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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He saith {G3004} unto him {G846} the third {G5154} time, Simon {G4613}, son of Jonas {G2495}, lovest {G5368} thou me {G3165}? Peter {G4074} was grieved {G3076} because {G3754} he said {G2036} unto him {G846} the third {G5154} time, Lovest {G5368} thou me {G3165}? And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, thou {G4771} knowest {G1492} all things {G3956}; thou {G4771} knowest {G1097} that {G3754} I love {G5368} thee {G4571}. Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Feed {G1006} my {G3450} sheep {G4263}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The third time he said to him, “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, are you my friend?” Shim‘on was hurt that he questioned him a third time: “Are you my friend?” So he replied, “Lord, you know everything! You know I’m your friend!” Yeshua said to him, “Feed my sheep!

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

American Standard Version

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:17 culminates a deeply personal post-resurrection dialogue between Jesus and Peter, serving as a profound moment of restoration and re-commissioning. Following Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus, the Lord asks Peter for a third time if he loves Him, prompting Peter's heartfelt affirmation of Jesus's omniscience and his own sincere affection. This pivotal exchange concludes with Jesus entrusting Peter with the vital pastoral charge to "Feed my sheep," signifying his reinstatement into ministry and the foundational link between genuine love for Christ and faithful service to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a significant post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The preceding verses (John 21:1-14) describe a miraculous catch of fish, reminiscent of Peter's initial call, followed by a shared breakfast. Immediately before John 21:17, Jesus has already asked Peter twice, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" (John 21:15-16), each time receiving Peter's affirmation and a corresponding command to care for His "lambs" or "sheep." The repetition in verse 17, specifically the third inquiry, directly echoes and symbolically reverses Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus during the crucifixion narrative ([John 18:17](/john/18-17 "John 18:17 - Peter's First Denial"), [John 18:25](/john/18-25 "John 18:25 - Peter's Second Denial"), [John 18:27](/john/18-27 "John 18:27 - Peter's Third Denial")). This careful literary structure highlights the theme of restoration and forgiveness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting by the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee) was familiar territory for Peter and many of the disciples, as it was the region where Jesus first called them to be "fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:18-22](/matthew/4-18-22 "Matthew 4:18-22 - The Calling of the First Disciples")). Fishing was a common livelihood, and the miraculous catch would have reminded them of Jesus's divine power and their initial call. The concept of a shepherd "feeding" or "tending" sheep was a deeply resonant metaphor in ancient Israel, signifying leadership, care, and protection. Kings, leaders, and ultimately God Himself were often depicted as shepherds (e.g., [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). By commissioning Peter to "feed my sheep," Jesus was not only restoring him but also entrusting him with a foundational leadership role within the nascent Christian community, a role that required both spiritual authority and compassionate care.
* **Key Themes:** John 21:17 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and broader New Testament theology. Foremost is the theme of **Restoration and Forgiveness**, as Jesus graciously reinstates Peter despite his profound failure, demonstrating divine mercy and the possibility of renewed purpose. The passage also explores the **Nature of Love and Discipleship**, particularly the interplay between different forms of love (though the specific Greek words *agape* and *phileo* are more prominent in John 21:15-16, their implications carry into verse 17). It underscores that genuine love for Christ is the essential prerequisite for true service. Furthermore, the explicit command to "Feed my sheep" highlights **Pastoral Leadership and Care for the Church**, establishing a model for spiritual authority rooted in humble service and deep affection for God's people. Finally, Peter's confession, "Lord, thou knowest all things," reinforces the theme of **Jesus's Omniscience and Divine Authority**, acknowledging His complete knowledge of human hearts and circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bóskō (Greek, _bóskō'_):** Translated as "Feed," this verb means to pasture, fodder, or graze. In this context, it signifies the act of providing spiritual nourishment, guidance, and protection for the flock. It implies a comprehensive care that goes beyond mere instruction, encompassing the entire well-being of the "sheep."
* **ginṓskō (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** Translated as "knowest" in Peter's second use of the word, this verb denotes a deep, experiential knowledge, often implying understanding or recognition. When Peter declares, "thou knowest that I love thee," he is not merely stating a fact but acknowledging Jesus's complete and intimate understanding of his heart, including his genuine affection despite his recent failure.
* **philéō (Greek, _philéō'_):** Translated as "lovest" in Jesus's third question and Peter's response, this verb signifies a love based on affection, friendship, or fondness. While distinct from *agapáō* (a more unconditional, sacrificial love), Jesus's use of *philéō* in His final question, meeting Peter at the level of his confessed affection, demonstrates profound compassion and grace, affirming the sincerity of Peter's personal attachment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He saith unto him the third time, 'Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me?'":** Jesus's third repetition of the question is profoundly significant. By addressing Peter by his former name, "Simon, son of Jonas," Jesus gently reminds him of his pre-discipleship identity and perhaps his human weakness, while simultaneously offering a path to re-affirmation. The question itself, "lovest thou me?", presses Peter on the core of his commitment and affection. The three-fold questioning directly mirrors Peter's three-fold denial, providing a symmetrical opportunity for restoration and a public declaration of renewed devotion.
* **"Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?":** Peter's grief is a natural and poignant response. It stems from the realization that Jesus knows his heart, his past failures, and the exact measure of his love. The repetition likely brought home the weight of his denials and the depth of Jesus's insight, leading to a sorrow that was both repentant and deeply vulnerable. This grief indicates a broken spirit and a readiness for true humility and submission.
* **"And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.":** Peter's response is a profound confession of Jesus's omniscience and his own sincere, albeit imperfect, love. He acknowledges Jesus's divine knowledge ("thou knowest all things"), recognizing that no part of his heart, past, or future is hidden from Christ. This confession is not a boast of perfect love, but a humble plea for Jesus to see the genuine affection that remains despite his failures. It is an act of complete surrender and trust in Jesus's understanding and grace.
* **"Jesus saith unto him, 'Feed my sheep.'":** This is Jesus's final and climactic command to Peter. It is a re-commissioning, reinstating Peter into his apostolic ministry. The command to "feed my sheep" (using the Greek *bóskō*) emphasizes the responsibility of nurturing, guiding, and protecting the flock—the community of believers. This charge underscores that genuine love for Christ is not merely an emotion but must manifest in active, sacrificial service to His people, a service that flows from and is empowered by that love.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes powerful use of **Repetition**, most notably the three-fold questioning of Peter by Jesus. This mirrors Peter's three-fold denial, creating a symmetrical structure that underscores the theme of restoration and reversal. The repetition also intensifies Peter's emotional response, leading to his grief and profound confession. **Symbolism** is central, with "sheep" representing the followers of Christ and "feeding" or "tending" them symbolizing the pastoral care, spiritual nourishment, and leadership required for the church. This metaphor connects Peter's new commission directly to Jesus's own role as the Good Shepherd. Furthermore, while not explicitly a device within this single verse, the **Lexical Nuance** concerning the Greek words for "love" (*agapáō* in the preceding verses, *philéō* in this verse) is a significant literary and theological feature, highlighting Jesus's condescension and grace in meeting Peter where he was in his capacity for love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's boundless grace, demonstrating that even profound failure does not disqualify one from divine forgiveness and renewed purpose. Peter's restoration is a vivid illustration of how repentance, humility, and a sincere heart can lead to reinstatement, not just from a position of failure, but into a deeper commitment to service. This passage underscores that true discipleship is not merely about intellectual assent but about a profound, active love for Christ that naturally extends into compassionate care for His people. The commission to "feed my sheep" establishes a foundational principle for all Christian leadership: authority in God's kingdom is expressed through humble service, nurturing, and protecting the flock, flowing directly from one's love for the Shepherd.

