John 15:17
What does John 15:17 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:17 means
Jesus explicitly reiterates His command: "These things I command you, that ye may love one another." This repetition underscores the absolute centrality and supreme importance of mutual love among His followers. It is the defining mark of the Christian community, summarizing all the specific instructions given about their conduct and relationship to each other, forming the essence of their witness to the world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These things I command you, that ye may love one another.
KJV
King James Version · 1611These things I command you, that ye love one another.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These things I command you, that ye may love one another.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So this is my law for you: Have love one for another.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`These things I command you, that ye love one another;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752These things I command you, that you love one another.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Context
This verse serves as a concluding and emphatic summary of the preceding section concerning love and friendship, bringing the focus back to the primary command given in verse 12. It acts as a bridge, transitioning from the internal dynamics of the disciples' relationships to the inevitable conflict they will face with the world outside.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 15:12
This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.
- 1 John 3:14
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death.
- 1 Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
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