John 15:23

KJV

He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that hateth {G3404} me {G1691} hateth {G3404} my {G3450} Father {G3962} also {G2532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever hates me hates my Father also.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well.

American Standard Version

He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 15:23, Jesus unequivocally declares that those who harbor hatred for Him also hate God the Father. This profound statement, delivered during His Farewell Discourse, underscores the indivisible unity of the Son and the Father, revealing that rejection of Jesus is not merely a personal affront but a fundamental rejection of God Himself and His ultimate self-revelation to humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive Farewell Discourse, spanning [John 13-17](/john/13-17 "John 13-17 - Jesus' Farewell Discourse"), delivered to His disciples just hours before His crucifixion. Specifically, [John 15](/john/15 "John 15 - The True Vine") focuses on the relationship between Jesus and His followers, portraying Him as the "True Vine" and believers as branches. The immediate context, [John 15:18-25](/john/15-18-25 "John 15:18-25 - The World's Hatred"), prepares the disciples for the inevitable hostility they will face from the world, mirroring the hatred directed at Jesus Himself. Jesus explains that the world's hatred is not arbitrary but rooted in its ignorance of God, as stated in [John 15:21](/john/15-21 "John 15:21 - The World's Ignorance of God"). He emphasizes that their sin of unbelief is inexcusable because they have witnessed His miraculous works and heard His divine words, yet they choose to reject Him, thereby fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of unjust hatred, as referenced in [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Prophecy of Hatred Fulfilled").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of God's unity (monotheism) was paramount, enshrined in the *Shema* ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema")). Any claim to divinity or equality with God was considered blasphemous, punishable by death. Jesus' consistent claims of divine sonship and unity with the Father ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father Are One"); [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")) directly challenged these deeply held beliefs for many Jewish leaders, leading to intense opposition. The cultural expectation was that a prophet or Messiah would be easily recognizable and universally embraced, yet Jesus' humble origins and unconventional ministry defied these expectations. The world's "hatred" was not merely a personal dislike but a profound theological and spiritual rejection of Jesus' identity and mission, which they perceived as an affront to their understanding of God and the Law.
* **Key Themes:** [John 15:23](/john/15-23 "John 15:23 - Hatred for Jesus is Hatred for the Father") powerfully reinforces several core themes within John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Unity and Identity** of Jesus with God the Father, a recurring motif throughout the Gospel, as seen in Jesus' declaration, "[I and my Father are one](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father Are One")" and His assertion that "[He that hath seen me hath seen the Father](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")". Secondly, it highlights the **Rejection of Truth and Light**, portraying the world's hatred not as a mere personal animosity but as a deliberate antagonism towards the divine revelation and salvation that Jesus embodies. This aligns with the theme introduced in [John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - Light and Darkness"), where "the darkness comprehended it not." Finally, the verse speaks to **Accountability for Unbelief**, emphasizing that those who reject Jesus, having witnessed His works and heard His words, are without excuse, as their hatred stems from a willful choice to remain in spiritual darkness rather than embrace the light, a concept explored further in [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hateth (Greek, _miséō'_):** From G3404, this term signifies a strong aversion, active hostility, or deep-seated opposition, not merely a mild dislike. It implies a deliberate and often intense rejection, extending to persecution. In the context of Jesus, it refers to a profound spiritual antagonism against His person, claims, and teachings.
* **me (Greek, _emé'_):** From G1691, this is a direct personal pronoun referring to Jesus Himself. The hatred is not directed at an idea or a movement, but specifically at the person of Jesus, emphasizing His unique and central role in God's revelation.
* **Father (Greek, _patḗr'_):** From G3962, this term denotes a "father" literally or figuratively. Here, it emphasizes the intimate, filial relationship between Jesus and God, reinforcing that the Son perfectly represents the Father's character and will. To hate Jesus is therefore to hate the very essence and revelation of God the Father.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that hateth me":** This clause identifies the subject of the statement: anyone who harbors active hostility, deep aversion, or deliberate rejection towards Jesus. The hatred is not passive but an active, conscious opposition to who Jesus is and what He represents. This hatred is often rooted in a refusal to acknowledge His divine authority and saving mission.
* **"hateth my Father also.":** This second clause reveals the profound implication of hating Jesus. Because Jesus is in perfect unity and identity with God the Father, sharing His nature, will, and mission, hatred directed at the Son is inherently hatred directed at the Father. There is no possibility of accepting the Father while rejecting the Son, as the Son is the ultimate revelation of the Father. This underscores the indivisible nature of the Godhead and the absolute necessity of acknowledging Jesus for a true relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [John 15:23](/john/15-23 "John 15:23 - Hatred for Jesus is Hatred for the Father") is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synonymous Parallelism**. The two clauses, "He that hateth me" and "hateth my Father also," express the same core idea from slightly different perspectives, reinforcing the central truth of divine unity. The second clause intensifies the first, revealing the ultimate object of the hatred. This parallelism serves to underscore the profound and inseparable connection between Jesus and the Father. Additionally, there is an element of **Hyperbole** or strong assertion, as Jesus uses definitive language ("hateth... hateth") to convey the absolute nature of this spiritual reality, leaving no room for ambiguity. The statement also functions as a **Theological Assertion**, directly articulating a fundamental truth about the nature of God and the consequences of rejecting His Son.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 15:23](/john/15-23 "John 15:23 - Hatred for Jesus is Hatred for the Father") is a foundational statement on the indivisible nature of the Godhead and the essential role of Jesus as the unique revealer of the Father. It asserts that there is no true knowledge or acceptance of God the Father apart from Jesus Christ. The world's hatred for Jesus is not merely a personal dislike but a profound spiritual antagonism against the very essence of God's love, truth, and light as embodied in His Son. This verse challenges any notion that one can claim to love or worship God while simultaneously rejecting Jesus, His divine Son and the perfect image of His being. It underscores the exclusivity of Christ's claim to be "the way, the truth, and the life," through whom alone one can come to the Father.

* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")
* [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Jesus, the Image of the Invisible God")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 15:23](/john/15-23 "John 15:23 - Hatred for Jesus is Hatred for the Father") serves as a profound call to introspection and commitment for believers, while also offering a stark warning to those who remain in opposition to Christ. For followers of Jesus, this verse deepens our understanding of His divine nature and His inseparable union with the Father. It reminds us that our faith in Jesus is not merely adherence to a historical figure or a set of teachings, but a direct relationship with God Himself. When we face opposition or misunderstanding for our faith, this verse offers solace: the hatred experienced is ultimately directed at Christ and His truth, not necessarily at us personally, affirming that we are sharing in His suffering. For those who have not yet embraced Christ, this verse presents a sobering truth: to reject Jesus is to reject God Himself, placing one outside of a saving relationship with the Creator. It compels us to consider the eternal implications of our stance towards Jesus and to respond in faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the unity of Jesus and the Father impact your worship and devotion?**
* **In what ways might the "world's hatred" for Christ manifest itself in contemporary society, and how should believers respond?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the seriousness of rejecting Jesus, and how might we lovingly communicate this truth to others?**

### FAQ

**Does "hateth" in this verse mean a mild dislike, or something more intense?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "hateth" (G3404, *miséō*) signifies a strong, active aversion, deep-seated opposition, or even persecution, not merely a mild dislike. It implies a deliberate and often intense rejection. In the context of [John 15:23](/john/15-23 "John 15:23 - Hatred for Jesus is Hatred for the Father"), it refers to a profound spiritual antagonism against Jesus' person, claims, and teachings, which is ultimately directed at God the Father because of their indivisible unity. This is not a casual sentiment but a fundamental opposition to divine truth and light.

**How can someone hate God if they claim to be religious or believe in a higher power?**

Answer: Jesus' statement in [John 15:23](/john/15-23 "John 15:23 - Hatred for Jesus is Hatred for the Father") implies that true knowledge and acceptance of God the Father are inextricably linked to accepting Jesus, His Son. Many may claim to believe in God or be religious, but if they reject Jesus as the unique Son of God, the Messiah, and the only way to the Father, then their "belief" in God is fundamentally flawed or incomplete according to Christian theology. Jesus states in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life") that "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Therefore, rejecting Jesus, who perfectly reveals the Father, is tantamount to rejecting the Father Himself, regardless of other religious or spiritual claims. Their "hatred" may manifest as active opposition to Christian truth, persecution of believers, or simply a willful refusal to acknowledge Jesus' divine claims despite the evidence of His words and works, as described in [John 15:24](/john/15-24 "John 15:24 - No Excuse for Unbelief").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 15:23](/john/15-23 "John 15:23 - Hatred for Jesus is Hatred for the Father") finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God. Jesus is not merely a prophet or a teacher; He is the incarnate Son, the perfect image of the invisible God, as affirmed in [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Jesus, the Image of the Invisible God"). His life, teachings, miracles, and ultimately His atoning death and resurrection, are the Father's definitive self-disclosure to humanity. Therefore, the world's hatred for Jesus, culminating in His crucifixion, was not just a rejection of a man, but a profound act of rebellion against God Himself. This hatred, though seemingly victorious at the cross, was ultimately defeated by Christ's resurrection, demonstrating God's power and vindicating Jesus' divine claims. Through His sacrifice, Jesus provided the means for humanity to overcome this spiritual hatred and be reconciled to the Father, fulfilling His mission to "[give his life a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")" and to "[draw all men unto me](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Will Draw All People to Himself")". The call to believe in Jesus is thus the call to embrace God, and the refusal to do so is a rejection of the only path to the Father, making Christ the central figure in both humanity's rebellion and its redemption.

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 8:40

But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

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.

2 John 1:9

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

1 John 2:23

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.]