John 15:18
What does John 15:18 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:18 means
Jesus warns His disciples that if "the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you." He prepares them for persecution, explaining that the world's animosity toward them is not personal, but a reflection of its prior hatred for Him. This provides perspective and comfort, as their suffering for His sake aligns them with His own experience, validating their position even in the face of hostility.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If you are hated by the world, keep in mind that I was hated by the world before you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if the world doth hate you, ye know that it hath hated me before you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If the world hate you, know ye that it hath hated me before you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If the world hate you, know that it has hated me before you.
Context
This verse introduces a new, challenging theme: the world's hatred. It directly follows Jesus' commands regarding love among the disciples, providing a stark contrast between their internal community and the external opposition they will face. It sets the stage for Jesus' explanation of why the world will hate them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
- 1 John 3:13
Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you.
- Luke 6:22
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
- John 15:23
He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
- Isaiah 49:7
Thus saith Jehovah, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Jehovah that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee.
- John 3:20
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved.
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.