Keraia
John 21

John 21:15

Jesus and Peter · John 21:15–19
Read John 21

Translations

Modern
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.”
Traditional
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.
Literal
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.”
Latin
Cum ergo prandissent, dicit Simoni Petro Jesus: Simon Joannis, diligis me plus his? Dicit ei: Etiam Domine, tu scis quia amo te. Dicit ei: Pasce agnos meos.

Interlinear

Greek
English
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.”

Notes

John 21:15

more than these? (Or more than these others do?): Jesus reminded Peter of his claim to be more faithful and brave than the others (13:37; Matthew 26:33; Mark 14:29). He was urging Peter to examine himself.

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).

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world 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 Peter, the Apostle Resurrection Sheep

Topics

Apostles: Commission of Breakfast Children: Instruction of Christian Conduct: Loving Christ Christian Minister: Duties of Compared To Saints: Lambs Discipleship: Tests of 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 Righteous: Lambs Saying I Love You Simon Peter The Lamb of Weak Believers Titles and Names of Saints: Lambs