Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” New Living Translation After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. English Standard Version When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Berean Standard Bible When 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.” Berean Literal Bible Therefore when they had dined, Jesus says to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He says to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I dearly love You." He says to him, "Feed My lambs." King James Bible 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. New King James Version So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” New American Standard Bible Now when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” NASB 1995 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” NASB 1977 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” Legacy Standard Bible So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” Amplified Bible So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do—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, “Feed My lambs.” Christian Standard Bible When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? ” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs,” he told him. Holman Christian Standard Bible When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?"” Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.” “Feed My lambs,” He told him. American Standard Version So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, 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. Contemporary English Version When Jesus and his disciples had finished eating, he asked, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than the others do?" Simon Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know I do!" "Then feed my lambs," Jesus said. English Revised Version So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation After they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than the other disciples do?" Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus told him, "Feed my lambs." Good News Translation After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?" "Yes, Lord," he answered, "you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Take care of my lambs." International Standard Version When they had finished breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Peter told him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus told him, "Feed my lambs." Majority Standard Bible When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ?Simon son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?? ?Yes, Lord,? he answered, ?You know I love You.? Jesus replied, ?Feed My lambs.? NET Bible Then when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these do?" He replied, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you." Jesus told him, "Feed my lambs." New Heart English Bible So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." Webster's Bible Translation So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith to him, Yes, Lord: thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him, Feed my lambs. Weymouth New Testament When they had finished breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?" "Yes, Master," was his answer; "you know that you are dear to me." "Then feed my lambs," replied Jesus. World English Bible So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhen, therefore, they dined, Jesus says to Simon Peter, “Simon, [son] of Jonas, do you love Me more than these?” He says to Him, “Yes, Lord; You have known that I cherish You”; He says to him, “Feed My lambs.” Berean Literal Bible Therefore when they had dined, Jesus says to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He says to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I dearly love You." He says to him, "Feed My lambs." Young's Literal Translation When, therefore, they dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of Jonas, dost thou love me more than these?' he saith to him, 'Yes, Lord; thou hast known that I dearly love thee;' he saith to him, 'Feed my lambs.' Smith's Literal Translation Then, when they had dined, Jesus says to Simon Peter, Simon of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He says to him, Yes, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He says to him, Feed my lambs. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhen therefore they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter: Simon son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. Catholic Public Domain Version Then, when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” New American Bible When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” New Revised Standard Version When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen they had broken their fast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these things? He said to him, Yes, my Lord; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my male lambs. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And after they had breakfast, Yeshua said to Shimeon Kaypha, “Shimeon, Bar Yonah, do you love me more than these things?” He said to him, “Yes, my Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Shepherd my lambs for me.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhen, therefore, they had taken breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter: Simon, son of Jonah, Do you love me more than these? He said to him: Yes, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He said to him: Feed my lambs. Godbey New Testament Then when they took breakfast, Jesus says to Simon Peter; Haweis New Testament When therefore they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith to him, Yes, Lord! thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him, Feed my lambs. Mace New Testament So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me more than these do? yes, Lord, said he, you know that I love you. Jesus reply'd, feed my lambs. Weymouth New Testament When they had finished breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?" "Yes, Master," was his answer; "you know that you are dear to me." "Then feed my lambs," replied Jesus. Worrell New Testament So, when they breakfasted, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Worsley New Testament Now when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus Reinstates Peter14This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. 15 When 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.” 16Jesus 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.”… Cross References Matthew 26:33-35 Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.” / “Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” / Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing. Luke 22:31-34 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. / But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” / “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.” ... John 13:37-38 “Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.” / “Will you lay down your life for Me?” Jesus replied. “Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times. Matthew 16:16-19 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” / Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. / 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. ... Mark 14:29-31 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I never will.” / “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” / But Peter kept insisting, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the others said the same thing. Luke 22:54-62 Then they seized Jesus, led Him away, and took Him into the house of the high priest. And Peter followed at a distance. / When those present had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. / A servant girl saw him seated in the firelight and looked intently at him. “This man also was with Him,” she said. ... John 10:11-16 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ... 1 Peter 5:2-4 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. 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. Matthew 10:37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. Ezekiel 34:11-16 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. