John 15:27
What does John 15:27 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:27 means
The disciples are called to "also bear witness" of Jesus, because they "have been with me from the beginning." Their personal, eyewitness testimony of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection, combined with the inner working and outward power of the Holy Spirit (verse 26), forms the complete and authoritative witness to the world. They are entrusted with the task of proclaiming what they have seen and heard, empowered by the Spirit.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And you, in addition, will give witness because you have been with me from the first.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and ye also do testify, because from the beginning ye are with me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And you shall give testimony, because you are with me from the beginning.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and ye too bear witness, because ye are with me from [the] beginning.
Context
This verse concludes the chapter by connecting the work of the Holy Spirit (introduced in verse 26) with the ongoing mission of the disciples. It clarifies their role as eyewitnesses, collaborating with the Spirit in bearing testimony to Christ. This provides a forward-looking charge to them as they prepare for Jesus' departure and their future ministry in a hostile world.
v.26But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
v.27This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 5:1
The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
- Mark 1:1
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
- Revelation 1:9
I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patiencewhich arein Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
- Acts 4:33
And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
- 1 Peter 5:12
By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I accounthim, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God: stand ye fast therein.
- Revelation 1:2
who bare witness of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, even of all things that he saw.
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.