King James Version
What Does John 15:25 Mean?
“But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.”
Context
23
He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
24
If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
25
But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
27
And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(25) **But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled . . .**—The words in italics are not found in the original, but they rightly complete the sense. For the phrase, “might be fulfilled,” comp. Notes on John 12:38; John 13:18.
**That is written in their law.**—Comp. Note on John 10:34.
**They hated me without a cause.**—The passage immediately referred to is probably that of the Messianic Psalm (69:4). The words are found also in Psalm 35:19 (see marg. ref.), and less distinctly in Psalm 109:3; Psalm 119:161. (Comp. especially Note on the quotation from this same Psalm in John 2:17.)
The words, “without a cause,” rightly express the meaning of the Hebrew word in the Psalm. The Greek follows the LXX., which expresses the thought “to no purpose,” or “in vain.” This is, however, not the idea of the context here. They had no reason for their sin, and therefore they hated Him without a cause. True were these words of many an earlier sufferer; but they were in their fulness true, they were “fulfilled,” only in the one sinless Sufferer.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 15:25 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 15:25
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge