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.

JOHN 21:17KJV
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John 21:17 (KJV)

What does John 21:17 mean?

John 21:17 shows Jesus asking Peter a third time if he loves Him, and Peter, hurt by the repeated question, insists that Jesus knows everything—including Peter’s love for Him. Jesus responds by telling Peter to care for His followers, using the phrase “Feed my sheep.”

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Simon Peter after His resurrection, during a conversation by the Sea of Galilee. The threefold question echoes Peter’s earlier three denials of Jesus, giving Peter a chance to reaffirm his love and loyalty. Jesus’ instruction, “Feed my sheep,” makes clear that Peter is being given responsibility to look after and guide Jesus’ followers.

The Greek behind John 21:17

  • “Lovest” (φιλεῖς, phileis): The Greek word here means a deep, brotherly affection or friendship. Earlier in the conversation, Jesus used a different word for love (ἀγαπᾷς, agapas), but here He uses the same word Peter has been using, which may show Jesus meeting Peter where he is emotionally.
  • “Feed” (βόσκε, boske): This word means to tend, care for, or shepherd, not just to give food. Jesus is telling Peter to take on the role of a shepherd, guiding and caring for the community of believers.
  • “Sheep” (πρόβατα, probata): This is a common image for Jesus’ followers, showing their need for care, guidance, and protection.

Why John 21:17 matters

  • John 21:17 clears up that Jesus is restoring Peter after his earlier denials, not shaming him, by giving him a new commission.
  • The verse emphasizes that love for Jesus is shown through caring for others, not just through words or feelings.
  • This moment connects Peter’s personal story to the larger mission of the early church, showing how leadership is rooted in humble love and service.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“lovest” 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.

“grieved” Greek G3076 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
  • Mark 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.