21:17a
Jesus asked a third time: The phrase a third time indicates that Jesus had already asked him this question twice. Even though he used a different word for “love” the first two times, the meaning was the same. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
A third time he asked him (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Then Jesus said again for the third time (Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
Simon son of John, do you love Me?: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as love is a different verb from that in 21:15b and 16a. It is the verb that Peter used in 21:15c and 16b. Most scholars agree that both verbs have the same meaning in this context. For a discussion of the word love, see the note on Paragraph 21:15–19 above.
21:17b
Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?”: This sentence indicates that Peter’s feelings were hurt. They were hurt because Jesus asked him a third time a question that he had already answered twice. For example:
Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. (New Living Translation (2004))
Peter was deeply hurt: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Peter was deeply hurt means that Peter felt grief or distress. He probably remembered how he had betrayed Jesus and wondered if Jesus would trust him again. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
Peter was grieved (English Standard Version)
-or-
Peter was distressed (NET Bible)
-or-
Peter felt sad (God’s Word)
that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?”: Peter was sad because Jesus had just asked him the same question a third time. For a discussion of the word love, see the note on Paragraph 21:15–19 above. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
because Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” (God’s Word)
-or-
because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him (Contemporary English Version)
21:17c
Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “master, one who has authority over others.” See how you translated this word in Peter’s answers in 21:15 and 16.
You know all things: This clause indicates that Peter believed that Jesus knew the truth about everything. He even knew people’s thoughts and feelings. Therefore he already knew that Peter loved him. The Greek text emphasizes the word You in this clause. Here is another way to translate this clause:
You know everything (New Revised Standard Version)
he replied: This clause is short for “And Peter said to Jesus.” Here are other ways to translate this clause:
and said (NET Bible)
-or-
He said (New International Version)
-or-
So he told Jesus (Contemporary English Version)
You know I love You: For a discussion of the word love, see the note on Paragraph 21:15–19 above. See how you translated this clause in 21:16b. The Greek word for know is different, but means the same thing. If it is natural for you to use another word that means the same thing, you may do that. For example:
you are aware that I love you
21:17d
Feed My sheep: This clause is the third time that Jesus asked Peter to care for his people. The verb Feed is the same as in 21:15. See how you translated it there and translate it the same way in both verses. The noun sheep is the same as in 21:16c. You may want to connect Peter’s response in 21:17c to Jesus’ command here. For example:
Then feed my sheep. (New Living Translation (2004))
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