John 21:18

"Feed my sheep," said Jesus. "In solemn truth I tell you that when you were young, you used to put on your own girdle, and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old you will stretch out your hands for some one to gird you, and carry you where you do not wish to go."

Montgomery New Testament

In The King James Version

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

In Context

17The third time Jesus asked him, "Am I really dear to you?" Peter was grieved because the third time he asked, "Am I really dear to you?" and he answered, "Master, you know all things, you know that you are dear to me."

19This he said to show by what kind of death Peter was to glorify God. After speaking thus, he said to him, "Follow me."

Read all of John 21

Cross References

John 13:36Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" "Where I am going," answered Jesus, "you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow me later."

Acts 21:11He came to us, and taking Paul’s girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, saying, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘so will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the owner of this girdle, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’"

Matthew Henry on John 21:16-20

Christ's Discourse with Peter. 15 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. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study John 21:18