Devine Scripture

John 21:15

What does John 21:15 mean?

A plain-English look at John 21:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 21:15 means

After the meal, Jesus turned specifically to Simon Peter and asked, "Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these?" This direct question, using Peter's original name, was profoundly significant. Jesus was challenging Peter's past boast of superior loyalty, subtly asking if his love surpassed that of his fellow disciples or even his love for fishing. Peter's humble reply, acknowledging only his personal love for Jesus and appealing to Christ's knowledge, paved the way for Jesus' commission: "Feed my lambs," indicating a call to care for tender new believers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then when they had taken food, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, is your love for me greater than the love of these others? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you are certain of my love for you. He said to him, Then give my lambs food.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

When, therefore, they dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, `Simon, <FI>son<Fi> 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.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

When 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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

When therefore they had dined, Jesus says to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He says to him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I am attached to thee. He says to him, Feed my lambs.

Context

This verse initiates the crucial dialogue between Jesus and Peter, a moment of profound restoration. Coming directly after the shared meal and the recognition of Jesus' third appearance, the direct question to Peter sets the tone for a deeply personal and redemptive exchange. This question and Peter's first answer prepare the reader for the subsequent reaffirmations of love and the weighty commissions that follow.

v.14This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

v.15This passage

v.16He 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:14

    For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;

  • Hebrews 13:20

    Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus,

  • 1 Peter 2:25

    For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

  • Romans 15:1

    Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

  • 1 Peter 2:2

    as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;

  • Romans 14:1

    But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.

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