TRV
John 21:16
Bible Versions
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.
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}.
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.”
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.”
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.
Context
This verse is part of a profound post-resurrection encounter between the resurrected Jesus and His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, following a miraculous catch of fish and a breakfast on the shore. It is the second of a three-fold exchange between Jesus and Simon Peter, directly mirroring Peter's three-fold denial of Christ before the crucifixion. Here, Jesus is not merely forgiving Peter but also restoring him to a position of leadership and service, reaffirming His call on Peter's life.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The original Greek provides a deeper understanding of this exchange. In the first question (John 21:15), Jesus uses the word agapao (ἀγαπάω), which denotes a deep, unconditional, divine love. Peter responds with phileo (φιλέω), signifying brotherly affection, fondness, or friendship. In this second question, Jesus again asks, "lovest thou me?" using agapao. Peter again replies with phileo, stating, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee." This repeated distinction subtly highlights Peter's humility and perhaps his awareness that his love, while genuine, might not yet reach the perfect standard of divine agape. Yet, Jesus accepts Peter's phileo love as sufficient for the weighty commission, "Feed my sheep." The command "Feed" translates to bosko (βόσκω), which means to graze or provide pasture, emphasizing the practical spiritual nourishment and care for the flock, echoing Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd.
Practical Application
John 21:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our past failures do not define our future in Christ; His forgiveness and grace are always available for restoration. The passage powerfully connects our love for Jesus with our service to others. If we truly love the Lord, that love should compel us to care for His people, nurturing their faith and providing spiritual sustenance. This applies not only to those in formal leadership but to every believer called to bear one another's burdens and encourage one another in the faith. It is a call to be a shepherd, in whatever capacity God has given us, guided by a heart of love for Christ.