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.
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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.]
John 15:23 (KJV) states, "He that hateth me hateth my Father also." This powerful declaration from Jesus underscores the profound unity between Himself and God the Father, revealing that rejection of one is inherently rejection of the other.
Context
This verse is part of Jesus' extensive Farewell Discourse to His disciples, recorded in John chapters 13-17. Specifically, it falls within a section where Jesus prepares His followers for the world's hostility towards them, just as it has been hostile towards Him. He explains that the world's hatred is not without cause, but rather because it does not know the Father who sent Him (John 15:21). The preceding verses, particularly John 15:18-22, set the stage by emphasizing that if the world hates them, it hated Jesus first, and that their sin of unbelief is without excuse because they have seen and heard Him.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "hateth" is miseō (μισέω), which signifies a strong aversion, active hostility, or deep-seated opposition, not merely a mild dislike. It implies a deliberate and often intense rejection. The term "Father" (Greek: Patēr, Πατήρ) emphasizes the intimate, filial relationship between Jesus and God, reinforcing that the Son perfectly represents the Father's character and will.
Practical Application
For believers, John 15:23 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' divine nature and His inseparable union with the Father. It encourages us to understand that our faith in Jesus is faith in God Himself. For those who face opposition or persecution for their Christian faith, this verse offers solace: the hatred they experience is ultimately directed at Christ and His truth, not necessarily at them personally. It also calls us to consider the seriousness of rejecting Jesus, as it implies a rejection of God. Understanding this profound connection should deepen our reverence and commitment to both the Son and the Father.