John 21:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
He saith
G3004
λέγει
He saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 23
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
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
3 of 23
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
δεύτερον
the second time
G1208
δεύτερον
the second time
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
4 of 23
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
λέγει
He saith
G3004
λέγει
He saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 23
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
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 23
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
οἶδας
knowest
G1492
οἶδας
knowest
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
14 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
φιλῶ
I love
G5368
φιλῶ
I love
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
16 of 23
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;
λέγει
He saith
G3004
λέγει
He saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 23
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.1 Peter 5:2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;1 Peter 2:25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.Psalms 95:7For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,Psalms 100:3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does love for Christ motivate and sustain ministry in difficult times?
- What is the difference between 'feeding' (teaching) and 'tending' (caring for) God's sheep?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.