John 13:20

KJV

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, He that receiveth {G2983} whomsoever {G1437}{G5100} I send {G3992} receiveth {G2983} me {G1691}; and {G1161} he that receiveth {G2983} me {G1691} receiveth {G2983} him that sent {G3992} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, indeed! I tell you that a person who receives someone I send receives me, and that anyone who receives me receives the One who sent me.”

Berean Standard Bible

Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”

American Standard Version

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 13:20, Jesus delivers a profound declaration during the Last Supper, establishing a direct and unbreakable chain of reception: to receive His messengers is to receive Him, and to receive Him is to receive God the Father who sent Him. This statement not only validates the authority of His disciples as divine representatives but also underscores the intimate unity within the Godhead and the profound spiritual implications of accepting or rejecting those commissioned by Christ. It serves as both an assurance to His followers and a solemn warning to those who would encounter their message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after Jesus' humble act of washing His disciples' feet ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")), which serves as a profound object lesson in servant leadership. Having demonstrated the nature of true authority through humility, Jesus then articulates the authority He delegates to His followers. The statement in [John 13:20](/john/13-20 "John 13:20 - The Principle of Divine Representation") also subtly foreshadows the impending betrayal by Judas, as Jesus will soon identify him as the one who will not "receive" Him, despite being among those "sent" initially. This principle of reception and rejection sets the stage for the subsequent discourse on the Comforter and the disciples' future mission in a hostile world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of a "shaliach" (שליח), or an authorized agent, was well-established. A shaliach was considered to be the legal and personal representative of the one who sent him, to the extent that "a person's agent is as the person himself." This meant that to receive or reject the agent was to receive or reject the sender directly. Jesus leverages this deeply understood cultural norm to explain the divine authority vested in His disciples. Furthermore, hospitality was a paramount virtue in the Near East, where welcoming a traveler or messenger was not merely a social courtesy but a moral and often religious obligation, reflecting one's character and respect for the sender.
* **Key Themes:** [John 13:20](/john/13-20 "John 13:20 - The Principle of Divine Representation") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Authority and Representation**, asserting that those Jesus sends carry His own authority, making their reception equivalent to receiving Christ Himself. Secondly, it emphasizes the profound **Unity of the Father and the Son**, demonstrating that Jesus' mission is directly from the Father, and accepting Jesus is synonymous with accepting God ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Importance of Reception**, not merely as an act of hospitality, but as a spiritual act of acknowledging the divine source and message, implying a willingness to believe and obey. Finally, it serves as a foundational **Commission of the Disciples**, assuring them of divine backing as they are sent out into the world, echoing the broader theme of the Great Commission found in passages like [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** Of Hebrew origin, meaning "firm" or "trustworthy." As an adverb, it signifies "surely" or "truly." Jesus' double use of "Amen, Amen" (translated "Verily, verily") is a distinctive Johannine feature, signaling a statement of utmost solemnity, certainty, and profound importance, demanding the hearer's full attention and belief.
* **Receiveth (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb implies more than merely taking hold of something physically. It denotes an active acceptance, an embracing, or an acknowledging of someone or something. In this context, it signifies a welcoming that includes recognizing the authority and legitimacy of the person sent, and by extension, their message. It implies a spiritual and volitional act of embracing.
* **Send (Greek, _pémpō'_):** This primary verb means "to dispatch," especially on a temporary errand. It emphasizes the subjective view or point of departure, highlighting the sender's initiative and authority in commissioning someone for a specific purpose. Here, it underscores Jesus' sovereign authority to commission His disciples for their mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto you":** This solemn double affirmation, characteristic of Jesus' teaching in John's Gospel, introduces a truth of paramount significance. It functions as a divine oath, emphasizing the absolute certainty and weight of the declaration that follows, demanding the disciples' complete attention and belief.
* **"He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me":** This clause establishes the principle of divine representation. Jesus asserts that His messengers, those He commissions and dispatches, are so intimately linked with Him that to extend hospitality, acceptance, or belief to them is to extend it directly to Jesus Himself. This grants immense authority and dignity to the disciples' future ministry.
* **"and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me":** This second clause extends the chain of reception further, from Jesus to God the Father. It reveals the profound unity between the Father and the Son, demonstrating that Jesus is the perfect representative of the Father. Therefore, accepting Jesus is tantamount to accepting God Himself, underscoring the divine origin of Jesus' mission and, by extension, the mission He delegates.

