King James Version

What Does John 13:34 Mean?

John 13:34 in the King James Version says “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

John 13:34 · KJV

Love

Context

32

If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

33

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another .

36

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

Read John 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus issues 'a new commandment' (entolen kainen), though the command to love is ancient (Leviticus 19:18). The newness lies in the standard: 'as I have loved you' (kathos egapesa hymas). The aorist tense egapesa points to His completed act of love - supremely the Cross. The command is 'that ye love one another' (hina agapate allelous), using agapao, the verb of self-giving, sacrificial love. Jesus establishes His own love as the measure and model for Christian community. This transcends general neighbor-love by specifying the quality and extent - the self-sacrificial love Christ demonstrated. The repetition 'that ye also love one another' emphasizes both the importance and the mutuality required. Christian community is to be distinguished by love patterned after Christ's self-giving. This is not mere affection but costly commitment to others' good.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken in the Upper Room during the Last Supper, this command immediately follows Jesus washing the disciples' feet (13:1-17) - a vivid demonstration of humble, serving love. Within hours, Jesus would demonstrate ultimate love through crucifixion. The 'new' commandment transforms love from legal obligation to gospel imitation. Early Christian communities were noted by pagan observers for their extraordinary mutual care - 'See how these Christians love one another' (Tertullian). This verse became foundational to Christian ethics, distinguishing the faith from surrounding honor-shame cultures that valued status and power. The Johannine epistles develop this theme extensively (1 John 3:11, 4:7-12). Church discipline historically has appealed to this verse - Christian community requires sacrificial love, not merely doctrinal agreement.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes this commandment 'new' when the Torah already commanded love of neighbor?
  2. How does Christ's love as the standard transform our understanding of what love requires?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἐντολὴν1 of 15

“commandment”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

καινὴν2 of 15

“A new”

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

δίδωμι3 of 15

“I give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν4 of 15

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἵνα5 of 15

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀγαπᾶτε6 of 15

“I have loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἀλλήλους7 of 15

“one another”

G240

one another

καθὼς8 of 15

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἀγαπᾶτε9 of 15

“I have loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ὑμᾶς10 of 15

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἵνα11 of 15

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ12 of 15

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμεῖς13 of 15

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἀγαπᾶτε14 of 15

“I have loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἀλλήλους15 of 15

“one another”

G240

one another

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 13:34 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 13:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:2Leviticus 19:18John 15:171 Peter 1:22Galatians 6:21 John 3:23

Test Your Knowledge

John 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJohn Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read John 13 with CommentaryAll John ChaptersComplete John QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes