What is the context of John 13:20?

John 13:20 is part of John chapter 13, which contains 38 verses. This verse has 6 cross-references to other scriptures, showing its connections throughout the Bible.

King James Version

What Does John 13:20 Mean?

John 13:20 in the King James Version says “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him...” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.”

John 13:20 · KJV

Context

I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Now: or, From henceforth

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Then the disciples looked one on another , doubting of whom he spake.

Read John 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

Verily, verily introduces weighty truth. He that receiveth whomsoever I send (λαμβάνων, lambanōn; πέμπω, pempō)—receiving Christ's sent messengers equals receiving Christ. "Send" (pempō) is apostolic terminology; Jesus sends His apostles with His authority. Receiveth me—accepting Christ's representatives means accepting Christ Himself. This grants apostolic authority but also apostolic accountability.

And he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me—the chain extends to the Father. Receiving apostles → receiving Christ → receiving the Father. This establishes representational theology: the sent one carries the sender's authority. Jesus is the Father's sent One (John 3:17, 5:36); apostles are Jesus' sent ones (John 17:18, 20:21). Rejecting apostolic testimony means rejecting Christ and the Father. This grounds biblical authority—Scripture written by apostles carries Christ's own authority. The principle also warns Christ's messengers: misrepresenting Him means grave accountability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, a sent messenger (שָׁלִיחַ, shaliach in Hebrew; apostolos in Greek) legally represented the sender with full authority. Jesus applies this cultural practice to apostolic ministry. Early church debates over authority (Galatians, 2 Corinthians) appealed to apostolic authentication. This verse grounds the canon—apostolic writings carry Christ's authority.

Reflection Questions

How should this verse shape your response to faithful preaching of God's Word?
What accountability does this principle create for those who claim to speak for Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words

ἀμὴν1 of 19

“Verily”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

ἀμὴν2 of 19

“Verily”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω3 of 19

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν4 of 19

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὁ5 of 19

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαμβάνει6 of 19

“He that receiveth”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἐάν7 of 19

“whomsoever”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τινα8 of 19

G5100

some or any person or object

πέμψαντά9 of 19

“I send”

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

ἐμὲ10 of 19

“me”

G1691

λαμβάνει11 of 19

“He that receiveth”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ὁ12 of 19

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ13 of 19

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐμὲ14 of 19

“me”

G1691

λαμβάνει15 of 19

“He that receiveth”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

λαμβάνει16 of 19

“He that receiveth”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸν17 of 19

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πέμψαντά18 of 19

“I send”

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

με19 of 19

“me”

G3165

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 13:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 13:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 10:16 Luke 9:48 Matthew 25:40 Mark 9:37 Matthew 10:40-42 Galatians 4:14

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