King James Version

What Does John 14:21 Mean?

John 14:21 in the King James Version says “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Fath... — study this verse from John chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:21 · KJV


Context

19

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

22

Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares 'He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me' (ho echon tas entolas mou kai teron autas ekeinos estin ho agapon me). Having and keeping commandments evidences genuine love. The present participles echon (having) and teron (keeping) indicate ongoing possession and practice. Jesus defines authentic love as obedient discipleship, not mere profession. The promise follows: 'and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father' (ho de agapon me agapethesetai hypo tou patros mou). Loving Jesus secures the Father's love - not to earn it but as the Father's response to those who love His Son. Jesus adds 'and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him' (kago agapeso auton kai emphaniso auto emauton). The verb emphanizo means to reveal, to make visible. Christ promises self-disclosure to obedient disciples - spiritual intimacy beyond intellectual knowledge.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse addresses the post-ascension church's longing for Christ's visible presence. Jesus promises manifestation to those who love Him through obedience. Early Christians experienced this through Spirit-empowered worship, prayer, Eucharist, and Scripture. Mystical tradition emphasized this promise - contemplatives sought experiential knowledge of Christ through obedience and devotion. Reformers cautioned against mysticism divorced from Scripture but affirmed that the Spirit illuminates Christ to believers. Puritan 'practical divinity' emphasized that theological knowledge must yield experiential communion with Christ. Modern evangelicalism sometimes reduces Christianity to propositions; this verse calls for experiential relationship. The promise is not universal revelation but personal disclosure to loving, obedient disciples. Christ reveals Himself in proportion to obedience - not arbitrarily but because obedience opens spiritual eyes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does obedience to Christ's commands lead to deeper experiential knowledge of Him?
  2. What is the relationship between the Father's love, Jesus' love, and Christ's self-manifestation to obedient believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
1 of 30
G3588

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

ἔχων2 of 30

He that hath

G2192

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

τὰς3 of 30
G3588

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

ἐντολάς4 of 30

commandments

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

μου5 of 30

my

G3450

of me

καὶ6 of 30

and

G2532

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

τηρῶν7 of 30

keepeth

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

αὐτῷ8 of 30

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐκεῖνός9 of 30

he

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἐστιν10 of 30

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

11 of 30
G3588

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

ἀγαπήσω12 of 30

he that loveth

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

με13 of 30

me

G3165

me

14 of 30
G3588

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

δὲ15 of 30

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀγαπήσω16 of 30

he that loveth

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

με17 of 30

me

G3165

me

ἀγαπήσω18 of 30

he that loveth

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ὑπὸ19 of 30

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοῦ20 of 30
G3588

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

πατρός21 of 30

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου22 of 30

my

G3450

of me

καὶ23 of 30

and

G2532

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

ἐγὼ24 of 30

I

G1473

i, me

ἀγαπήσω25 of 30

he that loveth

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

αὐτῷ26 of 30

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ27 of 30

and

G2532

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

ἐμφανίσω28 of 30

will manifest

G1718

to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)

αὐτῷ29 of 30

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐμαυτόν30 of 30

myself

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>


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 14:21 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 14:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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