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 21:16KJV
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John 21:16 (KJV)

What does John 21:16 mean?

John 21:16 shows Jesus asking Simon Peter a second time if he loves Him, and when Peter says yes, Jesus tells him to care for His sheep. This verse highlights Jesus giving Peter a responsibility to look after His followers as a sign of Peter’s love.

Here, Jesus is speaking directly to Simon Peter after His resurrection, with other disciples present. Jesus repeats His question about love, and Peter affirms his devotion. Jesus responds by telling Peter to “Feed my sheep,” using a shepherding image to describe caring for the people who follow Jesus, showing that love for Jesus is meant to be lived out by serving others.

The Greek behind John 21:16

  • The word for "love" in Jesus’ question is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which often means a deep, committed, self-giving love. Peter answers with φιλέω (phileō), which is more about friendship or affection. This difference in words hints at a gentle but probing conversation about the depth and kind of love Peter has for Jesus.
  • The phrase "Feed my sheep" uses the Greek word ποιμαίνω (poimainō), meaning to tend, shepherd, or care for. This shows that Jesus is not just asking Peter to provide food, but to guide, protect, and nurture His followers.
  • The repetition of "again" (πάλιν, palin) and "the second time" (δεύτερον, deuteron) emphasizes that Jesus is intentionally repeating the question, underlining its importance and possibly reflecting Peter’s earlier threefold denial.

Why John 21:16 matters

  • John 21:16 helps clear up that Jesus is not simply forgiving Peter, but also restoring him to a leadership role after Peter’s earlier denial.
  • The verse shows that genuine love for Jesus is expected to show itself in practical care for others, not just in words or feelings.
  • This exchange sets the stage for Peter’s future as a leader among the early Christians, connecting his personal relationship with Jesus to his public responsibility.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“Feed” Greek G4165 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
  • Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

“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.

“Yea” Greek G3483 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?