* [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")
* [1 Peter 5:1-4](/1_peter/5-1-4 "1 Peter 5:1-4 - Peter's Exhortation to Elders")
* [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:17 offers profound encouragement and challenge for every believer. It reminds us that our past failures, no matter how significant, do not define our future in Christ. Just as Jesus graciously restored Peter, He extends the same boundless grace and forgiveness to us when we genuinely repent and turn to Him. This passage calls us to examine the depth of our own love for Jesus—is it merely intellectual assent, or a heartfelt affection that compels us to serve Him? Our service to God and others must flow from this deep wellspring of love for Christ. Furthermore, for those in any form of leadership or care-giving role, Peter's commission to "feed my sheep" serves as a perpetual reminder of the immense responsibility and privilege of nurturing and guiding God's people. It is a call to compassionate, sacrificial service, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others, always rooted in our confession that Jesus "knowest all things" and sees our true hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced failure or denial, and how does Peter's restoration in this passage offer you hope and encouragement?**
* **How does your love for Jesus manifest in practical service to others, particularly within the community of faith?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that Jesus "knowest all things" about you, including your deepest affections and your past weaknesses?**
* **If you are in a position of leadership or influence, how can you better "feed" and "tend" those entrusted to your care, reflecting Christ's own shepherding heart?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask Peter "lovest thou me?" three times?**

Answer: Jesus's three-fold questioning of Peter directly corresponds to Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus before the crucifixion, as recorded in [John 18:17](/john/18-17 "John 18:17 - Peter's First Denial"), [John 18:25](/john/18-25 "John 18:25 - Peter's Second Denial"), and [John 18:27](/john/18-27 "John 18:27 - Peter's Third Denial"). This repetition serves as a symbolic reversal and public restoration for Peter. Each question provided Peter an opportunity to reaffirm his love and devotion, effectively "undoing" his previous denials and reinstating him into fellowship and ministry. It was a deeply personal and redemptive act, allowing Peter to move past his failure into renewed purpose.

**What is the significance of Jesus telling Peter to "Feed my sheep"?**

Answer: The command "Feed my sheep" (and the earlier "Feed my lambs" and "Tend my sheep" in [John 21:15-16](/john/21-15-16 "John 21:15-16 - Jesus's First Two Questions to Peter")) is Jesus's re-commissioning of Peter into pastoral leadership. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a shepherd was a figure of authority, care, and protection. By entrusting Peter with His "sheep," Jesus was designating him as a primary leader in the nascent church, responsible for nurturing, guiding, and protecting the community of believers. This command underscores that genuine love for Christ is the foundational prerequisite for effective ministry and that true spiritual leadership is characterized by humble, sacrificial service to God's people. It also signifies Peter's full restoration to his apostolic calling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 21:17, while a moment of profound personal restoration for Peter, ultimately points to the greater work and person of Jesus Christ. Peter's commission to "feed my sheep" is a direct extension of Jesus's own identity and mission as the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). Jesus is the one who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")), knows His sheep intimately ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")), and gathers them into one flock ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")). Peter's future ministry, and indeed all true Christian ministry, is therefore a participation in Christ's ongoing shepherding of His church. The ability to "feed" and "tend" the flock does not originate from Peter's own strength or wisdom, but from his restored relationship with the resurrected Christ, who "knowest all things" and provides the necessary grace and authority. Ultimately, the church is not Peter's, but Christ's ("my sheep"), reflecting His ultimate ownership and headship over His body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ is Head of the Church")). Thus, Peter's commissioning is a powerful reminder that all ministry is Christ-centered, flowing from His authority, sustained by His grace, and directed towards the building up of His kingdom.

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

John 13:38

Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Mark 14:72

And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

John 16:30

Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

John 21:15

¶ 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.

John 21:16

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.

John 14:15

¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Revelation 2:23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.