King James Version

What Does John 21:15 Mean?

John 21:15 in the King James Version says “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto h... — study this verse from John chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 21:15 · KJV


Context

13

Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

14

This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

15

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.

16

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' threefold questioning of Peter—'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?'—addresses Peter's threefold denial. The Greek text contains a significant interchange: Jesus asks 'lovest thou me' using ἀγαπάω (agapaō), the highest form of love—selfless, sacrificial, divine love. Peter responds 'thou knowest that I love thee' using φιλέω (phileō), meaning affectionate friendship. In the third question, Jesus shifts to Peter's word: 'lovest thou me' (φιλεῖς με/phileis me), meeting Peter where he is. The question 'more than these' (πλέον τούτων) is ambiguous—it could mean 'more than these other disciples love me' (recalling Peter's boast, 'Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended,' Matthew 26:33), or 'more than these boats and fishing gear' (Peter had returned to his former occupation). Either way, Jesus probes Peter's devotion. Peter's response 'thou knowest that I love thee' (σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε) appeals to Jesus' omniscient knowledge rather than making bold claims. The shift from Peter's earlier self-confidence to humble appeal to Christ's knowledge indicates growth through failure. Jesus' commission 'Feed my lambs' (Βόσκε τὰ ἀρνία μου) restores Peter to ministry. True love for Christ necessarily produces care for Christ's people. The threefold restoration matches the threefold denial, healing Peter's guilt and confirming his apostolic calling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This encounter occurred on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Sea of Tiberias) after Jesus' resurrection. Peter and six other disciples had spent the night fishing unsuccessfully. At dawn, Jesus appeared on shore (unrecognized initially), instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, and they caught 153 large fish. Recognizing Jesus, Peter swam to shore while the others brought the boat in. Jesus had prepared breakfast—bread and fish on a charcoal fire. This charcoal fire (ἀνθρακιὰν/anthrakian) echoes the charcoal fire where Peter warmed himself while denying Jesus (John 18:18). Jesus deliberately recreated the setting where Peter failed, transforming it into a place of restoration. Peter's denial had occurred in the high priest's courtyard during Jesus' trial. When confronted, Peter cursed and swore 'I know not the man' (Matthew 26:72, 74). This public failure devastated Peter, who wept bitterly (Luke 22:62). Though Jesus appeared to Peter privately after the resurrection (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5), this beach conversation provided public restoration before fellow disciples. The commission to 'feed my sheep' appointed Peter to pastoral leadership, fulfilled when he preached at Pentecost (Acts 2), led the Jerusalem church, and wrote epistles instructing believers. Early church tradition held that Peter was eventually crucified upside down in Rome under Nero (AD 64-68), requesting this manner of death as he felt unworthy to die as his Lord died. Jesus' prediction 'when thou shalt be old... another shall gird thee... and carry thee whither thou wouldest not' (John 21:18) foreshadowed Peter's martyrdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the significance of Jesus' threefold questioning matching Peter's threefold denial?
  2. How does the shift from agapaō (Jesus' question) to phileō (Peter's answer and Jesus' final question) reveal Peter's growth from brash confidence to humble honesty?
  3. What does Jesus' command to 'feed my sheep' teach about the relationship between loving Christ and caring for His people?
  4. How does Jesus' restoration of Peter after catastrophic failure encourage believers who have failed or denied Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
Ὅτε1 of 30

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

οὖν2 of 30

So

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἠρίστησαν3 of 30

they had dined

G709

to take the principle meal

λέγει4 of 30

He saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τῷ5 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Σίμων6 of 30

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Πέτρῳ7 of 30

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

8 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς9 of 30

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Σίμων10 of 30

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Ἰωνᾶ,11 of 30

son of Jonas

G2495

jonas (i.e., jonah), the name of two israelites

ἀγαπᾷς12 of 30

lovest thou

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

με13 of 30

me

G3165

me

πλεῖόν14 of 30

more than

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

τούτων15 of 30

these

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

λέγει16 of 30

He saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ17 of 30

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ναί18 of 30

Yea

G3483

yes

κύριε19 of 30

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

σὺ20 of 30

thou

G4771

thou

οἶδας21 of 30

knowest

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι22 of 30

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

φιλῶ23 of 30

I love

G5368

to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;

σε24 of 30

thee

G4571

thee

λέγει25 of 30

He saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ26 of 30

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Βόσκε27 of 30

Feed

G1006

to pasture; by extension to, fodder; reflexively, to graze

τὰ28 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρνία29 of 30

lambs

G721

a lambkin

μου30 of 30

my

G3450

of me


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 21:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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