King James Version

What Does John 15:17 Mean?

John 15:17 in the King James Version says “These things I command you, that ye love one another.” — study this verse from John chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“These things I command you, that ye love one another.”

John 15:17 · KJV

Love

Context

15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

17

These things I command you, that ye love one another.

18

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These things I command you (ταῦτα ἐντέλλομαι ὑμῖν, tauta entellomai hymin)—Jesus uses the verb entellomai, meaning to order authoritatively, not merely suggest. This is divine imperative, apostolic commission. That ye love one another (ἵνα ἀγαπᾶτε ἀλλήλους, hina agapate allelous) presents agape love as the purpose and substance of His commands (plural, verses 12-17). The reciprocal pronoun allelous (one another) emphasizes mutual, community love among disciples.

This verse crystallizes the vine discourse: abiding in Christ (v. 4-5) produces obedience (v. 10), obedience centers on love (v. 12), love finds its model in Christ's self-sacrifice (v. 13), and friendship with Jesus means keeping His commands (v. 14). The circle completes—chosen by Christ (v. 16) to love as He loved. This isn't natural affection but supernatural agape, the Spirit's fruit (Galatians 5:22), the fulfillment of law (Romans 13:10), and the mark distinguishing true disciples (John 13:35).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus delivered this command in the upper room on the night before His crucifixion, preparing His disciples for His departure. His emphasis on mutual love addressed the coming challenge of maintaining unity under persecution. The early church took this seriously—Acts depicts believers sharing possessions, meeting daily, caring for widows. The epistles repeat this command constantly (Romans 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 4:7-21). Augustine later wrote that love is the soul of Scripture—all commands reduce to loving God and neighbor. The Reformation emphasized that love evidences genuine faith—James 2 insists faith without works is dead.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' command to love differ from mere human affection or tolerance, and how does it flow from abiding in Him?
  2. Why does Jesus make mutual love among disciples the central, summarizing command rather than doctrinal precision or spiritual experiences?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
ταῦτα1 of 6

“These things”

G5023

these things

ἐντέλλομαι2 of 6

“I command”

G1781

to enjoin

ὑμῖν3 of 6

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἵνα4 of 6

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀγαπᾶτε5 of 6

“ye love”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἀλλήλους6 of 6

“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 15:17 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 15:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:121 John 3:14-171 Peter 2:17

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