Bible Strands
John 21:15
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses Simon Peter after a meal, asking if Peter loves Him more than the others. This exchange occurs during Jesus’ third post-resurrection appearance to the disciples (John 21:14).
The words — ἠρίστησαν (ēristēsan) means “they had dined,” establishing the meal’s conclusion as the conversation’s starting point. λέγει (legei) translates to “says,” indicating the present-tense immediacy of Jesus’ direct address to Simon Peter.
The thread — The pastoral command links to Isaiah 40:11’s shepherd imagery, while the love-confession framework aligns with 1 John 4:19’s statement that human love responds to prior divine love.
Why it lands — The text ties Peter’s verbal affirmation of love directly to the command to feed Jesus’ lambs, requiring readers to verify that their stated devotion produces tangible care for others.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
- 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us.
- Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.
- 1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
- 1 Peter 5:1 As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:
- Ephesians 6:24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
- Jeremiah 3:15 Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
- Ezekiel 34:23 I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.
- Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”