John 13:1

KJV

¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} before {G4253} the feast {G1859} of the passover {G3957}, when Jesus {G2424} knew {G1492} that {G3754} his {G846} hour {G5610} was come {G2064} that {G2443} he should depart {G3327} out of {G1537} this {G5127} world {G2889} unto {G4314} the Father {G3962}, having loved {G25} his own {G2398} which {G3588} were in {G1722} the world {G2889}, he loved {G25} them {G846} unto {G1519} the end {G5056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was just before the festival of Pesach, and Yeshua knew that the time had come for him to pass from this world to the Father. Having loved his own people in the world, he loved them to the end.

Berean Standard Bible

It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end.

American Standard Version

Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:1 serves as a profound prelude to Jesus' final Passover with His disciples, marking the pivotal transition from His public ministry to His passion. This verse masterfully encapsulates His divine prescience regarding His impending departure to the Father, while simultaneously revealing the boundless and enduring nature of His love for His own, a love that would be demonstrated to its fullest and final extent in the events that followed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a crucial narrative hinge, transitioning from Jesus' public ministry and the escalating tension with Jewish authorities (culminating in the plot to kill Him in [John 12:19](/john/12-19 "John 12:19 - The World Has Gone After Him")) to the intimate, private teachings and actions He shares with His disciples. Chapters 13-17 of John's Gospel, often referred to as the Farewell Discourses, are framed by the profound truths introduced in this opening verse. The "feast of the passover" immediately sets the stage for the Last Supper and the subsequent washing of the disciples' feet, which is Jesus' tangible demonstration of the "love... unto the end" mentioned here. The entire discourse, including the promise of the Holy Spirit and the High Priestly Prayer, flows directly from Jesus' awareness of His "hour" having come.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting "before the feast of the passover" is profoundly significant. Passover was the most important annual Jewish festival, commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt through the sacrifice of a lamb ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover")). This historical backdrop imbues Jesus' impending sacrifice with immense theological weight, portraying Him as the ultimate Paschal Lamb whose blood would secure a greater, spiritual liberation. The timing underscores that Jesus' death was not an accident but a divinely appointed event, occurring precisely at the time when countless lambs were being slaughtered in Jerusalem for the Passover meal, a powerful foreshadowing of His atoning work. The concept of "his hour" was a recurring theme in John's Gospel, indicating a divinely predetermined time for the culmination of His mission, as seen in earlier references like [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come") and [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Time Not Yet Fulfilled"), but now definitively arrived as He stated in [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come").

* **Key Themes:** John 13:1 introduces and reinforces several central themes of the Gospel. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Knowledge** is paramount, as Jesus "knew that his hour was come." This highlights His full awareness and intentionality regarding His mission, death, and return to the Father, emphasizing that His passion was not a tragic turn of events but the deliberate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Secondly, the theme of **Uttermost Love** is explicitly stated: "having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." This introduces the unparalleled depth and enduring nature of Christ's _agape_ love for His followers, which serves as the foundation for His subsequent acts of humble service (foot-washing) and sacrificial atonement. This love is not merely an emotion but an active, self-giving commitment that transcends human limitations and circumstances, foreshadowing the ultimate demonstration of love on the cross ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** This word, G1492, derived from a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively)," carries the implication of "to know" in its perfect tense. In this context, it signifies Jesus' profound, intuitive, and divine awareness, not merely an intellectual understanding. It speaks to His omniscience, indicating that His impending departure was not a surprise or an unforeseen tragedy, but a fully comprehended and embraced part of His divine mission and the Father's will.
* **depart (Greek, _metabaínō'_):** G3327, meaning "to change place," signifies a transition or movement from one state or location to another. Here, it refers to Jesus' physical departure from the earthly realm through death and subsequent ascension. This "departure" is not an end but a purposeful transition "unto the Father," highlighting the divine trajectory of His journey and the consummation of His earthly work.
* **end (Greek, _télos'_):** G5056, meaning "the point aimed at as a limit," carries a rich double meaning in this context. It can mean "to the uttermost" or "to the fullest degree," implying that Jesus' love was absolute, complete, and held nothing back. It also means "until the very end," signifying that His love endured faithfully through His suffering, death, and beyond. Both interpretations are true, emphasizing the boundless and steadfast nature of Jesus' love for His followers, demonstrated supremely in His ultimate sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now before the feast of the passover":** This phrase precisely dates the events, placing them on the eve of the most significant Jewish festival, which commemorated Israel's liberation from Egypt. This timing is crucial, setting up the profound theological connection between the Old Testament Passover and Jesus' role as the New Covenant's sacrificial Lamb.
* **"when Jesus knew that his hour was come":** This highlights Jesus' divine prescience and sovereignty. His actions were not reactive but deliberate, performed with full awareness of the divinely appointed time for the culmination of His earthly ministry. This "hour" is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, signifying the moment of His glorification through suffering and death.
* **"that he should depart out of this world unto the Father":** This clarifies the nature and destination of Jesus' "hour." His departure is not merely death but a purposeful return to His heavenly origin, signifying the completion of His redemptive mission and His re-entry into the glory He shared with the Father before the world began.
* **"having loved his own which were in the world":** This introduces the profound motivation behind Jesus' actions. His "own" refers primarily to His disciples, but by extension, to all who would believe in Him. This love is presented as an ongoing, foundational reality, a deep affection and commitment that predates the specific events about to unfold.
* **"he loved them unto the end.":** This climactic phrase reiterates and intensifies the nature of Jesus' love. As explored in the key word analysis of _télos_, it signifies both the uttermost extent of His love (demonstrated by His sacrifice) and its enduring faithfulness, persisting through betrayal, denial, and death itself. It sets the tone for the selfless acts of service and the profound teachings that follow.

#### Literary Devices
John 13:1 employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the mention of the "Passover" and Jesus' "hour" immediately points to His impending crucifixion, framing the subsequent narrative with a sense of divine purpose and ultimate sacrifice. The phrase "he loved them unto the end" acts as a form of **Inclusio** with the preceding "having loved his own," emphasizing the consistent and enduring nature of Christ's love from the outset of His ministry to its culmination. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the setting: while the disciples are preparing for a traditional feast celebrating a past deliverance, Jesus is preparing for the ultimate act of deliverance that will establish a new covenant. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** between Jesus' divine knowledge and destination ("unto the Father") and the worldly context ("out of this world," "in the world"), highlighting His transcendent nature even as He engages deeply with human reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:1 is a theological cornerstone, revealing the very heart of God's redemptive plan and the nature of divine love. It underscores the sovereignty of God, demonstrating that Jesus' suffering and death were not accidental but part of a preordained, divinely orchestrated "hour" for the salvation of humanity. This verse also profoundly defines the character of Christ's love—an active, self-giving, and enduring _agape_ that transcends human weakness and failure. This love is the foundation for the New Covenant, establishing a relationship based not on human merit but on divine grace and sacrifice. It sets the stage for understanding the foot-washing as a tangible expression of this love and the cross as its ultimate, "uttermost" demonstration.

* [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:1 offers profound comfort and a challenging call to discipleship. To know that Jesus, fully aware of the suffering and betrayal awaiting Him, chose to love His own "unto the end" is a powerful assurance of His unwavering commitment to us. This love is not conditional on our performance or faithfulness but flows from His divine nature. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, our failures, or when we feel most unlovable, Christ's love for us remains steadfast and complete. This truth should inspire deep gratitude and security. Furthermore, Jesus' example of knowing His purpose and embracing His "hour" calls us to live with intentionality, seeking to understand and fulfill God's purpose for our lives, even when it involves sacrifice. His love, demonstrated in humble service and ultimate self-giving, compels us to emulate this same sacrificial love in our relationships, particularly within the community of faith, by serving one another with humility and perseverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of His "hour" impact your understanding of His sacrifice?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Jesus loved His own "unto the end" provide you comfort or challenge?**
* **How can we, as followers of Christ, better reflect this "uttermost" and enduring love in our own relationships and service to others?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "his hour" in John's Gospel?**

Answer: In John's Gospel, "his hour" refers to the divinely appointed and predetermined time for Jesus' glorification, which paradoxically includes His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. Early in the Gospel, Jesus states that His hour "has not yet come" ([John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come"); [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Time Not Yet Fulfilled"); [John 8:20](/john/8-20 "John 8:20 - His Hour Not Yet Come")). However, by [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come"), Jesus declares, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." Thus, in [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus' Hour Has Come"), the phrase signifies that the long-awaited climax of His earthly mission, involving His ultimate act of redemption, is now upon Him. It underscores His sovereignty and intentionality, showing that His passion was not a tragic accident but a deliberate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

**What does "unto the end" mean in the context of Jesus' love?**

Answer: The Greek phrase translated "unto the end" (_eis telos_) carries a powerful dual meaning, both of which are true and deeply significant for understanding Jesus' love. First, it means "to the uttermost" or "to the fullest degree." This emphasizes the boundless and complete nature of Jesus' love, indicating that He held nothing back in His demonstration of affection and commitment to His disciples and, by extension, to all believers. His subsequent actions, like washing their feet and enduring the cross, are the ultimate expressions of this love. Second, it means "until the very end," signifying the enduring and faithful nature of His love. It persisted through the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter, and the abandonment by most of His disciples, demonstrating that His love is steadfast, even in the face of human weakness and sin, extending through His death and beyond.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:1 is profoundly Christ-centered, setting the stage for the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus. The timing "before the feast of the passover" immediately points to Christ as the true Paschal Lamb, whose sacrifice would far surpass the Old Testament ritual. Just as the blood of the lamb secured freedom for Israel in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Account"), Jesus' impending death would secure eternal liberation from sin and death for all who believe, as proclaimed by John the Baptist: "Behold, the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")" His knowledge that "his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father" speaks to His divine nature and the preordained purpose of His incarnation. This "departure" is not merely death but His glorious return to the Father, which includes His resurrection and ascension, securing His ongoing intercession for believers at God's right hand ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). Most powerfully, the declaration that "having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end" encapsulates the very essence of the Gospel. This _agape_ love, demonstrated to its "uttermost" on the cross, is the foundation of the New Covenant ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), providing eternal life and forgiveness, and it continues to be poured into the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")). Thus, John 13:1 beautifully prefaces the culmination of Christ's redemptive work, revealing Him as the sovereign, sacrificial, and eternally loving Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 12:23

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

John 13:3

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

John 16:28

¶ I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

John 18:4

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

John 17:16

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.