John 15:14
What does John 15:14 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:14 means
Jesus establishes the condition for His disciples to be called His "friends": they must "do the things which I command you." This isn't a burdensome legalism, but a natural outflow of the loving relationship. Obedience becomes the identifier of true friendship with Christ; it is the evidence of their trust and devotion to Him, confirming their place within His inner circle rather than merely being servants.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You are my friends, if you do what I give you orders to do.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862ye are my friends, if ye may do whatever I command you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye are my friends if ye practise whatever I command you.
Context
Following the sublime definition of love (to lay down one's life), Jesus here clarifies the practical implication for His disciples. This verse marks a distinct shift from the previous emphasis on love as an abstract ideal to the concrete action required of them, setting up the explanation of their elevated status as His friends.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 2:5
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
- 1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
- John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.
- Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.
- John 14:15
If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.
- John 13:17
If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them.
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