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Contemporary English Version

John 21:17

Jesus asked a third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. So he told Jesus, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love you." Jesus replied, "Feed my sheep.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Apostles;   Discipleship;   Faith;   Jesus, the Christ;   Jesus Continued;   Jonas;   Love;   Minister, Christian;   Peter;   Thompson Chain Reference - Divine;   Fall;   Feeding the Flock;   Leaders;   Ministers;   Omniscience;   Peter;   Religious;   Service;   Simon Peter;   Wisdom-Folly;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Christ Is God;   Love to Christ;   Ministers;   Sheep;   Trinity, the;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Peter;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Apostacy;   Church;   Denial;   Pastor;   Peter;   Sheep;   Shepherd;   Tongue;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Jesus Christ;   Teach, Teacher;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Jonas;   Love;   Peter;   Resurrection of Christ;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - James;   Peter, the Epistles of;   Holman Bible Dictionary - John, the Gospel of;   Jona;   Pastor;   Peter;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - John;   John, Gospel of;   Peter;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Assumption of Moses;   Authority of Christ;   Caesarea Philippi;   Character;   Character of Christ;   Church (2);   Confession (of Christ);   Considerateness;   Discourse;   Endurance;   Foresight;   John (2);   Justice (2);   Love;   Love (2);   Mercy;   Names;   Omniscience ;   Reverence;   Rufus;   Sheep, Shepherd;   Shepherd;   Surname;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Jonas, Jona ;   Knowledge;   28 To Feed, Shepherd;   48 To Know, Perceive, Understand;   Smith Bible Dictionary - John, Gospel of;   Jo'nas;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Andrew;   Bar-Jonah;   Ethics of Jesus;   Grief;   John (2);   Love;   Peter, the First Epistle of;   Shepherd;   Teach;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - New Testament;   Simon Cephas;  

Devotionals:

- Daily Light on the Daily Path - Devotion for August 7;   Every Day Light - Devotion for February 11;   My Utmost for His Highest - Devotion for March 1;  

