John 21:16

KJV

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

KJV (with Strong's)

He saith {G3004} to him {G846} again {G3825} the second time {G1208}, Simon {G4613}, son of Jonas {G2495}, lovest thou {G25} me {G3165}? 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 {G4165} my {G3450} sheep {G4263}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A second time he said to him, “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I’m your friend.” He said to him, “Shepherd my sheep.”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.”

American Standard Version

He saith to him again a second time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Tend my sheep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:16 records the pivotal second exchange between the resurrected Jesus and Simon Peter, where Jesus reiterates His question about Peter's love and reaffirms Peter's call to pastoral ministry. Following Peter's three-fold denial of Christ, this encounter provides a profound moment of restoration, forgiveness, and recommissioning, emphasizing that genuine love for Jesus is the essential foundation for shepherding His flock and serving His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the closing chapter of John's Gospel, detailing Jesus' third post-resurrection appearance to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The narrative immediately precedes this exchange with a miraculous catch of fish, reminiscent of Peter's initial call, followed by a breakfast shared with the resurrected Lord. The three-fold questioning of Peter's love in [John 21:15-17](/john/21-15-17 "John 21:15-17 - Jesus Restores Peter") directly parallels Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus before the crucifixion, as recorded in passages like [Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial and Repentance"). This deliberate literary parallel underscores the theme of restoration and forgiveness, providing Peter an opportunity to publicly reaffirm his devotion and receive a renewed commission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, shepherding was a highly respected and symbolic profession, often used metaphorically to describe leadership and care for God's people. Kings, prophets, and eventually spiritual leaders were often referred to as "shepherds" (e.g., [Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd") or [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - God's Judgment on Bad Shepherds")). The Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee) was a familiar setting for Peter, a fisherman by trade, making this encounter deeply personal and symbolic of Jesus calling him back to his true vocation, but now as a "fisher of men" and a "shepherd of sheep." The public nature of this restoration would have been crucial for Peter's standing among the other disciples, healing the wound of his previous failure.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully contributes to several major themes present throughout [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John - Introduction"). Foremost is the theme of **restoration and forgiveness**, demonstrating God's boundless grace even after significant failure, as seen in Peter's reinstatement. Another prominent theme is **love as the foundation for service**, highlighting that genuine affection for Christ, rather than mere duty or ability, is the prerequisite for effective spiritual leadership and care for God's people. The command to "Feed my sheep" directly addresses the theme of **pastoral responsibility and discipleship**, emphasizing the vital role of spiritual leaders in nurturing, guiding, and protecting the community of believers. This encounter also reinforces the theme of **Jesus' continued authority and commission** of His followers to carry on His work after His resurrection, building upon the Great Commission found in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **second time (Greek, _deúteros'_):** This word (G1208) signifies the ordinal "second," emphasizing the repetition of Jesus' question. The fact that Jesus asks "again the second time" highlights the deliberate and significant nature of this repeated inquiry, setting up the three-fold pattern that mirrors Peter's denials.
* **lovest thou (Greek, _agapáō'_):** In this specific instance (G25), Jesus uses _agapáō_ for the second time (as in [John 21:15](/john/21-15 "John 21:15 - Jesus' First Question to Peter")), referring to a deep, unconditional, self-sacrificial, and divine love. This type of love is often associated with God's perfect love for humanity. By asking Peter if he possesses this _agapē_ love, Jesus probes the depth and quality of Peter's commitment, challenging him to consider a love that transcends mere human affection.
* **I love thee (Greek, _philéō'_):** Peter's response utilizes _philéō_ (G5368), which denotes a brotherly affection, fondness, or friendship. While a genuine and heartfelt love, it is distinct from the _agapē_ love Jesus initially inquired about. Peter's consistent use of _philéō_ here, as in [John 21:15](/john/21-15 "John 21:15 - Jesus' First Question to Peter"), reflects his humility and perhaps an honest assessment that his love, though sincere, has not yet reached the unwavering, self-sacrificial standard of _agapē_ that Jesus seeks.
