John 21:16

Translations

Modern

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.”

Traditional

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.

Literal

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.”

Latin

Dicit ei iterum: Simon Joannis, diligis me? Ait illi: Etiam Domine, tu scis quia amo te. Dicit ei: Pasce agnos meos.

Interlinear

Greek

English

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.”

Notes

John 21:15–17

Do you love me?: These three questions and affirmations recall Peter’s three denials (18:15–18, 25–27). Jesus invited Peter to reaffirm everything he had denied.
The Greek word for love in the first two questions (agapaō) differs from the word in his third question (phileō). In each case, Peter responded with the second word (phileō). Most Greek scholars view the two words as synonyms in this situation.
The conversation Jesus had with Peter focused not on the quality of Peter’s love, but rather on Peter’s task to care for the followers of Jesus. First Peter 5:2–4 might be a meditation on these events.

John 21:1–25

This final chapter includes a story about the resurrected Jesus in Galilee. It describes the conversation between Peter and Jesus about Peter’s love for him (21:1–14; 21:15–23). The chapter concludes by summarizing the authority and importance of John’s eyewitness account (21:24–25).

Theme notes and profiles

Simon Peter Encounters with Jesus Fishing in Galilee Miracles Paul’s Role as an Apostle

Related verses

Acts 20:28
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.
1 Peter 5:2
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;
1 Peter 2:25
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
John 10:11–16
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Psalm 100:3
Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Psalm 95:7
For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice,
Matthew 25:32
All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Hebrews 13:20
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,
John 18:17
At this, the servant girl watching the door said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” “I am not,” he answered.
Matthew 26:72
And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man!”
John 18:25
Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they asked him, “Aren’t you also one of His disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.”

People

John: The father of Simon Peter Peter: Apostle of Jesus, leader in the early church

Glossary

Andrew, the Apostle Apostle, Apostleship Bar-Jona Galilee Jesus Christ, Teachings of John (Person) John, the Apostle Jonas Pastor Peter, the Apostle Resurrection Sheep

Topics

Apostles: Commission of Christian Minister: Duties of Christian Minister: Pastors Discipleship: Tests of Faith: Trial of of Peter, when Asked Whether he Loved Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Love of Jonas: Father of Peter Love to Christ: Peter Ministers are Bound to Feed the Church Obeying God Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Sheep of the People of Christ Simon Peter Titles and Names of Saints: Sheep of Christ

John 21:16

Translations?

Interlinear?

Notes?

Related verses?