14:20 14:20

John 14:21

14:22 14:22

Bible Versions

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.
He that hath {G2192} my {G3450} commandments {G1785}, and {G2532} keepeth {G5083} them {G846}, he {G1565} it is {G2076} that loveth {G25} me {G3165}: and {G1161} he that loveth {G25} me {G3165} shall be loved {G25} of {G5259} my {G3450} Father {G3962}, and {G2532} I {G1473} will love {G25} him {G846}, and {G2532} will manifest {G1718} myself {G1683} to him {G846}.
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me, and the one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”
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 unto him.

Commentary on John 14:21 (KJV)

John 14:21 is a profound statement from Jesus during His Farewell Discourse to His disciples, emphasizing the inseparable link between love, obedience, and divine intimacy. This verse reveals the pathway to experiencing a deeper, personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ Himself.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extended teaching in the Upper Room, shortly before His crucifixion. The disciples were troubled by His impending departure, and Jesus sought to comfort them by promising the Holy Spirit (the Comforter) and reassuring them of His continued presence through spiritual means. John 14:21 directly follows Jesus' assertion in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." It clarifies how genuine love for Christ is demonstrated and what blessings flow from such love and obedience.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience as Proof of Love: The verse unequivocally states that true love for Jesus is not merely an emotion or profession, but is evidenced by actively possessing and keeping His commandments. This highlights that Christian love is practical and action-oriented.
  • Reciprocal Divine Love: For those who love and obey Him, Jesus promises a profound reciprocal love from both the Father and Himself. This is not a love that is earned, but a deepening of the relationship that flows from a heart aligned with God's will.
  • Intimate Manifestation: The promise, "I will manifest myself to him," signifies a personal, experiential revelation of Christ. This isn't just a general awareness of God's presence, but a unique, spiritual unveiling of His character, truth, and presence to the obedient believer, fostering a deeper spiritual connection.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hath my commandments, and keepeth them" uses two distinct Greek words: `echo` (hath), meaning to possess or hold, suggesting an internalizing of the commands; and `tereo` (keepeth), meaning to guard, observe, or obey. This implies that true obedience comes from both understanding and actively living out Jesus' teachings. The word "loveth" comes from `agapao`, denoting a selfless, volitional love that is characteristic of God's love. "Manifest myself" is from `emphanizo`, which means to show oneself, to appear, or to make visible, implying a spiritual disclosure or intimate revelation.

Practical Application

John 14:21 challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their love for Jesus. It moves beyond mere lip service, calling for a life of intentional obedience to Christ's teachings. For those struggling with their faith or feeling distant from God, this verse offers a clear path: draw closer by diligently following His commands. The promised manifestation is an assurance that God desires a profound, personal relationship with His followers, revealing Himself in ways that deepen their faith and understanding. It encourages a life where obedience is not burdensome but a joyful response to divine love, leading to greater intimacy with the Father and the Son.

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.

  • John 14:15

    If ye love me, keep my commandments.

  • 1 John 5:3

    For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

  • 1 John 2:5

    But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

  • 2 John 1:6

    And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

  • John 15:9

    As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

  • John 15:10

    If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

  • Deuteronomy 11:13

    And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
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