Devine Scripture

John 15:21

What does John 15:21 mean?

A plain-English look at John 15:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 15:21 means

Jesus clarifies that the world's persecution of His disciples will be "for my name's sake" and because "they know not him that sent me." Their suffering is directly tied to their association with Christ and the world's ignorance of God the Father. This provides a clear theological framework for understanding persecution, reframing it not as personal injustice, but as part of a larger spiritual conflict rooted in unbelief and opposition to God Himself.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

They will do all this to you because of my name--because they have no knowledge of him who sent me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but all these things will they do to you, because of my name, because they have not known Him who sent me;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But all these things they will do to you for my name's sake: because they know not him that sent me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they have not known him that sent me.

Context

This verse directly answers the 'why' behind the persecution mentioned in verse 20, shifting the focus from the world's general hatred to the specific reason—their connection to Jesus and the Father. It sets the stage for Jesus to discuss the world's culpability and the witness of the Holy Spirit in the face of this opposition.

v.20Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.

v.21This passage

v.22If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no excuse for their sin.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 9:16

    for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

  • Psalms 69:7

    Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; Shame hath covered my face.

  • Matthew 24:9

    Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name’s sake.

  • Acts 17:23

    For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you.

  • John 8:54

    Jesus answered, If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing: it is my Father that glorifieth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God;

  • Acts 5:41

    They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.

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