#### Literary Devices
The profound truth of [John 13:20](/john/13-20 "John 13:20 - The Principle of Divine Representation") is conveyed through several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Chiasm**, a rhetorical device where parallel clauses are inverted to create an A-B-B'-A' structure. Here, it can be seen as: "He that receiveth (A) whomsoever I send (B) receiveth me (B'); and he that receiveth me (A') receiveth him that sent me." This chiastic structure emphasizes the central point of connection (receiving Jesus) and reinforces the unbreakable link between the messenger, Jesus, and the Father. **Repetition** of key terms like "receiveth" and "send" (or "sent") serves to underscore the core actions and relationships being described, imprinting the message deeply on the listener's mind. The phrase "Verily, verily" functions as a form of **Solemn Affirmation**, akin to a divine oath, signaling the absolute truth and importance of the statement. Furthermore, the entire verse operates on the principle of **Metonymy** or **Representation**, where the act of receiving the messenger stands in for receiving the sender, highlighting the profound spiritual identity and authority vested in those commissioned by God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:20 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of divine authority, representation, and the Trinitarian relationship. It reveals that God's mission in the world is carried out through a chain of sending and receiving, originating with the Father, actualized through the Son, and extended through those whom the Son commissions. This verse affirms the inseparable unity of purpose and being within the Godhead, where the Father's will is perfectly expressed in the Son, and the Son's authority is perfectly extended through His chosen agents. It elevates the act of receiving God's messengers from a mere social courtesy to a profound spiritual act with eternal implications, demonstrating that one's response to the messenger is ultimately a response to God Himself. This principle undergirds the legitimacy and sacredness of all true ministry.

* [Matthew 10:40](/matthew/10-40 "Matthew 10:40 - Receiving Christ's Messengers")
* [Luke 10:16](/luke/10-16 "Luke 10:16 - He Who Hears You Hears Me")
* [2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:20 offers a profound lens through which to view our interactions with those who minister and our own roles as followers of Christ. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of the sacred trust placed in those who preach the Gospel and serve in Christ's name. To truly "receive" them involves not just a polite welcome, but an open heart to their message, recognizing that their authority and the truth they bear are derived from Christ Himself. This fosters a spirit of honor, respect, and unity within the body of Christ, encouraging us to discern and embrace genuine ministry. Conversely, this verse also challenges us to consider our own lives as Christ's representatives. If we are called by His name, our words and actions reflect upon Him. This calls for a life of integrity, humility, and faithfulness, ensuring that our representation of Christ is worthy of His name. Ultimately, the verse invites us into a deeper and more intimate relationship with the entire Godhead, reminding us that through Christ, we are brought into direct communion with the Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my attitude towards spiritual leaders and messengers reflect my attitude towards Christ and the Father?**
* **In what ways do I, as a follower of Christ, represent Him to the world, and how can I do so more faithfully?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "receive" Jesus, and how does that reception deepen my relationship with God the Father?**
* **Are there any "messengers" God has sent into my life (e.g., mentors, teachers, challenging circumstances) that I have struggled to "receive," and what might that indicate about my reception of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus saying "Verily, verily" (Amen, Amen) in this verse?**

Answer: The double "Verily, verily" (Greek: *amēn, amēn*) is a distinctive feature of Jesus' teaching in the Gospel of John, appearing 25 times. It functions as a solemn, emphatic declaration, signaling that what follows is a truth of profound importance, absolute certainty, and divine origin. It demands the hearer's full attention and belief, underscoring the weight and reliability of Jesus' words. It's akin to swearing an oath, emphasizing the unshakeable truth of the principle of divine representation that Jesus is about to articulate.

**Who are "whomsoever I send" in the context of this verse? Does it only refer to the original apostles?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [John 13:20](/john/13-20 "John 13:20 - The Principle of Divine Representation") is Jesus' discourse with His twelve disciples, the principle extends beyond them. Historically, it certainly refers to the apostles whom Jesus directly commissioned to spread the Gospel. However, the broader theological implication, supported by other New Testament passages like [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") and [2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ"), suggests that this principle applies to all who are genuinely sent by Christ to proclaim His message and minister in His name throughout history. This includes legitimate ministers, missionaries, and indeed, every believer who faithfully represents Christ in their sphere of influence. The emphasis is on *being sent by Christ*, implying divine authorization and alignment with His will.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of hospitality in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse elevates the concept of hospitality from a mere social custom to a spiritual act. In ancient cultures, hospitality was crucial, especially for travelers and messengers. To welcome a messenger was to honor the sender. [John 13:20](/john/13-20 "John 13:20 - The Principle of Divine Representation") reveals that when believers offer genuine hospitality—which includes active listening, acceptance, and support—to those whom Christ has sent, they are, in essence, extending that hospitality directly to Christ Himself and, ultimately, to God the Father. This gives profound spiritual significance to acts of welcoming and support for those engaged in God's work, as seen in passages like [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Caring for the Least of These").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 13:20](/john/13-20 "John 13:20 - The Principle of Divine Representation") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself. Jesus is the supreme "One sent" by the Father, the perfect embodiment of divine representation. As He declares elsewhere, "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father" ([John 16:28](/john/16-28 "John 16:28 - Jesus' Origin and Destiny")). To receive Jesus is to receive the Father, for "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")). Jesus perfectly fulfills the role of the divine *shaliach*, embodying the Father's will, character, and love. Furthermore, this verse foreshadows Christ's continuing mission through His Spirit and His Church. Having completed His earthly mission, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher")) and then commissions His disciples ([John 20:21](/john/20-21 "John 20:21 - Jesus Sends His Disciples")), empowering them to continue His work as His representatives. Thus, the chain of reception originating from the Father, through Christ, extends to all who are genuinely sent by Christ, making the reception of His message and His messengers a direct encounter with the Triune God.

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

Luke 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

Luke 9:48

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

Mark 9:37

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Matthew 10:42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Galatians 4:14

And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus.