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He says to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I dearly love You." He says to him, "Shepherd My sheep." <a href="/kjv/john/21.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/john/21.htm">New King James Version</a> He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” <a href="/nasb_/john/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He said to him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” <a href="/nasb/john/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> He said to him again a second time, &#8220Simon, son of John, do you love Me?&#8221 He said to Him, &#8220Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.&#8221 He said to him, &#8220Shepherd My sheep.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” <a href="/lsb/john/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” <a href="/amp/john/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Again He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” <a href="/csb/john/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me? ” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Shepherd my sheep,” he told him. <a href="/hcsb/john/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> A second time He asked him, &#8220Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"&#8221 Yes, Lord,&#8221 he said to Him, &#8220You know that I love You.&#8221 &#8220Shepherd My sheep,&#8221 He told him. <a href="/asv/john/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/john/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus asked a second time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you!" "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus told him. <a href="/erv/john/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/john/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus asked him again, a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus told him, "Take care of my sheep." <a href="/gnt/john/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> A second time Jesus said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," he answered, "you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Take care of my sheep." <a href="/isv/john/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then he asked him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter told him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus told him, "Take care of my sheep." <a href="/msb/john/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Jesus asked a second time, ?Simon son of Jonah, do you love Me?? ?Yes, Lord,? he answered, ?You know I love You.? Jesus told him, ?Shepherd My sheep.? <a href="/net/john/21.htm">NET Bible</a> Jesus said a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He replied, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you." Jesus told him, "Shepherd my sheep." <a href="/nheb/john/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." <a href="/wbt/john/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> He saith to him again the second time, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith to him, Yes, Lord: thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him, Feed my sheep. <a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Again a second time He asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master," he said, "you know that you are dear to me." "Then be a shepherd to my sheep," He said. <a href="/web/john/21.htm">World English Bible</a> He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> He says to him again, a second time, “Simon, [son] of Jonas, do you love Me?” He says to Him, “Yes, Lord; You have known that I cherish You”; He says to him, “Tend My sheep.” <a href="/blb/john/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> He says to him again a second time, "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" He says to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I dearly love You." He says to him, "Shepherd My sheep." <a href="/ylt/john/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> He saith to him again, a second time, 'Simon, son of Jonas, dost thou love me?' he saith to him, 'Yes, Lord; thou hast known that I dearly love thee;' he saith to him, 'Tend my sheep.' <a href="/slt/john/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Jesus says to him again the second time, Simon of Jonas, lovest thou me? He says to him, Yes, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He says to him, Feed my sheep.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He saith to him again: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. <a href="/cpdv/john/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> He said to him again: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” <a href="/nabre/john/21.htm">New American Bible</a> He then said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He said to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me? He said to him, Yes, my Lord; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> He said to him again a second time, “Shimeon Bar Yonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, my Lord. You know that I love you.” Yeshua said to him, “Shepherd my sheep for me.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> He said to him again a second time: Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me? He said to him: Yes, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He said to him: Be a shepherd to my sheep. <a href="/godbey/john/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Again He says to him a second time, <FR>Simon, the son of Jonah, do you love me with divine love?<Fr> He says to Him; Thou knowest that I love thee as a friend. He says to him; <FR>Shepherdize my sheeplings.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith to him, Yes, Lord! thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. <a href="/mace/john/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a> then he ask'd him the second time, Simon son of Jonas do you love me? yes, Lord, said he; you know that I love you. Jesus reply'd, feed my sheep. <a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Again a second time He asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master," he said, "you know that you are dear to me." "Then be a shepherd to my sheep," He said. <a href="/worrell/john/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> He saith to him again a second time, <FR>"Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"<Fr> He says to Him, "Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I fondly love Thee." He saith to him, <FR>"Feed My sheep."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> He saith to him again the second time, <FR>Simon <Fr>son<FR> of Jonas, dost thou love me?<Fr> He saith unto Him, Yes, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee. <a href="/parallel/john/21-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=7467" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">Jesus Reinstates Peter</a> 15When 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.” 16<a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">Jesus asked</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand."></a> <a href="/greek/1208.htm" title="1208: deuteron (Adv) -- Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second.">a second time,</a> <a href="/greek/4613.htm" title="4613: Simōn (N-VMS) -- Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.">“Simon</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">son of John,</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: agapas (V-PIA-2S) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">do you love</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me?” </a> <a href="/greek/3483.htm" title="3483: Nai (Prtcl) -- Yes, certainly, even so. A primary particle of strong affirmation; yes.">“Yes,</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrie (N-VMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord,”</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">he answered,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sy (PPro-N2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">“You</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidas (V-RIA-2S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">know</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/5368.htm" title="5368: philō (V-PIA-1S) -- From philos; to be a friend to (an individual or an object), i.e. Have affection for; specially, to kiss.">I love</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You.”</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">Jesus told</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him,</a> <a href="/greek/4165.htm" title="4165: Poimaine (V-PMA-2S) -- To shepherd, tend, herd; hence: I rule, govern. From poimen; to tend as a shepherd of.">“Shepherd</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">My</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4263.htm" title="4263: probata (N-ANP) -- A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.">sheep.” </a> 17Jesus 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. <a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14-15</a> I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, / just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a> And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. <a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Luke 22:32</a> But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. / And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a> Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. <a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2-4</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. <a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">Ezekiel 34:11-12</a> For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. <a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23</a> I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. <a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">Jeremiah 3:15</a> Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” <a href="/jeremiah/23-4.htm">Jeremiah 23:4</a> I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD. <a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-4</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ... <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a> Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, <a href="/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25</a> For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>He said to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, love you me? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my sheep.the second.<a href="/john/18-17.htm">John 18:17,25</a> Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not… <a href="/matthew/26-72.htm">Matthew 26:72</a> And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.my sheep.<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-16,26,27</a> I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep… <a href="/psalms/95-7.htm">Psalm 95:7</a> 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,<a href="/psalms/100-3.htm">Psalm 100:3</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/21-15.htm">Affection</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Attached</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/luke/20-13.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">John</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Jonah</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Jonas</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Love</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Master</a> <a href="/john/1-23.htm">Said</a> <a href="/john/20-21.htm">Second</a> <a href="/john/10-27.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/john/10-16.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Simon</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Tend</a> <a href="/john/21-14.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/21-17.htm">Affection</a> <a href="/acts/17-4.htm">Attached</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/romans/11-28.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">John</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Jonah</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Jonas</a> <a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Love</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Master</a> <a href="/job/3-2.htm">Said</a> <a href="/acts/4-12.htm">Second</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Simon</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Tend</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">John 21</div>1. <a href="/john/21-1.htm">Jesus appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great catch of fish.</a> 12. <a href="/john/21-12.htm">He dines with them;</a> 15. <a href="/john/21-15.htm">earnestly commands Peter to feed his lambs and sheep;</a> 18. <a href="/john/21-18.htm">foretells him of his death;</a> 22. <a href="/john/21-22.htm">rebukes his curiosity.</a> 24. <a href="/john/21-24.htm">The conclusion.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” This repetition emphasizes the importance of Peter's restoration after his threefold denial of Jesus (<a href="/john/18-15.htm">John 18:15-27</a>). The use of "Simon son of John" rather than "Peter" may indicate a return to his original identity, highlighting the gravity of the moment. The question of love is central, as love for Christ is foundational for discipleship and leadership within the Church. The Greek word for love here is "agapao," indicating a deep, selfless love.“Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Peter's response uses the Greek word "phileo," which denotes a brotherly or affectionate love, suggesting a more personal and emotional connection. This distinction in Greek terms for love may reflect Peter's humility and awareness of his previous failures. His affirmation acknowledges Jesus' omniscience, as Jesus knows the hearts of all men (<a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a>).Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” This command signifies Peter's reinstatement and commissioning as a leader in the early Church. The metaphor of shepherding is rich in biblical tradition, with leaders often depicted as shepherds (Psalm 23, <a href="/ezekiel/34.htm">Ezekiel 34</a>). Jesus, the Good Shepherd (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>), entrusts Peter with the care of His followers, indicating a role of guidance, protection, and nurturing. This charge aligns with the pastoral responsibilities outlined in <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a>, where Peter later exhorts elders to shepherd God's flock willingly and eagerly.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The resurrected Christ, who is reaffirming Peter's role among the disciples. 2. <a href="/topical/s/simon_peter.htm">Simon Peter</a> One of Jesus' closest disciples, who had previously denied Jesus three times. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sea_of_tiberias.htm">The Sea of Tiberias</a> The location where Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The group of Jesus' followers who were present during this post-resurrection appearance. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_sheep.htm">The Sheep</a> Symbolically representing the followers of Christ, whom Peter is instructed to shepherd.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_forgiveness.htm">Restoration and Forgiveness</a> Jesus' questioning of Peter is a process of restoration, emphasizing that past failures do not disqualify us from future service. <a href="/topical/l/love_as_the_foundation_of_ministry.htm">Love as the Foundation of Ministry</a> The repeated question "Do you love Me?" highlights that genuine love for Christ is the essential motivation for serving others. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_shepherd.htm">The Role of a Shepherd</a> Peter is called to "shepherd My sheep," indicating the responsibility of spiritual leaders to care for and guide the community of believers. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Jesus' command to Peter underscores the importance of obedience in fulfilling one's calling. <a href="/topical/t/the_personal_nature_of_discipleship.htm">The Personal Nature of Discipleship</a> Jesus addresses Peter personally, reminding us that our relationship with Christ is individual and intimate.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 21</a> <a href="/q/why_did_the_apostles_die.htm">What were the causes of the apostles' deaths?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_peter_learn_jesus_is_the_christ.htm">How did Simon Peter find out that Jesus was the Christ? By a revelation from heaven (Matthew 16:17) His brother Andrew told him (John 1:41)</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_'other_sheep'_in_john_10_16.htm">Who exactly are the 'other sheep' in John 10:16, and why is there no clear historical record identifying them?</a> <a href="/q/was_peter_the_inaugural_pope.htm">Was Peter the inaugural pope?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) He saith to him again the second time.--The question is repeated in exactly the same form, except that our Lord does not continue the comparison "more than these." He uses the same word for the higher, more intellectual love, and Peter replies by the same declaration of personal attachment, and the same appeal to his Master's knowledge of him.Feed my sheep.--Better, be a shepherd of My sheep. The Vatican and Paris MSS. read "little sheep" here, and in the following verse. (See Note there.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas (John), lovest thou me? Here our Lord omits, as Peter had done, the "more than these," but he again, with perhaps deeper meaning, uses the word ἀγαπᾶς. Dost thou render me even more in one sense, though less in another, of thy heart's reverence? Dost thou treat me with the confidence and esteem, submission and admiration, which are my due? Again Peter, with his heart bursting with personal affection, feels that he can and must say, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee (φιλῶ ere; i.e. love thee dearly). The commission that follows is the second stage of pastoral office. He saith to him, Tend ("act the part of shepherd") my sheep. Christ is the "good Shepherd," and, as Peter puts it in <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a>, the "chief Shepherd." He has laid down his life with a view of taking it again, and ever after discharging the functions of the Shepherd. He means to bring all the "sheep" into one flock. They shall all hear his voice, and receive from him everlasting life. Meanwhile the leader of the apostles is made to appreciate that love is the condition of all healthy guidance. Faculty for rule is part of the very nature of the pastoral care. The sheep will need this even more than the "lambs;" the old disciples will require, even more than the young converts, both direction and command In this respect the subsequent career of Peter was more conspicuous than that of the rest of the apostles (see <a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Revelation 2:27</a>; <a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Revelation 7:17</a>; <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2</a> for the use of the word). But the shepherding of the sheep is an essentially necessary and integral portion of every pastor's care. When assailed by the wolf of heresy, by the hostile marauder, by new conditions of any kind, by special danger, unless he can in self-forgetting love pilot and protect his flock, he is no true shepherd. <a href="/commentaries/john/21-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[Jesus] asked Λέγει (Legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. a second time, δεύτερον (deuteron) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1208.htm">Strong's 1208: </a> Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second. “Simon Σίμων (Simōn) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4613.htm">Strong's 4613: </a> Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites. [son] of John, Ἰωάννου (Iōannou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. do you love ἀγαπᾷς (agapas) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_25.htm">Strong's 25: </a> To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love. Me?” με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. “Yes, Ναί (Nai) Particle <a href="/greek/strongs_3483.htm">Strong's 3483: </a> Yes, certainly, even so. A primary particle of strong affirmation; yes. Lord,” Κύριε (Kyrie) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. he answered, Λέγει (Legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “You σὺ (sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. know οἶδας (oidas) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. I love φιλῶ (philō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5368.htm">Strong's 5368: </a> From philos; to be a friend to (an individual or an object), i.e. Have affection for; specially, to kiss. You.” σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [Jesus] told Λέγει (Legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. him, αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Shepherd Ποίμαινε (Poimaine) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4165.htm">Strong's 4165: </a> To shepherd, tend, herd; hence: I rule, govern. From poimen; to tend as a shepherd of. My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. sheep.” πρόβατά (probata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4263.htm">Strong's 4263: </a> A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/21-16.htm">NT Gospels: John 21:16 He said to him again a second (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/21-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 21:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 21:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/21-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 21:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 21:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>