Parallel Translations

Simplified Cowboy Version
Then a third time Jesus asked, "Pete, do you love me?"Pete's feelings were hurt because Jesus kept asking him the same question over and over as if Pete didn't love him. Pete said, "Lord, you know all things. So, you know that I do love you."Jesus said, "Feed my cattle."
Legacy Standard Bible
He *said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus *said to him, "Tend My sheep.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep.
Bible in Basic English
He said to him a third time, Simon, son of John, am I dear to you? Now Peter was troubled in his heart because he put the question a third time, Am I dear to you? And he said to him, Lord, you have knowledge of all things; you see that you are dear to me. Jesus said to him, Then give my sheep food.
Darby Translation
He says to him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, art thou attached to me? Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Art thou attached to me? and said to him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I am attached to thee. Jesus says to him, Feed my sheep.
New King James Version
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, [fn] do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.
Christian Standard Bible®
He asked him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, "Do you love Me?" He said, "Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You." "Feed My sheep," Jesus said.
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.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
He saith to him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him, Feed my sheep. He saith to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he 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. Jesus saith to him, Feed my sheep.
Weymouth's New Testament
A third time Jesus put the question: "Simon, son of John, am I dear to you?" It grieved Peter that Jesus asked him the third time, "Am I dear to you?" "Master," he replied, "you know everything, you can see that you are dear to me." "Then feed my much-loved sheep," said Jesus.
King James Version (1611)
He said vnto him the third time, Simon sonne of Ionas, louest thou mee? Peter was grieued, because hee saide vnto him the third time, Louest thou me? And he said vnto him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I loue thee. Iesus sayth vnto him, Feed my sheepe.
Literal Translation
Thirdly, He said to him, Simon son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved that He said to him a third time , Do you love Me? And he said to him, Lord, You perceive all things,You know that I love You! Jesus said to him,Feed My sheep!
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
He saide vnto him ye thirde tyme: Symon Iohana, louest thou me? Peter was sory, because he sayde vnto him, louest thou me? And he sayde vnto him: LORDE, thou knowest all thinges, thou knowest, that I loue ye. Iesus sayde vnto him: Fede my shepe.
Mace New Testament (1729)
Jesus said to him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved at his asking him the third time, "do you love me?" and he said to him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, feed my sheep.
THE MESSAGE
Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I'm telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me."
Amplified Bible
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?" Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, "Do you [really] love Me [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.
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.
Revised Standard Version
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
He sayde vnto him ye thyrde tyme: Simon Ioanna lovest thou me? And Peter sorowed because he sayde to him ye thyrde tyme lovest thou me and sayde vnto him: Lorde thou knowest all thinge thou knowest that I love the. Iesus sayde vnto him: fede my shepe.
Update Bible Version
He says to him the third time, Simon, [son] of John, Do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? And he says to him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus says to him, Feed my sheep.
Webster's Bible Translation
He saith to him the third time, Simon [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he 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. Jesus saith to him, Feed my sheep.
Young's Literal Translation
He saith to him the third time, `Simon, [son] of Jonas, dost thou dearly love me?' Peter was grieved that he said to him the third time, `Dost thou dearly love me?' and he said to him, `Lord, thou hast known all things; thou dost know that I dearly love thee.' Jesus saith to him, `Feed my sheep;
New Century Version
A third time he said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" Peter said, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!" He said to him, "Feed my sheep.
New English Translation
Jesus said a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, "Do you love me?" and said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus replied, "Feed my sheep.
Berean Standard Bible
Jesus asked a third time, "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, "Do you love Me?" "Lord, You know all things," he replied. "You know I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.
Complete Jewish Bible
The third time he said to him, "Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, are you my friend?" Shim‘on was hurt that he questioned him a third time: "Are you my friend?" So he replied, "Lord, you know everything! You know I'm your friend!" Yeshua said to him, "Feed my sheep!
English Standard Version
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.
Geneva Bible (1587)
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.
George Lamsa Translation
He said to him again the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me? It grieved Peter because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? So he said to him, My Lord, you understand well everything, you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my female lambs.
Hebrew Names Version
He said to him the third time, "Shim`on, son of Yonah, do you have affection for me?" Kefa 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." Yeshua said to him, "Feed my sheep.
International Standard Version
He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was deeply hurt that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" So he said to him, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you!" Jesus told him, "Feed my sheep.John 2:24-25; 16:30;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
Jeshu saith to him again the third time, Shemun bar Jona, lovest thou me ? And it grieved Kipha that he said to him the third time, Lovest thou me ? And he said to him, My Lord, all things thou understandest, thou knowest that I love thee. Jeshu saith to him, Feed my sheep.
Murdock Translation
Again, Jesus said to him the third time: Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? And it grieved Cephas, that he said to him the third time, Lovest thou me; and he said to him: My Lord, thou understandest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep for me.
New Living Translation
A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.
New Life Bible
Jesus said to Peter the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter felt bad because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love Me?" He answered Jesus, "Lord, You know everything. You know I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.
English Revised 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.
New Revised Standard
He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
He saith unto him, the third time - Simon, son of John! art thou fond of me? Peter was grieved, that he said unto him, the third time, Art thou fond of me? and he said unto him - Lord! all things, thou, knowest: thou perceivest that I am fond of thee. Jesus saith unto him - Be feeding my sheep.
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.
King James Version
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.
Lexham English Bible
He said to him a third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed because he said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything! You know that I love you!" Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep!
Bishop's Bible (1568)
He sayde vnto hym the thirde tyme: Simon Ioanna, louest thou me? Peter was sory, because he sayde vnto hym the thirde tyme, louest thou me: And he sayde vnto hym, Lorde thou knowest all thynges, thou knowest that I loue thee. Iesus sayth vnto hym: feede my sheepe.
Easy-to-Read Version
A third time Jesus said, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was sad because Jesus asked him three times, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you!" Jesus said to him, "Take care of my sheep.
New American Standard Bible
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was hurt because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep.
Good News Translation
A third time Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter became sad because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" and so he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!" Jesus said to him, "Take care of my sheep.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
He seith to him the thridde tyme, Simount of Joon, louest thou me? Petre was heuy, for he seith to hym the thridde tyme, Louest thou me, and he seith to him, Lord, thou knowist alle thingis; thou woost that Y loue thee. Jhesus seith to hym, Fede my scheep.

