John 15:25

KJV

But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} this cometh to pass, that {G2443} the word {G3056} might be fulfilled {G4137} that is written {G1125} in {G1722} their {G846} law {G3551},{G3754} They hated {G3404} me {G3165} without a cause {G1432}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But this has happened in order to fulfill the words in their Torah which read, ‘They hated me for no reason at all.’

Berean Standard Bible

But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’

American Standard Version

But this cometh to pass, that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 15:25 serves as a profound explanation by Jesus to His disciples concerning the world's inevitable hatred towards them. He reveals that this unprovoked animosity is not an arbitrary occurrence but a direct fulfillment of ancient prophecies found within the Old Testament scriptures, specifically highlighting the theme of undeserved hostility against a righteous figure. This declaration solidifies the divine purpose behind the suffering of both Christ and His followers, framing it as a preordained aspect of God's redemptive plan rather than a sign of failure or abandonment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Jesus' extended discourse on the world's hatred, which began in [John 15:18](/john/15-18 "John 15:18 - The World Hates Disciples"). Having established that the world's animosity towards His disciples stems from its prior hatred of Him, Jesus now grounds this reality in prophetic fulfillment. The preceding verses, [John 15:18-24](/john/15-18-24 "John 15:18-24 - The World's Hatred and the Spirit's Testimony"), explain *why* the world hates them (because it hated Him first, because they are not of the world, because it does not know the Father who sent Him). [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Causeless Hatred Fulfilled") then shifts to *how* this hatred fits into God's sovereign plan, linking it directly to the Old Testament. This passage is part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse ([John 13-17](/john/13-17 "John 13-17 - Jesus' Farewell Discourse")), where He prepares His disciples for His departure, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the challenges they will face in the world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "their law" (τῷ νόμῳ αὐτῶν) in this verse refers not exclusively to the Pentateuch (the Law of Moses) but to the entire body of Old Testament scriptures, which Jews often referred to collectively as "the Law" or "the Law and the Prophets." This was a common Jewish idiom for the authoritative writings that contained God's revealed will and prophetic foresight. Jesus' audience, His Jewish disciples, would have immediately understood this reference. The specific prophecies Jesus alludes to are found in the Psalms ([Psalm 35:19](/psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19 - Those Who Hate Me Without Cause") and [Psalm 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - More Than the Hairs of My Head")), which depict the suffering of a righteous individual at the hands of those who hate him without cause. This concept of "causeless hatred" (שִׂנְאַת חִנָּם, *sin'at chinam*) was a significant theme in Jewish tradition, particularly in later rabbinic literature, often cited as a reason for the destruction of the Second Temple. Jesus' application of this concept to Himself and His followers highlights the profound spiritual blindness and moral perversion of those who reject God's ultimate revelation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Scripture**, demonstrating that Jesus' life, ministry, and eventual suffering were not random events but were meticulously preordained and foretold in the sacred texts, thereby validating His messianic claims. Secondly, it highlights the **Unjust Nature of the World's Hatred**, emphasizing that the opposition faced by Christ and His followers is irrational, baseless, and devoid of legitimate cause, stemming from spiritual darkness rather than any fault on their part. This theme is crucial for understanding the nature of persecution. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Solidarity in Suffering** between Christ and His disciples, assuring them that their experience of hatred is a direct participation in His own, providing comfort and a sense of shared purpose in the face of adversity. This shared experience is a hallmark of the Christian life, as seen throughout the New Testament, for instance in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in His Sufferings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)." In this context, *lógos* refers to the prophetic utterance or written word of God, specifically the Old Testament scripture that foretold the Messiah's experience of causeless hatred. It emphasizes the authoritative and divine nature of the prophecy being fulfilled.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** From G4137, "to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc." Here, it signifies that the prophecy has been brought to its complete realization and verification in Jesus' experience. It conveys the idea of God's perfect plan unfolding precisely as foretold, leaving no aspect of the prophecy unfulfilled.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** From G3551, "law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle)." In this instance, *nómos* is used in its broader sense to refer to the entire corpus of Old Testament scriptures, encompassing not just the Mosaic Law but also the Prophets and the Writings (including the Psalms from which the quote is drawn). It signifies the authoritative divine revelation.
* **without a cause (Greek, _dōreán'_):** From G1432, "accusative case of δωρεά as adverb; gratuitously (literally or figuratively):--without a cause, freely, for naught, in vain." This adverb highlights the utterly baseless, unjustified, and unprovoked nature of the hatred directed towards Jesus. It underscores the profound injustice of His suffering, as His actions and character provided no legitimate reason for such animosity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled":** This introductory clause serves as a crucial transition, linking the preceding discussion of the world's hatred to a deeper theological truth. The "but" (G235 `allá`) introduces a contrast or a deeper explanation. Jesus is not merely stating a fact about hatred, but revealing its divine purpose: it is happening precisely "in order that" (G2443 `hína`) a specific prophecy might be brought to its complete and perfect realization. This emphasizes God's sovereign control even over human wickedness.
* **"that is written in their law":** This phrase identifies the source of the "word" (G3056 `lógos`) being fulfilled. "Their law" (G3551 `nómos`) refers to the Old Testament scriptures, which Jesus' Jewish audience would recognize as the authoritative revelation of God. By pointing to "their law," Jesus implies that the very scriptures they claim to uphold bear witness against their rejection of Him. The hatred He experiences is not unforeseen but a pre-scripted part of God's plan, recorded in the very texts they revere.
* **"They hated me without a cause":** This is the direct quote from the Old Testament, specifically echoing [Psalm 35:19](/psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19 - Those Who Hate Me Without Cause") and [Psalm 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - More Than the Hairs of My Head"). The phrase "without a cause" (G1432 `dōreán`) is critical, emphasizing the utter lack of justification for the animosity directed towards Jesus. His life was one of perfect righteousness, love, and benevolence, yet He was met with irrational and unprovoked hatred. This highlights the world's spiritual blindness and its inherent opposition to divine light and truth.

