John 13:17
What does John 13:17 mean?
A plain-English look at John 13:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 13:17 means
Jesus promises, “If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them.” Knowledge alone is insufficient; obedience brings the happiness He offers. Blessing here is not shallow success but the deep well-being that comes from walking in the Master’s ways. The path to joy is downward, into service. This beatitude guards against turning the footwashing into mere sentiment. The test of understanding is practice. Jesus assures them that the humble road He treads is not only right but good. He seeks their true welfare by calling them to serve as He has served.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If these things are clear to you, happy are you if you do them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if these things ye have known, happy are ye, if ye may do them;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If you know these things, you shall be blessed if you do them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them.
Context
This promise wraps up the initial teaching on humble service (verses 12–16) and transitions to a narrowing word: “I speak not of you all” (verse 18). The contrast is stark—blessing for those who do, yet betrayal within the circle. From verse 18 onward, Jesus will frame the coming treachery as fulfillment of Scripture and as a means to strengthen the disciples’ faith when it happens (verse 19).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 19:11
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: In keeping them there is great reward.
- Exodus 40:16
Thus did Moses: according to all that Jehovah commanded him, so did he.
- Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
- James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?
- Genesis 6:22
Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
- James 1:25
But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.
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