ambitions, possessions, or even other relationships? Furthermore, it underscores that genuine love for Jesus is not passive; it compels us to action, specifically to care for others within the body of Christ. Whether through formal ministry or informal acts of kindness, we are all called to "feed His lambs"—to nurture, teach, protect, and guide those who are vulnerable, new in faith, or in need of spiritual sustenance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's response, using _philéō_ instead of _agapáō_, resonate with your own experience of loving God?**
* **In what ways might Jesus be asking you, "Lovest thou me more than these?" in your own life today?**
* **Who are the "lambs" in your sphere of influence—those who are vulnerable, new in faith, or in need of spiritual nourishment—and how can you actively "feed" them?**
* **What past failures or shortcomings might God be seeking to restore you from, and how can you respond to His invitation to renewed purpose?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus asking Peter "lovest thou me more than these?"**

Answer: This question is deeply significant because it probes the depth and priority of Peter's love for Jesus, especially in light of his earlier boast that he would never deny Jesus, even if others did ([Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Boast")). The phrase "more than these" can be interpreted in several ways: more than the other disciples love Jesus, more than Peter loves the other disciples, or more than Peter loves his former life as a fisherman (symbolized by the nets and boats). Regardless of the specific comparison, Jesus is challenging Peter to confirm that his ultimate allegiance and affection are for Him above all else. This question sets the stage for Peter's restoration and recommissioning, ensuring that his future service will be rooted in genuine love for Christ.

**Why does Jesus use "lambs" and "sheep" (in subsequent verses) and command Peter to "feed" them?**

Answer: The imagery of lambs and sheep, along with the command to "feed" or "tend" them, is rich in biblical symbolism, portraying believers as a flock and spiritual leaders as shepherds. "Lambs" (_arníon_) specifically refers to the young, vulnerable, or new believers, emphasizing their need for tender care, protection, and spiritual nourishment. The command to "feed" (_bóskō_) implies providing sustenance, guidance, and watchfulness. This metaphor highlights the pastoral nature of Peter's renewed commission: he is called to nurture, protect, and lead Christ's followers, ensuring their spiritual well-being. This aligns with the Old Testament concept of God as the Shepherd of Israel ([Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd")) and Jesus as the Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 21:15, while a deeply personal exchange between Jesus and Peter, finds its ultimate fulfillment and significance in the person and work of Christ. Jesus, as the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd") who lays down His life for the sheep, embodies the perfect love and sacrificial care that He now commissions Peter to emulate. His question of love and subsequent command to "Feed my lambs" is a direct outflow of His own redemptive work. Having triumphed over sin and death, Jesus is now building His church, and He entrusts its care to those who genuinely love Him. Peter's restoration, facilitated by Jesus' grace, foreshadows the ongoing work of Christ through His Spirit, empowering flawed individuals to participate in His divine mission. The "lambs" that Peter is called to feed are Christ's own, purchased by His blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Purchased by His Blood")), and their spiritual nourishment ultimately comes from Christ Himself, who is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life"). Thus, Peter's commission, and indeed all Christian ministry, is a participation in Christ's continuing shepherding of His people, a ministry rooted in His perfect love and empowered by His resurrection life, ultimately pointing all glory back to Him as the [Chief Shepherd](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - Christ the Chief Shepherd").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

Romans 15:1

¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

2 Corinthians 5:15

And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

1 Peter 5:1

¶ The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

1 Peter 5:4

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.