John 15:11
What does John 15:11 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:11 means
Jesus explains that His purpose in sharing these truths—about abiding, fruit-bearing, and love—is so that His own unique joy might "be in you, and that your joy may be made full." This isn't a superficial happiness, but a deep, lasting spiritual joy derived from an intimate relationship with God, characterized by obedience and love. His disciples are invited to share in the very joy that sustains Him, reaching a complete and satisfying fullness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
KJV
King James Version · 1611These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have said these things to you so that I may have joy in you and so that your joy may be complete.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862these things I have spoken to you, that my joy in you may remain, and your joy may be full.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have spoken these things to you that my joy may be in you, and your joy be full.
Context
Having detailed the nature of abiding in His love through obedience, Jesus now reveals His ultimate intention for sharing these profound teachings. This verse provides the emotional and spiritual aim behind all the previous instructions. It serves as an encouragement before Jesus moves to specifically clarify the content of His primary commandment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 15:23
and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:
- 2 John 1:12
Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.
- Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Isaiah 62:4
Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah; for Jehovah delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.
- John 3:29
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, that standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is made full.
- John 17:13
But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 15
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 15.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
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 Election
The Bible teaches that God, according to His sovereign will and grace, chooses individuals for salvation and service.
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.