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. ... Psalm 23:1-3 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. Treasury of Scripture So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, love you me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs. son. John 21:16,17 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 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. Jona. Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Bar-jona. John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. John 14:15-24 If ye love me, keep my commandments… John 16:27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. more. John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. Matthew 26:33,35 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended… Mark 14:29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. thou knowest. John 21:17 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. 2 Samuel 7:20 And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant. 2 Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Feed. Psalm 78:70-72 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: … Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jump to Previous Affection Attached Breakfast Broken Dear Dined Eaten Eating Fast Feed Finished Food Greater Jesus John Jonah Jonas Lambs Love Master Others Peter Simon TendJump to Next Affection Attached Breakfast Broken Dear Dined Eaten Eating Fast Feed Finished Food Greater Jesus John Jonah Jonas Lambs Love Master Others Peter Simon TendJohn 21 1. Jesus appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great catch of fish.12. He dines with them; 15. earnestly commands Peter to feed his lambs and sheep; 18. foretells him of his death; 22. rebukes his curiosity. 24. The conclusion. When they had finished eating This phrase sets the scene in a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. The meal signifies fellowship and restoration, a common theme in Jewish tradition where sharing a meal often symbolizes reconciliation and community. The Greek word for "eating" (ἔφαγον) implies a completed action, indicating that the physical needs have been met, and now spiritual matters are to be addressed. Jesus asked Simon Peter Simon son of John do you love Me more than these? Yes, Lord You know I love You Feed My lambs Lovest thou me more than these?--i.e., than these disciples who are present here with thee. It seems unnecessary to add this explanation, but not a few English notes on this verse explain the word "these" of the fishes, or of the boats and nets, as though the question was, "Lovest thou Me more than thy worldly calling? Art thou willing to give up all for Me?" The obvious reference is to Peter's own comparison of himself with others in the confidence of love which he thought could never fail. (Comp. Matthew 26:33; Mark 14:29.) . . . Verses 15-19. -(2) The revelations to be made in the services dictated by love and issuing in martyrdom. The confession made by Simon Peter, and the charge given to him. Verse 15. - When therefore they had breakfasted, Jesus saith to Simon Peter. His full name and Christ-given appellation is in the mind of the evangelist; but he, with marked emphasis, shows that our Lord went back to his relations with Simon before the latter's first introduction to him (see John 1:42, etc.), and recalls the attitude Christ had taken to Simon on more than one memorable occasion (Matthew 16:17; Luke 22:31). On two of these occasions the simple humanity of the apostle was the basis on which the Lord proceeded to confer upon him the high official designation. The grace of God, in the first instance, selected Simon of Jonah to be a rock. In the second, "not flesh and blood," but the Father's grace, revealed the mystery of the Divine Sonship to him, and won the name of Peter. In the third, the utter weakness of Simon's own flesh reveals the power of the prayer of Jesus for him, so that he might ultimately convert his brethren; and now "Simon" is reinstated after his fall into his apostolic office. Simon, son of Jona - or, John (see John 1:42, note) - lovest thou me more than these? i.e. more than these other disciples love me? Thou hast seen more of my compassion, farther into my heart, deeper into my Person, my position, and my work, than they have done; thou hast dared again and again to ask for higher service and more conspicuous distinction. Thou hast made louder protestations than any of these of thine unworthiness to serve me, and in the deep consciousness of humiliation thou hast been more emphatic than any of them in refusing grace which thou thoughtest it might dishonor me to give. Thou didst indeed say, "Though all men should be offended at me or should deny me," thou wouldst never be offended and never deny me. "Dost thou love me more than they do?" There is no positive reference to the denial and fall of Peter; but the implication and suggestion cannot be hidden, though Hengstenberg and others fail to appreciate it. The circumstance that Peter was "grieved" because the Lord put this question to him a third time makes the reference very little less than explicit. The real significance of the narrative is the reinstitution of Peter in the position of importance he had filled throughout, and an indication of the nature and quality of that service. In Simon's reply, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee, three things are very noticeable. (1) Peter says nothing of the superiority of his affection for his Lord over that of his colleagues. Had they not in outward act been more faithful than he? He could not arrogate any sweeter, dearer, more abounding affection than he was willing to believe that they felt for their Master. It is scarcely worth while to notice the miserable translation that some few commentators have suggested: "Lovest thou me more than (thou lovest) these fishing-smacks and this thriving business on the lake?" Observe (2) Peter's admission that the Lord knew his inmost heart, concedes, therefore, that the question was merely intended to test his faithfulness, and force him to a more salutary and binding acknowledgment. Notice . . . Greek WhenὍτε (Hote) Adverb Strong's 3753: When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When. they had finished eating, ἠρίστησαν (ēristēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 709: To breakfast, dine. From ariston; to take the principle meal. Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. asked λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. Simon Σίμωνι (Simōni) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites. Peter, Πέτρῳ (Petrō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle. “Simon Σίμων (Simōn) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites. [son] of John, Ἰωάννου (Iōannou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. do you love ἀγαπᾷς (agapas) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 25: 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 Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. more πλέον (pleon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative Strong's 4119: Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion. than these?” τούτων (toutōn) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. “Yes, Ναί (Nai) Particle Strong's 3483: Yes, certainly, even so. A primary particle of strong affirmation; yes. Lord,” Κύριε (Kyrie) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: 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 Strong's 3004: (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 Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. know οἶδας (oidas) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate. I love φιλῶ (philō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 5368: 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 Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [Jesus] replied, Λέγει (Legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Feed Βόσκε (Boske) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 1006: To feed, pasture. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to pasture; by extension to, fodder; reflexively, to graze. My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. lambs.” ἀρνία (arnia) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 721: (originally: a little lamb, but diminutive force was lost), a lamb. Diminutive from aren; a lambkin. Links John 21:15 NIVJohn 21:15 NLT John 21:15 ESV John 21:15 NASB John 21:15 KJV John 21:15 BibleApps.com John 21:15 Biblia Paralela John 21:15 Chinese Bible John 21:15 French Bible John 21:15 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: John 21:15 So when they had eaten their breakfast (Jhn Jo Jn) |