John 21:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγει
G3004
He saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
αὐτῷ
G846
to him
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
#3
πάλιν
G3825
again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#4
δεύτερον
G1208
the second time
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
#5
Σίμων
G4613
Simon
simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites
#6
Ἰωνᾶ
G2495
son of Jonas
jonas (i.e., jonah), the name of two israelites
#7
ἀγαπᾷς
G25
lovest thou
to love (in a social or moral sense)
#8
με
G3165
me
me
#9
λέγει
G3004
He saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#10
αὐτῷ
G846
to him
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
#11
Ναί
G3483
Yea
yes
#12
κύριε
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#13
σὺ
G4771
thou
thou
#14
οἶδας
G1492
knowest
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#15
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#16
φιλῶ
G5368
I love
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;
#17
σε
G4571
thee
thee
#18
λέγει
G3004
He saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#19
αὐτῷ
G846
to him
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
#20
Ποίμαινε
G4165
Feed
to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)
#21
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
πρόβατά
G4263
sheep
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
#23
μου
G3450
my
of me

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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