John 14:21 kjv
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 nkjv
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
John 14:21 niv
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."
John 14:21 esv
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."
John 14:21 nlt
Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them."
John 14 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 14:15 | If you love me, keep my commandments. | Direct Condition |
| 1 John 5:3 | For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. | Love demonstrated by obedience |
| John 14:23 | If anyone loves me, he will keep my word... | Reciprocal relationship |
| John 13:34 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. | Love as a sign |
| 1 Corinthians 7:19 | Keeping the commandments of God is what matters. | Significance of obedience |
| Galatians 5:6 | For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but faith working through love. | Faith and Love connection |
| 1 John 2:4 | Whoever says, "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar... | Obedience proves knowledge |
| Romans 6:16 | Do you not know that if you surrender yourselves to anyone to obey him, you are slaves to him whom you obey... | Choice and commitment |
| Luke 6:46 | "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" | True discipleship |
| John 8:31-32 | Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." | Abiding in His word |
| Acts 5:32 | And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him. | Holy Spirit and obedience |
| 1 Peter 1:22 | Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart. | Purity through obedience |
| Matthew 7:21 | "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." | True confession |
| Philippians 2:8 | and being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. | Christ's obedience |
| Deuteronomy 10:13 | and for his good, to keep the commandments of the LORD and his statutes, which I am commanding you today. | Old Testament principle |
| Joshua 1:8 | This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. | Meditation and action |
| Proverbs 3:5-6 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. | Acknowledging God in ways |
| Hebrews 5:8-9 | although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. | Obedience as learning |
| 1 John 3:22 | and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and practice what is pleasing before him. | Prayer and obedience |
| Romans 1:5 | through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations. | Obedience of faith |
| 2 Corinthians 10:5 | We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. | Capturing thoughts for obedience |
John 14 verses
John 14 21 Meaning
This verse declares that true love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His commands. It establishes a direct correlation between one's love for Christ and their commitment to living according to His teachings. This obedience isn't mere external adherence but arises from an inner disposition of love, resulting in a deeper relationship with Jesus.
John 14 21 Context
This verse is found in Jesus' farewell discourse to His disciples, particularly the Upper Room discourse, as recorded in John's Gospel. The disciples are distressed by Jesus' imminent departure and betrayal. In this intimate setting, Jesus seeks to comfort them, reassure them of His love, and guide them in how to maintain their connection with Him and experience His abiding presence. He is establishing the conditions for an ongoing relationship, which is rooted in obedience motivated by love.
John 14 21 Word Analysis
- Ἐάν (Ean): "If." This is a conditional particle, indicating that the following statement is dependent on the condition presented.
- ἀγαπᾶτέ (agapate): "you love." This is the present tense, indicative mood, second person plural form of the verb ἀγαπάω (agapaō). This refers to a deep, unconditional, volitional love, often associated with God's love. It’s an active choice and commitment.
- με (me): "Me." Refers directly to Jesus Christ.
- τὰς ἐντολάς (tas entolas): "the commandments." Refers to Jesus' teachings, His divine requirements, and His will.
- μου (mou): "my." Possessive pronoun indicating that these commandments originate from Jesus.
- τηρήσετε (tereete): "you will keep." This is the future tense, indicative mood, second person plural form of the verb τηρέω (tereō). It means to guard, observe, keep faithfully, and obey. It implies not just a single act but a consistent commitment.
Word Group Analysis:
- "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This phrase forms a clear cause-and-effect relationship. The "if" (conditional) sets up the requirement of love, and the "you will keep" (future action) describes the inevitable consequence or evidence of that love. The love (agapate) is presented as the motivation for keeping (tereete) the commandments (entolas). The "my" (mou) emphasizes the divine origin and authority of these commands.
John 14 21 Bonus Section
This statement is consistent with the pattern established throughout Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, where obedience is presented as a sign of love and faithfulness to God. In the Old Testament, love for God was demonstrated by obedience to the Law of Moses. Jesus, however, introduces a "new commandment" (John 13:34) and His own teachings as the supreme standard for His followers. The Holy Spirit's role is also crucial, empowering believers to live out this obedient love (Acts 5:32). The ultimate fulfillment of this principle is seen in Jesus Himself, whose perfect obedience unto death served as the ultimate act of love for humanity. This obedience of believers, in turn, leads to an abiding presence of Christ and the Father (John 14:23).
John 14 21 Commentary
This verse highlights that authentic Christian love for Jesus is not an emotion alone, but a commitment expressed through obedience to His teachings. This obedience is not about slavish adherence to rules, but a responsive act flowing from a heart transformed by divine love. It signifies a covenant relationship where love fosters a desire to please God by aligning one's life with His will as revealed by Jesus. It underscores the interconnectedness of love, belief, and action in the Christian life.
- Practical Application: Living a life aligned with Jesus' teachings – showing compassion, forgiveness, honesty, and integrity – is a tangible expression of love for Him.
- Understanding: Recognizing that every command of Jesus is for our ultimate good and is an expression of His perfect love for us makes obedience a joyful pursuit, not a burden.