John 14:24

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

He that loveth {G25} me {G3165} not {G3361} keepeth {G5083} not {G3756} my {G3450} sayings {G3056}: and {G2532} the word {G3056} which {G3739} ye hear {G191} is {G2076} not {G3756} mine {G1699}, but {G235} the Father's {G3962} which {G3588} sent {G3992} me {G3165}.

Someone who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words — and the word you are hearing is not my own but that of the Father who sent me.

Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words. The word that you hear is not My own, but it is from the Father who sent Me.

He that loveth me not keepeth not my words: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s who sent me.

John 14:24 (KJV): "He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me."

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' intimate Farewell Discourse in the upper room, recorded in John chapters 13-17. Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure, comforting them, and teaching them about their future relationship with him and the Father through the Holy Spirit. He has just spoken about how those who love him will be loved by his Father, and that he and the Father will make their abode with them. Verse 24 serves as a counterpoint, highlighting that the opposite is also true: lack of love for Jesus is demonstrated by disobedience.

Key Themes

  • Obedience as the Measure of Love: The verse starkly links love for Jesus directly to keeping his "sayings" or commands. It implies that mere verbal profession of love is insufficient; true love is evidenced by one's actions and adherence to Jesus' teachings. This echoes Jesus' earlier statement in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
  • Divine Authority of Jesus' Words: The second part of the verse emphasizes that Jesus' message ("the word") originates not from himself independently, but directly from God the Father who sent him. This underscores the ultimate divine authority behind everything Jesus taught and commanded. His words are not merely human wisdom but are the very words of God. See also John 12:49 where Jesus says he speaks as the Father gave him commandment.
  • The Source of Truth: By stating his words are the Father's, Jesus reveals the unified purpose and message between himself and God the Father. His teachings are the authoritative divine will.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "sayings" (plural) in the first part of the verse is logoi (λόγοι) in Greek, referring to the specific teachings, commands, and instructions Jesus gave. The word translated "word" (singular) in the second part is logos (λόγος), which can encompass the entire message, doctrine, or revelation that Jesus embodied and proclaimed from the Father. This distinction subtly highlights that failure to love Jesus results in rejecting his specific commands (logoi), because his entire message (logos) is ultimately from God.

Reflection

John 14:24 challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their love for Christ. It teaches that genuine love for Jesus is inseparable from obedience to his teachings. Our willingness and effort to keep his commands are the most significant indicators of our devotion. Furthermore, recognizing that Jesus' words are the Father's gives them immense weight and authority in our lives. We are not just following the teachings of a man, but the very will and word of God himself, delivered through His Son.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 7:16

    Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

  • John 14:10

    Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

  • John 8:42

    Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

  • John 14:21

    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.

  • John 14:23

    Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

  • John 3:34

    For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

  • John 5:19

    Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

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