King James Version

What Does John 15:12 Mean?

John 15:12 in the King James Version says “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” — study this verse from John chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

John 15:12 · KJV

Love

Context

10

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

11

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

12

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Read John 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus gives His commandment: 'This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you' (haute estin he entole he eme, hina agapate allelous kathos egapesa hymas). While the Torah commanded neighbor-love (Leviticus 19:18), Jesus' command is new in its standard: 'as I have loved you.' The aorist egapesa points to specific demonstration - supremely the Cross. The command is singular entole (commandment) though it encompasses everything - love fulfills all law (Romans 13:10). The quality of love is defined by Christ's example: self-sacrificial, humble, forgiving, persevering. This mutual love within Christian community is to reflect Christ's love for the church. It's not sentimental affection but committed action for others' good, patterned after Christ's self-giving.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This repeats the new commandment from 13:34 but within the vine metaphor's context - branches loving one another as they abide in the vine. Early church's mutual care astounded pagans. Christian charity toward poor, sick, imprisoned, and even enemies marked the church. Tertullian reported pagans saying, 'See how these Christians love one another.' House churches practiced economic sharing (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32). Persecution intensified community bonds - martyrs' courage strengthened others. Medieval monasticism attempted communal love through vows and shared life. Reformation emphasized Christ's love as both example and empowerment - we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Modern individualistic culture struggles with this commandment. Yet wherever authentic Christian community exists, this love remains compelling apologetic.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's love as the standard transform commandment to love from legalistic burden to gospel privilege?
  2. Why is mutual love among believers (rather than love for all humanity) specifically commanded here?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
αὕτη1 of 12

“This”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστὶν2 of 12

“is”

G2076

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

ἡ3 of 12
G3588

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

ἐντολὴ4 of 12

“commandment”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

ἡ5 of 12
G3588

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

ἐμή6 of 12

“my”

G1699

my

ἵνα7 of 12

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἠγάπησα8 of 12

“I have loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἀλλήλους9 of 12

“one another”

G240

one another

καθὼς10 of 12

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἠγάπησα11 of 12

“I have loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ὑμᾶς12 of 12

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

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 15:12 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 15:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 4:211 Peter 4:8John 13:34Ephesians 5:21 John 3:23Romans 12:10

Test Your Knowledge

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