John 21:16
What does John 21:16 mean?
A plain-English look at John 21:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 21:16 means
Jesus repeated His question a second time, "Simon, son of John, lovest thou me?" This repetition, again using Peter's original name, was a deliberate opportunity for Peter to reaffirm his devotion, addressing the sting of his earlier denial of Christ. Peter, still humble, again appealed to Jesus' perfect knowledge, affirming "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee." Jesus responded with a similar commission, "Tend my sheep," broadening the scope of Peter's shepherding responsibility to include guiding and protecting the adult members of the flock.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Again, a second time, he said to him, Simon, son of John, have you any love for me? Yes, Lord, he said, you are certain of my love for you. Then take care of my sheep, said Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He saith to him again, a second time, `Simon, <FI>son<Fi> 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.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He says to him again a second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He says to him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I am attached to thee. He says to him, Shepherd my sheep.
Context
This verse deepens the redemptive dialogue, with Jesus asking the same question to Peter a second time. This repetition is crucial for the restoration process, mirroring Peter's three denials of Christ. Peter's consistent response and Jesus' reiterated commission to "Tend my sheep" expand on the previous instruction, reinforcing the seriousness and breadth of Peter's future ministry to the church.
v.15So 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.
v.16This passage
v.17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith Jehovah of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn my hand upon the little ones.
- Revelation 7:17
for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.
- 1 Peter 2:25
For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
- Luke 19:10
For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
- 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,
- Matthew 26:72
And again he denied with an oath, I know not the man.
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