John 13:35
What does John 13:35 mean?
A plain-English look at John 13:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 13:35 means
Jesus declares that all people will know they are His disciples by their love for one another. Love becomes the badge of authenticity. It is the apologetic the world can see—a community shaped by Jesus’ self-giving care. Orthodoxy and mission matter, but without this visible love, their claim to follow Him rings hollow. The watching world may not grasp every doctrine, but it can recognize Christlike love among believers. This mark is not optional; it is definitive. Their unity in love will witness to the reality of Jesus’ lordship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
KJV
King James Version · 1611By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949By this it will be clear to all men that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in this shall all know that ye are my disciples, if ye may have love one to another.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890By this shall all know that ye are disciples of mine, if ye have love amongst yourselves.
Context
This identifying mark concludes the section on the new commandment (verses 34–35). Immediately, Simon Peter will return to the earlier theme, asking where Jesus is going (verse 36). The conversation will shift from community identity to personal resolve, culminating in Jesus’ sobering prediction of Peter’s imminent denial (verses 37–38).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 13:7
And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land.
- 1 John 4:20
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen.
- 1 John 3:10
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
- 1 John 2:10
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him.
- Acts 5:12
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people: and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.
- 1 John 2:5
but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 13
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 13.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Loving Enemies
The Bible calls believers to a radical love that extends even to those who mistreat or oppose them
Topic
Bible Verses About Servanthood
Servanthood in the Bible means humbly serving God and others, reflecting Jesus’s example of true greatness through selfless love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.