John 21:17
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 21:17 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Bible, Jesus is asking Peter three times if he truly loves Him. Each time Peter responds affirmatively, but he is grieved that Jesus has to ask him repeatedly. The three-fold questioning mirrors Peter's earlier three denials of Jesus. By asking Peter three times if he loves Him, Jesus is giving Peter the opportunity to reaffirm his love and commitment to Him. After Peter responds, Jesus instructs him to "Feed my sheep," which can be interpreted as a command for Peter to nurture and care for the followers of Christ, guiding them in their faith and helping them grow spiritually. This verse highlights the importance of love and service in the Christian faith, emphasizing the relationship between love for Jesus and the responsibility to serve and care for others in His name.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus is having a significant conversation with Simon Peter after his resurrection. The repetition of the question, "Lovest thou me?" three times by Jesus to Peter has deep theological implications. Some scholars believe that the threefold questioning mirrors Peter's three denials of Christ before His crucifixion. By asking Peter if he loves Him three times, Jesus is giving Peter the opportunity to reaffirm his love and commitment to Him. It also symbolizes the restoration of Peter's relationship with Jesus. Peter's response, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee," shows his humility and recognition of Jesus' divine knowledge. Furthermore, Jesus instructs Peter to "Feed my sheep," underscoring Peter's role as a shepherd and leader in the early Christian church. This verse serves as a reminder of Jesus' forgiveness, restoration, and commissioning of Peter to continue His ministry on earth.
John 21:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of John, 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.
World English Bible
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Douay-Rheims
He said to him the third time: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he had said to him the third time: Lovest thou me? And he said to him: Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee. He said to him: Feed my sheep.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He said vnto him the third time, Simon the sonne of Iona, louest thou me? Peter was sorie because he said to him the third time, Louest thou me? and said vnto him, Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I loue thee. Iesus saide vnto him, Feede my sheepe.