This is one of my favorite Bible passages. I love Jesus' basic message: “Feed my sheep and my lambs.” But another point in Greek is entirely lost in translation. Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love me?” using a form of the Greek word "agape" which we might see as benevolence, Christian love, or selfless love for all creation. Peter replies with the Greek word “philia” which is quite personal. In English, both words are translated “love,” so we totally miss the interplay of Jesus trying to make a point that Peter's love for him should spread out to the whole world, while Peter tries to make it all about his personal relationship with Jesus. Their frustration comes through, but you need the Greek words to really understand the point. When they had eaten, Jesus asks Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) me more than they do?” “Of course, Master; you know I love (philia) you." he replies. "Then feed my lambs," Jesus tells him. Jesus asks him again, for the second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) me?” “Yes, Master; you know I love (philia) you,” he replies. “Tend my sheep.” Jesus says to him a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (philia) me?’ Peter was hurt that he had asked him for the third time, "Do you love me?" and he says to him, “Master, you know everything; you know I love (philia) you. Jesus says to him, “Feed my sheep.”

Lyn Pickhover, Translator