John 13:34

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A new {G2537} commandment {G1785} I give {G1325} unto you {G5213}, That {G2443} ye love {G25} one another {G240}; as {G2531} I have loved {G25} you {G5209}, that {G2443} ye {G5210} also {G2532} love {G25} one another {G240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“I am giving you a new command: that you keep on loving each other. In the same way that I have loved you, you are also to keep on loving each other.

Berean Standard Bible

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the intimate setting of the Last Supper, Jesus delivers a foundational directive to His disciples, establishing the defining characteristic of the new covenant community: a radical love for one another. This "new commandment" transcends previous ethical standards by setting Jesus' own self-sacrificial love as the ultimate paradigm, instructing His followers to emulate His unconditional affection and service, thereby providing a compelling witness to the world of their true identity as His disciples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 13:34 is strategically placed within Jesus' farewell discourse, immediately following the profound act of foot-washing and the prediction of Judas's betrayal and Peter's denial. The foot-washing, detailed in [John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet"), serves as a living parable, demonstrating the humble, self-sacrificial love that Jesus now commands. This commandment also directly precedes Jesus' comforting words about His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit in [John 14](/john/14 "John 14 - Jesus Comforts His Disciples"), emphasizing that this love will be the sustaining force of the community in His physical absence. It is a pivotal transition from His physical presence to the spiritual bond that will unite His followers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the Old Testament contained commands to "love your neighbor as yourself" ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")), Jesus' declaration of a "new commandment" would have resonated deeply with His Jewish disciples. In a society often marked by strict adherence to ritual law and distinctions between groups, Jesus introduces a revolutionary standard of love. This love was not merely a reciprocal affection or a legal obligation, but a divine, active, and self-giving commitment, contrasting sharply with the often-sectarian attitudes prevalent in first-century Judaism and the broader Roman world. The command prepares them for a community that would transcend ethnic and social barriers, united by a unique bond of Christ-like love.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes within the Gospel of John and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **"newness" of the covenant**, signifying a shift from external legalism to an internal, Spirit-empowered ethic of love. Secondly, it establishes **Jesus' own life and sacrifice as the definitive model** for all Christian conduct, as seen throughout His ministry, culminating in His death (e.g., [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Thirdly, it underscores **Christian identity and witness**, making mutual love the unmistakable mark of true discipleship, a theme explicitly stated in the very next verse, [John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - Love as a Mark of Discipleship"). This love is not just an ideal but a practical, visible demonstration of God's presence among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Greek, _kainós'_):** This word signifies newness in quality, freshness, or kind, rather than merely new in time or age (for which the Greek _néos_ would be used). Jesus is not simply reiterating an old command but elevating it to an unprecedented standard. It implies a qualitative transformation, a fresh and superior way of loving, empowered by His example and the indwelling Spirit.
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** This term denotes an authoritative prescription or injunction. It is not a suggestion or an optional guideline but a divine imperative. Jesus, as the ultimate authority, issues this as a non-negotiable principle for His followers, underscoring its foundational importance for the life and witness of the Christian community.
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb, from which the noun _agapē_ is derived, describes a divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. It is a volitional love, a deliberate choice to seek the highest good of another, regardless of their merit or response. This contrasts with other Greek words for love (like _phileō_ for brotherly affection or _eros_ for romantic desire), emphasizing a selfless, active benevolence that mirrors God's own character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A new commandment I give unto you,"**: Jesus asserts His authority by issuing a "new" directive. This newness is not in the concept of love itself, but in its standard, source, and scope. It is new because it is grounded in His own divine love and empowered by His Spirit, setting a qualitatively different benchmark for human relationships than previously known.
* **"That ye love one another;"**: This is the core injunction. The command is directed towards the disciples and, by extension, to all who would follow Christ. It calls for active, intentional, and consistent demonstration of _agape_ love within the community of believers, fostering unity and mutual care.
* **"as I have loved you,"**: This clause provides the crucial standard and paradigm for the love commanded. Jesus' own life, marked by humility, service, compassion, and ultimately, self-sacrifice on the cross, becomes the benchmark. The disciples are not to love according to their own capacity or cultural norms, but according to the perfect, divine love demonstrated by Christ Himself.
* **"that ye also love one another."**: This final repetition reinforces the command and its application. The purpose clause ("that ye...") emphasizes the desired outcome: the disciples' mutual love should be a direct reflection and continuation of Jesus' love for them. It underscores the reciprocal nature of this love within the community, making it the defining characteristic of their collective identity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "love one another" appearing twice, serving to emphasize and reinforce the central command. This repetition ensures the message's clarity and memorability, highlighting its paramount importance. The phrase "as I have loved you" functions as a powerful **Paradigm** or **Exemplification**, providing the concrete, living standard for the abstract concept of love. Jesus doesn't just command love; He defines it by His own actions, making His life the ultimate model. Furthermore, the entire statement serves as a **Chiasm** (A-B-B'-A' structure, though less strict here), where the command to love one another frames the exemplary "as I have loved you," drawing attention to the source and standard of this new love. The "new commandment" itself is a form of **Emphasis**, signaling a critical, foundational teaching that distinguishes the new covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:34 is a theological cornerstone, revealing the very heart of God's character and the essence of the Christian life. It elevates love from a mere ethical principle to a divine mandate, making it the defining mark of true discipleship. This "new commandment" signifies a qualitative shift from the Old Covenant's external observance of law to the New Covenant's internal transformation by the Spirit, enabling believers to genuinely manifest God's own _agape_. It links directly to the concept of the Trinity, as God's love for humanity is perfectly expressed in the Son, who then empowers His followers to reflect that same love to one another. This mutual love within the community is not merely for internal cohesion but serves as a powerful, undeniable witness to the world, demonstrating the reality of Christ's presence and the transformative power of the Gospel.

