John 15:13
What does John 15:13 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:13 means
Jesus articulates the ultimate expression of love: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." This statement serves as a direct foreshadowing of His own crucifixion, where He would sacrificially surrender His life for them. It sets the highest possible standard for the love commanded in verse 12, demonstrating that true love is self-sacrificing, costly, and willing to give everything for the sake of others.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Greater love has no man than this, that a man gives up his life for his friends.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862greater love than this hath no one, that any one his life may lay down for his friends;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890No one has greater love than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.
Context
This verse provides the supreme example and definition of the kind of love Jesus just commanded in verse 12. It explains the depth and costliness of the "even as I have loved you" standard, directly pointing toward His imminent sacrifice. This profound statement builds toward His declaration of their new relationship with Him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:15
even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
- Ephesians 5:2
and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.
- Romans 5:6
For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly.
- 1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is begotten of God, and knoweth God.
- John 10:11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.
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