King James Version

What Does John 21:16 Mean?

John 21:16 in the King James Version says “He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest t... — study this verse from John chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 21:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Christ's second question intensifies the examination of Peter's love. The command changes from 'lambs' to 'sheep', possibly indicating care for both young and mature believers. The repetition emphasizes the centrality of love in ministry—without genuine love for Christ, shepherding His flock becomes mere profession. Peter's response 'thou knowest that I love thee' appeals to Christ's omniscience rather than claiming great love.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The shepherd metaphor was familiar to Peter, who later writes about elders as shepherds (1 Peter 5:1-4). Jesus is the Chief Shepherd; under-shepherds must love Him to properly care for His flock.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does love for Christ motivate and sustain ministry in difficult times?
  2. What is the difference between 'feeding' (teaching) and 'tending' (caring for) God's sheep?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
λέγει1 of 23

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

αὐτῷ2 of 23

to 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

πάλιν3 of 23

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

δεύτερον4 of 23

the second time

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

Σίμων5 of 23

Simon

G4613

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

Ἰωνᾶ6 of 23

son of Jonas

G2495

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

ἀγαπᾷς7 of 23

lovest thou

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

με8 of 23

me

G3165

me

λέγει9 of 23

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

αὐτῷ10 of 23

to 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

Ναί11 of 23

Yea

G3483

yes

κύριε12 of 23

Lord

G2962

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

σὺ13 of 23

thou

G4771

thou

οἶδας14 of 23

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

ὅτι15 of 23

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

φιλῶ16 of 23

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;

σε17 of 23

thee

G4571

thee

λέγει18 of 23

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

αὐτῷ19 of 23

to 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

Ποίμαινε20 of 23

Feed

G4165

to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)

τὰ21 of 23
G3588

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

πρόβατά22 of 23

sheep

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

μου23 of 23

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 21:16 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 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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