* [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")
* [1 John 4:7-12](/1_john/4-7-12 "1 John 4:7-12 - God Is Love")
* [Galatians 5:13-14](/galatians/5-13-14 "Galatians 5:13-14 - Serve One Another in Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:34 calls believers to a radical, counter-cultural way of living that mirrors the very nature of God. It challenges us to move beyond superficial pleasantries or conditional affection to embrace a love that is active, sacrificial, and unconditional, just as Christ's love for us is. This means intentionally seeking the well-being of others, extending grace and forgiveness even when it's difficult, and prioritizing unity and genuine care within the Christian community. In a world often characterized by division, self-interest, and animosity, the church's demonstration of this Christ-like love becomes its most compelling apologetic, drawing others to the transforming power of the Gospel. It demands humility to serve, courage to forgive, and perseverance to remain committed to one another, reflecting the love that first embraced us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does my love for other believers genuinely reflect Christ's love for me?**
* **How does the "newness" of this commandment challenge my current understanding or practice of love within my community?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate sacrificial, Christ-like love to someone in my church or family?**
* **How might the collective love of my Christian community serve as a more powerful witness to those outside the faith?**

### FAQ

**What makes this commandment "new" if the Old Testament already commanded love?**

Answer: While the Old Testament commanded love for one's neighbor ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")), Jesus' commandment is "new" in several profound ways. Firstly, its **standard** is new: "as I have loved you." This sets Jesus' own perfect, self-sacrificial, and unconditional _agape_ love as the benchmark, far surpassing any previous human capacity or legal requirement. Secondly, its **source** is new: it flows from Jesus Himself and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live out a love that is divine in origin and quality. Thirdly, its **scope** is new: it defines the very essence of the New Covenant community, making mutual love the identifying mark of Christ's disciples to the world ([John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - Love as a Mark of Discipleship")). It's a qualitative, not just quantitative, newness.

**How is "love" in this verse different from other types of love?**

Answer: The Greek word used here is _agapáō_ (verb) or _agapē_ (noun), which denotes a divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. This is distinct from _phileō_ (brotherly affection or friendship love) or _eros_ (romantic or passionate love). _Agape_ is not primarily an emotion but a volitional choice, an active commitment to the well-being of another, regardless of their merit or how one feels about them. It is the kind of love God has for humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), and the kind Jesus demonstrated through His life, service, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It is a love that gives, serves, and forgives.

**Why is this commandment so important for Christian identity?**

Answer: Jesus explicitly states in [John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - Love as a Mark of Discipleship") that "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." This means that mutual love among believers is not merely an internal virtue but the primary external sign of their allegiance to Christ. It is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and the reality of God's presence among His people. In a fragmented world, the unity and self-giving love of the Christian community stands as a compelling counter-narrative, inviting others to experience the love of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:34 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely as a command given *by* Christ, but as a command that is perfectly embodied *in* Christ and empowered *through* Christ. Jesus Himself is the living embodiment of this "new commandment," for His entire life and ministry were a demonstration of _agape_ love. From His humble incarnation ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")) to His selfless service (as seen in the foot-washing preceding this command in [John 13:1-11](/john/13-1-11 "John 13:1-11 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")), and supremely in His sacrificial death on the cross for the sins of the world ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Own Love")), Jesus perfectly fulfilled the standard He set. He did not just *tell* us to love; He *showed* us love, becoming the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, this command is made possible for believers only through their union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who pours God's love into our hearts ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "God's Love Poured Out")). Thus, the "new commandment" is not a burdensome law but an invitation to participate in the very life and love of Christ, reflecting His glory to a world in desperate need of His transforming grace.

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

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.

John 15:17

These things I command you, that ye love one another.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:26

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

1 Corinthians 12:27

¶ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.