King James Version

What Does John 13:35 Mean?

John 13:35 in the King James Version says “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another .” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 13:35 · KJV

Love

Context

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.

37

Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares 'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples' (en touto gnosontai pantes hoti emoi mathetai este) - the identifying mark of genuine discipleship follows: 'if ye have love one to another' (ean agapen echete en allelois). The conditional ean (if) with present subjunctive echete indicates an ongoing condition, not a one-time demonstration. The phrase 'love one to another' (agapen en allelois) emphasizes mutual, reciprocal love within the Christian community. Jesus establishes that Christian identity is authenticated not primarily by doctrine, rituals, or moral purity, but by observable love among believers. This love serves as epistemic criterion - it provides evidence to watching world that disciples genuinely belong to Christ. The verse creates accountability: claims to follow Christ must be validated by loving relationships. Love becomes the apologetic that commends Christianity to skeptics.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the context of first-century Judaism, sectarian identity was marked by distinctive practices - Pharisees by ritual purity, Essenes by communal property, Zealots by revolutionary zeal. Jesus establishes Christian distinctiveness through community love. The early church's radical care for poor, sick, and marginalized attracted pagan notice. Roman emperor Julian (4th century) complained that Christian care for the needy (even non-Christians) was winning converts. Medieval monastic communities and modern intentional communities have sought to embody this verse. However, church history also reveals failures - Crusades, Inquisition, and denominational conflicts contradicted this command. The verse stands as both inspiration and indictment, calling each generation to authentic love. Francis Schaeffer's 'The Mark of the Christian' emphasized this verse as essential apologetic in skeptical age.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus choose love rather than doctrine, worship, or morality as the defining mark of discipleship?
  2. How does the observable nature of Christian love serve as evidence to unbelievers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἐν1 of 13

“By”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τούτῳ2 of 13

“this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

γνώσονται3 of 13

“men know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

πάντες4 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅτι5 of 13

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐμοὶ6 of 13
G1698

to me

μαθηταί7 of 13

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἐστε8 of 13

“ye are”

G2075

ye are

ἐὰν9 of 13

“if”

G1437

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

ἀγάπην10 of 13

“love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ἔχητε11 of 13

“ye have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐν12 of 13

“By”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀλλήλοις13 of 13
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 13:35 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 13:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 4:20-211 John 2:101 John 3:10-14John 17:211 John 2:5Acts 4:32-35

Test Your Knowledge

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