Contextual Overview

15 When Jesus and his disciples had finished eating, he asked, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than the others do?" Simon Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know I do!" "Then feed my lambs," Jesus said. 16 Jesus asked a second time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you!" "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus told him. 17 Jesus asked a third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. So he told Jesus, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love you." Jesus replied, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you for certain that when you were a young man, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will hold out your hands. Then others will wrap your belt around you and lead you where you don't want to go." 19 Jesus said this to tell how Peter would die and bring honor to God. Then he said to Peter, "Follow me!"

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

the third: John 13:38, John 18:27, Matthew 26:73, Matthew 26:74, Revelation 3:19

grieved: 1 Kings 17:18, Lamentations 3:33, Matthew 26:75, Mark 14:72, Luke 22:61, Luke 22:62, 2 Corinthians 2:4-7, 2 Corinthians 7:8-11, Ephesians 4:30, 1 Peter 1:6

Lord: John 2:24, John 2:25, John 16:30, John 18:4, Jeremiah 17:10, Acts 1:24, Acts 15:8, Revelation 2:23

thou knowest that: John 21:15, Joshua 22:22, 1 Chronicles 29:17, Job 31:4-6, Psalms 7:8, Psalms 7:9, Psalms 17:3, 2 Corinthians 1:12

Feed: John 21:15, John 21:16, John 12:8, John 14:15, John 15:10, Matthew 25:40, 2 Corinthians 8:8, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Peter 1:12-15, 2 Peter 3:1, 1 John 3:16-24, 3 John 1:7, 3 John 1:8

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:19 - For I Genesis 29:25 - wherefore 2 Samuel 7:20 - knowest 1 Kings 8:39 - for thou 1 Chronicles 4:10 - that it may 1 Chronicles 17:18 - thou knowest 1 Chronicles 28:9 - the Lord Job 10:7 - Thou knowest Job 23:10 - he knoweth Job 42:2 - no Psalms 40:9 - thou knowest Psalms 116:1 - love Psalms 139:1 - thou hast Proverbs 15:11 - the hearts Song of Solomon 1:7 - O thou Song of Solomon 3:1 - him whom Jeremiah 3:15 - which shall Jeremiah 12:3 - knowest Ezekiel 11:5 - for Daniel 2:22 - he knoweth Matthew 9:4 - knowing Matthew 12:25 - Jesus Matthew 26:22 - General Mark 2:8 - when Mark 8:17 - knew Mark 9:33 - What Mark 12:15 - knowing Mark 14:15 - he will Luke 6:8 - But Luke 9:47 - perceiving Luke 16:15 - God Luke 22:12 - he John 4:16 - Go John 5:6 - and knew John 5:42 - I know John 6:61 - General John 13:18 - I know John 16:19 - Jesus Acts 8:21 - for Acts 10:16 - thrice Acts 11:10 - three Romans 8:27 - And he 1 Corinthians 4:4 - I know 1 Corinthians 8:3 - is 2 Corinthians 11:11 - God 1 Thessalonians 2:4 - but God Hebrews 4:13 - is there 1 John 3:20 - and

Cross-References

Genesis 15:1
Later the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision, "Abram, don't be afraid! I will protect you and reward you greatly."
Genesis 16:9
The angel said, "Go back to Sarai and be her slave.
Genesis 21:1
The Lord was good to Sarah and kept his promise.
Genesis 21:2
Although Abraham was very old, Sarah had a son exactly at the time God had said.
Genesis 21:4
and when the boy was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, just as the Lord had commanded.
Genesis 21:6
and Sarah said, "God has made me laugh. Now everyone will laugh with me.
Genesis 21:13
but the son of the slave woman is also your son, and I will make his descendants into a great nation."
Genesis 21:14
Early the next morning Abraham gave Hagar an animal skin full of water and some bread. Then he put the boy on her shoulder and sent them away. They wandered around in the desert near Beersheba,
Genesis 46:3
God said, "I am God, the same God your father worshiped. Don't be afraid to go to Egypt. I will give you so many descendants that one day they will become a nation.
Exodus 3:7
The Lord said: I have seen how my people are suffering as slaves in Egypt, and I have heard them beg for my help because of the way they are being mistreated. I feel sorry for them,

Gill's Notes on the Bible

He saith unto him the third time,.... That by these three testimonies, out of his mouth, the thing might be established, and be out of all doubt:

Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? is it so indeed that thou lovest me? is thy love really so hearty and sincere as thou savest? may it be depended upon?

Peter was grieved, because he said unto him the third time, lovest thou me? because it put him in mind of his having denied his Lord three times; the remembrance of which cut him to the heart and it added to his grief, that his love, which he knew was unfeigned, notwithstanding his conduct, should seem to be suspected:

and he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee; he appeals with great warmth and earnestness to him, as the omniscient God, and the searcher of all hearts, who knows all persons and things, and the secret thoughts, dispositions, and affections of men's minds, for the truth of his love to him; for though he knew the treachery of his own heart, and durst not trust to it; and therefore chose not to be determined by his own assertions, and was well aware that the sincerity of his love might be called in question by fellow Christians, because of his late conduct; but as everything was naked and open to his Lord, with whom he had to do, he lodges and leaves the appeal with him: so every soul that truly loves Christ, whatever Satan, the world, professors, or their own hearts under unbelieving frames, may suggest to the contrary, can appeal to Christ, as the trier of the reins of the children of men, that he it is whom their souls love; and though their love may be greatly tried, and they themselves be sorely tempted by Satan, and suffered to fall greatly; yet their love to Christ can never be lost; the fervency of it may be abated, the exercise of it may be very languid, but the principle itself always remains, as it did in Peter:

Jesus saith unto him, feed my sheep. It may be observed from the repetition of this phrase following upon Peter's declaration of his love to Christ, that such only are proper persons to feed the lambs and sheep of Christ, who truly and sincerely love him: and in doing which they show their love to him: and who indeed would be concerned in this service, but such? since the work is so laborious, the conduct of those to whom they minister oftentimes is so disagreeable, the reproach they meet with from the world, and the opposition made unto them by Satan, and all the powers of darkness: it is true indeed, there are some that take upon them this work, and pretend to do it, who do not love Christ; but then they are such who feed themselves, and not the flock; and who feed the world's goats, and not Christ's lambs and sheep, and in time of danger leave the flock; only the true lovers of Christ faithfully perform this service, and abide in it by preaching the pure Gospel of Christ, by administering his ordinances, in their right manner, and by directing souls in all to Christ, the heavenly manna, and bread of life. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that by the threefold repetition of the order to feed Christ's lambs and sheep, is meant the threefold object of Peter's ministry; the Jews in their own land, the Gentiles, and the Israelites of the ten tribes, that were in Babylon.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The third time - It is probable that Jesus proposed this question three times because Peter had thrice denied him. Thus he tenderly admonished him of his fault and reminded him of his sin, while he solemnly charged him to be faithful and vigilant in the discharge of the duties of the pastoral office. The reason why the Saviour addressed Peter in this manner was doubtless because he had just denied him - had given a most melancholy instance of the instability and weakness of his faith, and of his liability to fall. As he had thus been prominent in forsaking him, he took this occasion to give to him a special charge, and to secure his future obedience. Hence, he so administered the charge as to remind him of his fault; and he made him so prominent as to show the solicitude of the Saviour that, henceforward, he might not be left to dishonor his high calling. This same charge, in substance, he had on other occasions given to the apostles Matthew 18:18, and there is not the slightest evidence here that Christ intended, as the Papists pretend, to give Peter any special primacy or eminence in the church. The charge to Peter arose, manifestly, from his prominent and melancholy act in denying him, and was the kind and tender means used by a faithful Saviour to keep him from similar acts in the future dangers and trials of life. It is worthy of remark that the admonition was effectual. Henceforward, Peter was one of the most firm and unwavering of all the apostles, and thus fully justified the appellation of a rock, which the Saviour by anticipation had given him. See the notes at John 1:42.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse John 21:17. Peter was grieved — Fearing, says St. Chrysostom, lest Christ saw something in his heart which he saw not himself, and which might lead to another fall; and that Christ was about to tell him of it, as he had before predicted his denial.


 
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