* **knowest (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb (G1492), used in the perfect tense, means "to know" in the sense of having perceived or understood, implying a deep, intuitive, and experiential knowledge. Peter's declaration, "thou knowest that I love thee," is an appeal to Jesus' omniscience. He acknowledges that Jesus, as Lord, already possesses full insight into the sincerity and limitations of his heart, validating Peter's _philéō_ love as genuine, even if imperfect.
* **Feed (Greek, _poimaínō'_):** This verb (G4165) means "to tend as a shepherd," encompassing not only providing food (grazing) but also guiding, protecting, and caring for the flock. This command is a direct commission to Peter to assume a pastoral role, signifying his restoration to leadership and his responsibility to nurture and oversee the spiritual well-being of Christ's followers. It implies a comprehensive and active role in discipleship and church leadership.
* **sheep (Greek, _próbaton'_):** This term (G4263) refers literally to sheep, but here it is used figuratively to represent Christ's followers, the members of His church. Jesus' repeated command to "feed my sheep" underscores His deep care for His people and His delegation of this care to His chosen leaders like Peter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He saith to him again the second time, ‹Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me?›":** Jesus' repetition of the question, now for the second time, emphasizes its gravity and significance. By addressing Peter as "Simon, son of Jonas," Jesus uses his original, pre-disciple name, perhaps to underscore Peter's human weakness and past failure, while simultaneously preparing him for a renewed identity and purpose. The question "lovest thou me?" (using _agapáō_) probes the depth of Peter's devotion, asking for an unconditional, divine love that would enable him to faithfully serve.
* **"He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.":** Peter's affirmative response, "Yea, Lord," is immediate and heartfelt. However, he again uses _philéō_ ("I love thee"), acknowledging his genuine affection for Jesus while perhaps implicitly admitting that his love is not yet the perfect _agapē_ that Jesus seeks. His appeal to Jesus' divine knowledge ("thou knowest") demonstrates his humility and trust, recognizing that Jesus sees his heart fully and understands the sincerity of his _philéō_ love.
* **"He saith unto him, ‹Feed my sheep.›":** In response to Peter's affirmation, Jesus issues a clear and direct command. The verb "Feed" (Greek, _poimaínō_) implies a comprehensive shepherding role—not just providing spiritual nourishment but also guiding, protecting, and caring for the flock. This command signifies Peter's full restoration to ministry and his crucial role in leading and nurturing the nascent Christian community, emphasizing that genuine love for Christ translates into active, sacrificial service to His people.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Repetition** is central, with Jesus' three-fold questioning of Peter's love and Peter's three-fold affirmation, directly paralleling Peter's earlier three-fold denial. This creates a powerful sense of dramatic irony and serves as a profound act of public restoration and forgiveness. **Symbolism** is evident in the imagery of "sheep," representing Christ's followers, and the act of "feeding" or "shepherding," which symbolizes spiritual leadership, care, and nurture. The use of different Greek words for "love" (_agapáō_ and _philéō_) constitutes a subtle but significant **Wordplay** or **Semantic Nuance**, adding layers of meaning to the dialogue and revealing the evolving understanding of love between Jesus and Peter. The entire exchange functions as a **Call and Response** pattern, where Jesus' probing questions elicit Peter's earnest confessions, culminating in a clear commission, highlighting the interactive and personal nature of discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This profound exchange between Jesus and Peter is rich with theological significance, underscoring the transformative power of divine grace and the essential link between love for Christ and service to His people. It teaches that even profound failure does not disqualify one from God's redemptive plan; rather, it can be a crucible for deeper humility and renewed commitment. Jesus' persistent questioning, culminating in the commission to "Feed my sheep," highlights that true spiritual leadership flows from a heart genuinely devoted to the Lord, prioritizing the care and nurture of His flock. This passage serves as a foundational text for understanding pastoral ministry, emphasizing that the shepherd's primary motivation must be an abiding love for the Good Shepherd Himself, which then compels them to sacrificially care for His beloved sheep.

