John 15 13

John 15:13 kjv

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

John 15:13 nkjv

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

John 15:13 niv

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

John 15:13 esv

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 nlt

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.

John 15 verses

John 15 13 Meaning

John 15:13 profoundly declares the ultimate expression of love: the voluntary act of surrendering one's life for the sake of one's friends. This statement by Jesus functions as His definitive description of "agape" love, simultaneously foreshadowing His impending crucifixion as the unparalleled manifestation of this very love for His disciples, whom He distinctly identifies as His friends. The verse emphasizes deliberate self-sacrifice, intentionality, and a deeply personal relational basis for this supreme act.

John 15 13 Context

John chapter 15 belongs to the Farewell Discourse (Jn 13-17), a pivotal section where Jesus instructs His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. This specific passage immediately follows the allegory of the vine and branches (vv. 1-11), which underscores the vital necessity of abiding in Christ for spiritual life and fruitfulness. Jesus then pivots to the command of love (Jn 15:9-12), preparing His disciples for His departure, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the unique, intimate relationship they share with Him. Verse 13 is the pinnacle of His teaching on love, setting the stage for His declaration that He calls His disciples "friends" rather than "servants" (Jn 15:14-15). While acts of self-sacrifice were known in historical Greek and Roman cultures (e.g., dying for country or ideals), Jesus' emphasis on laying down one's life for friends, especially within the context of His divine identity and redemptive purpose, elevates and redefines love beyond contemporary philosophical or societal norms.

John 15 13 Word analysis

• Greater (μείζονα - meizona) love (ἀγάπην - agapēn): "Greater" signifies an unparalleled or unsurpassed degree, denoting a zenith of affection and action. Agapē describes divine, unconditional, and selfless love, which is distinct from merely emotional attachment; it's a volitional act seeking the ultimate good of the beloved. Jesus identifies the ultimate expression of this sacrificial love.

• has no one (οὐδεὶς - oudeis): An emphatic, absolute negation, affirming that this particular form of love stands alone without equal or superior. There is literally no higher demonstration of love than what follows.

• than this (τούτου - toutou): This pronoun directs attention forward, emphasizing that the action about to be described is the very standard for what constitutes the "greater love."

• that someone (τις - tis): While an indefinite pronoun meaning "anyone," in context, this "someone" refers supremely and prophetically to Jesus Himself as the primary exemplar. It also establishes a principle for His followers.

• lay down (θῇ - thē): Derived from τίθημι (tithēmi), meaning "to place," "to put," or "to lay." This verb highlights a deliberate, voluntary, and intentional act. It excludes any notion of accidental death or compelled sacrifice, pointing to a conscious choice.

• his life (τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ - tēn psychēn autou): Psychē refers to the animating life force, the inner being, breath, or soul—the totality of a person's physical existence. To "lay down one's life" is to yield one's most precious possession, ultimately meaning to die.

• for (ὑπὲρ - hyper): This preposition means "on behalf of" or "for the sake of." In sacrificial contexts, it strongly suggests a beneficial or substitutionary action, where one's life is given instead of or for the supreme advantage of others.

• his friends (τῶν φίλων αὐτοῦ - tōn philōn autou): "Friends" (philoi) denotes individuals with whom one shares an intimate, trusted relationship, rather than merely acquaintances. Here, Jesus speaks to His disciples, establishing a bond far beyond that of master and servant. The supreme love shown is personal and for those deeply known and loved.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Greater love has no one than this": This phrase establishes the unsurpassed magnitude of the love to be described, setting an absolute benchmark for selfless affection and commitment.
  • "that someone lay down his life": This segment precisely defines the supreme act. It is a costly, voluntary, and complete self-giving, identifying death itself as the ultimate sacrifice.
  • "for his friends": This part clarifies the recipients and the deep relational context of this ultimate sacrifice. It highlights affection and devotion towards specific, chosen beneficiaries, transforming the act into a deeply personal offering.

John 15 13 Bonus section

• The transition from "servants" to "friends" in John 15:14-15 immediately after this verse is significant. A servant merely carries out commands, often without understanding the master's deeper purposes. A friend is privy to intimate thoughts and plans. Jesus' willingness to die for "friends" demonstrates a profound, unprecedented level of intimacy and trust with His followers.
• While primarily pointing to Jesus' sacrifice, this verse implicitly challenges and sets the standard for how His disciples are to embody His love in their lives. The call to "love one another as I have loved you" (Jn 15:12) becomes the practical, though imperfect, application of this ultimate sacrifice.
• This statement stands as a powerful counter-narrative to any worldview that posits all actions are inherently self-serving. It illuminates the divine capacity for truly altruistic, costly, and selfless love.
• The deliberate choice implied by "lay down" (θῇ - thē) underscores Christ's full agency in His crucifixion. His life was not taken from Him, but given by Him, affirming His divine authority even in His ultimate act of humility.
• The use of the preposition "hyper" (ὑπὲρ) meaning "for" or "on behalf of" encompasses both the idea of Christ acting beneficially for His friends and, more deeply, substituting Himself for them, paying the price they could not, thereby reconciling them to God.

John 15 13 Commentary

John 15:13 transcends a simple adage about heroism; it is Jesus Christ's ultimate declaration and profound definition of selfless agape love, pointing directly to His imminent sacrifice on the cross. Speaking on the threshold of His passion, Jesus reveals that He, as the preeminent "someone," would voluntarily "lay down His life" for His disciples, thereby elevating them from servants to the privileged status of "friends." This act would be unparalleled ("greater love has no one") because it is rooted in divine initiative, driven by an unwavering commitment to their ultimate good, and freely offered to secure eternal life and genuine friendship with God. The verse underscores that authentic Christian love is not a mere sentiment but a costly, intentional, and self-giving action that seeks the highest welfare of others. It serves as the quintessential model for how His followers are called to love one another, always flowing from and empowered by the perfect, originating love of Christ Himself.