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 21:15KJV
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John 21:15 (KJV)

What does John 21:15 mean?

John 21:15 shows Jesus asking Simon Peter if he loves Him more than the others, and when Peter says yes, Jesus tells him to "feed my lambs," meaning to take care of His followers. This moment is about Jesus giving Peter a special responsibility after Peter’s earlier denial.

Jesus is speaking to Simon Peter after they have eaten together, following Jesus’ resurrection. The question about love is personal and pointed, since Peter had denied Jesus three times before. By telling Peter to "feed my lambs," Jesus is inviting Peter to care for and guide the younger or more vulnerable members of the community, showing trust and giving Peter a new role among the disciples.

The Greek behind John 21:15

  • "Lovest thou" (ἀγαπᾷς, agapas): This Greek word often means a deep, committed, selfless love. Jesus uses this word to ask Peter about the depth of his devotion, which is stronger than just affection.
  • "Love" (φιλῶ, philo): When Peter answers, he uses a different Greek word that means brotherly love or affection, suggesting warmth and closeness rather than the highest form of commitment.
  • "Feed" (βόσκε, boske): This word means to tend or care for, like a shepherd with sheep. Jesus is telling Peter to take on a nurturing, guiding role for others.
  • "Lambs" (ἀρνία, arnia): This refers to young or vulnerable members of the group, highlighting the need for gentle care and guidance.

Why John 21:15 matters

  • John 21:15 clears up that Peter is being restored after his denial, showing that failure does not disqualify someone from serving or leading.
  • The use of different Greek words for "love" reveals a layered conversation about the kind of devotion Jesus is asking for, and the honesty in Peter’s response.
  • This verse sets the stage for Peter’s leadership in the early church, connecting his personal relationship with Jesus to his responsibility for others.

Where else these words appear

“dined” Greek G709 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 11:37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
  • John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

“Feed” Greek G1006 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 8:30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
  • Mark 5:11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

“Jonas” Greek G2495 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
  • Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
  • Luke 11:32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

“love” Greek G5368 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
  • John 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.