* [1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Shepherd the Flock of God")
* [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")
* [Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus Prays for Peter's Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:16 offers a timeless blueprint for personal discipleship and corporate ministry. It profoundly reminds us that our past failures, no matter how significant, do not have the final word when we encounter the boundless grace of Christ. Just as Peter was restored and recommissioned despite his denial, so too are we offered forgiveness and renewed purpose when we turn to Jesus in humility and genuine love. This passage challenges every believer to examine the depth of their love for Christ: Is it merely a casual affection, or a deep, abiding devotion that compels us to act? The command "Feed my sheep" extends beyond formal pastoral roles; it is a call to every follower of Christ to actively participate in nurturing, encouraging, and caring for fellow believers. Whether through teaching, mentoring, serving, or simply offering compassionate support, our love for Jesus should naturally overflow into tangible acts of service for His body, the Church. This verse encourages us to embrace our unique calling within God's family, understanding that our capacity to serve is directly proportional to the sincerity of our love for the One who first loved us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience Jesus' restorative grace, much like Peter did?**
* **How does your love for Jesus translate into practical service and care for others in your community or church?**
* **What does "feeding Jesus' sheep" look like in your daily life, regardless of your formal role?**
* **How does understanding the distinction between _agapē_ and _philía_ challenge or deepen your understanding of your own love for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask Peter about his love three times?**

Answer: Jesus' 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 a direct parallel to Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus before the crucifixion, as recorded in passages like [Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial and Repentance"). This repetition serves several crucial purposes: it provides Peter with a public opportunity to reaffirm his devotion, effectively reversing his previous denials; it underscores the profound forgiveness and restoration offered by Jesus; and it emphasizes the gravity and sincerity required for Peter's renewed commission to shepherd Christ's flock. It was not a sign of Jesus doubting Peter's love, but rather a profound act of grace designed to heal and recommission.

**What is the significance of the different Greek words for "love" (agapao and phileo) in this passage?**

Answer: In the first two questions ([John 21:15-16](/john/21-15-16 "John 21:15-16 - Jesus' Questions to Peter")), Jesus uses _agapáō_ (G25), which denotes a deep, unconditional, self-sacrificial, divine love. Peter, in both instances, responds with _philéō_ (G5368), signifying a brotherly affection, fondness, or friendship. In the third question ([John 21:17](/john/21-17 "John 21:17 - Jesus' Third Question and Peter's Response")), Jesus shifts to using _philéō_ Himself. This subtle linguistic nuance is highly significant. It suggests that while Jesus initially sought the highest form of love (_agapē_) from Peter, Peter humbly acknowledged his human limitations, responding with the sincere, yet less perfect, _philéō_ love. Jesus, in His grace, ultimately accepts Peter's _philéō_ love as sufficient for the weighty commission, demonstrating that He meets us where we are and uses our genuine, though imperfect, love for His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The restoration and recommissioning of Peter in [John 21:16](/john/21-16 "John 21:16 - Jesus Recommissions Peter") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Good Shepherd, who not only lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")) but also actively seeks out and restores those who have strayed or fallen, as exemplified by His pursuit of Peter. Jesus' question about love underscores that true service in His kingdom flows from a deep, personal relationship with Him, mirroring His own sacrificial love for humanity ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Love and Sacrifice")). The command to "Feed my sheep" is a direct extension of Christ's own ongoing ministry of shepherding His church through His Spirit and through His appointed leaders ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). Peter's restoration is a powerful testament to Christ's redemptive power, demonstrating that His grace is greater than any human failure, and that He continually calls and equips His followers, empowering them by His Spirit to participate in His divine mission of gathering and nurturing His flock until His glorious return ([Hebrews 13:20-21](/hebrews/13-20-21 "Hebrews 13:20-21 - The God of Peace and the Great 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

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

1 Peter 2:25

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:16

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

Psalms 100:3

Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalms 95:7

¶ For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,