Lovest (ayardas). Jesus uses the more dignified, really the nobler, but, as it seems to Peter, in the ardor of his affection, the colder word for dove. See on v. 20.
More than these. More than these disciples love me. Compare xiii. 37; Matt. xxvi. 38. The question conveys a gentle rebuke for his former extravagant professions.
I love (f:A®). Peter substitutes the warmer, more affection- ate word, and omits all comparison with his fellow-disciples.
Feed (8dcxe). See on 1 Pet. v. 2.
Lambs (dpvia). Diminutive: little lambs. Godet remarks: “There is a remarkable resemblance between the present sit- uation and that of the two scenes in the previous life of Peter with which it is related. He had been called to the ministry by Jesus after a miraculous draught of fishes; it is after a similar draught that the ministry is restored to him. He had lost his office by a denial beside a fire of coal; it is beside a fire of coal that he recovers it.”
16. Lovest (a@yards). Again the colder word, but more than these is omitted.
I love (Ad). Peter reiterates his former word expressive of personal affection.
Feed (otwawve). A different word: tend,as Rev. See on 1 Pet. v. 2.
Sheep (7pdGata). Some of the best texts read podria, diminutive, lettle sheep.
17. Lovest (crcés). Here Jesus adopts Peter’s word. Canon Westcott, however, ascribes Peter’s use of ¢vAéw to his hu- mility, and his hesitation in claiming that higher love which is implied in dyads. This seems to me to be less natural, and to be refining too much.