John 15:12
What does John 15:12 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:12 means
Jesus states His central command: "that ye love one another, even as I have loved you." This is not a new suggestion, but a foundational directive, echoing previous teachings. The standard for their love is His own sacrificial, self-giving love, most fully demonstrated by His impending death. This love isn't merely an emotion, but an active, benevolent commitment to the well-being of fellow believers, modeled after Christ's perfect example.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This is the law I give you: Have love one for another, even as I have love for you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`This is my command, that ye love one another, according as I did love you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Context
Following the explanation of His desire for the disciples' full joy, Jesus here declares His preeminent commandment. This explicitly defines the "commandments" mentioned in verse 10, highlighting brotherly love as the supreme expression of abiding in His love. This command will be further elaborated and exemplified in the verses that follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:
- 1 John 3:23
And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he gave us commandment.
- 1 Peter 4:8
above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:
- Romans 12:10
In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;
- 1 John 3:11
For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:
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