#### Literary Devices
John 15:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Primarily, it utilizes a **Fulfillment Formula**, a common Johannine and New Testament device where Jesus explicitly states that an event in His life or ministry is occurring "that the word might be fulfilled." This serves to underscore the divine orchestration of events, validating Jesus' messianic claims and demonstrating the continuity between the Old Testament prophecies and their New Testament realization. Secondly, the verse features a direct **Quotation/Allusion** to the Old Testament, specifically from the Psalms. By quoting "They hated me without a cause," Jesus directly identifies Himself with the suffering righteous servant depicted in these prophetic texts, thereby establishing His identity as the one foretold. This direct quotation lends immense authority to His words. Thirdly, there is a subtle but significant use of **Contrast** introduced by the opening "But" (G235 `allá`). This functions to shift the disciples' perspective from simply experiencing hatred to understanding it as part of a divinely ordained plan, contrasting human malice with divine purpose. Finally, the phrase "without a cause" introduces a powerful element of **Irony**. The world's hatred, while real and painful, is ultimately baseless and irrational when directed at the perfectly righteous Son of God, highlighting the absurdity and spiritual darkness of those who reject Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 15:25 profoundly reinforces the theological truth of God's sovereignty over all events, even human sin and hatred. It teaches that the suffering of Christ, and by extension His followers, is not an anomaly or a sign of divine abandonment, but rather a preordained component of God's redemptive plan. The "causeless hatred" directed at Jesus reveals the inherent spiritual rebellion of the world against divine light and truth. This rejection is not due to any flaw in Christ, but to the world's preference for darkness, making its condemnation just. The fulfillment of this prophecy demonstrates the meticulous accuracy of God's word and the unwavering nature of His purposes, assuring believers that even in persecution, they are participating in a divine narrative that is unfolding precisely as God intended. This understanding provides immense comfort and strength, reframing suffering not as a defeat, but as a confirmation of one's allegiance to Christ and a participation in His victorious journey.

* [Psalm 35:19](/psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19 - Let Not Those Rejoice Over Me")
* [Psalm 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - More Than the Hairs of My Head")
* [1 John 3:13](/1_john/3-13 "1 John 3:13 - Do Not Marvel If the World Hates You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding John 15:25 offers profound comfort and clarity for believers navigating a world often hostile to the gospel. It teaches us that opposition, far from being a sign of failure, is a confirmation of our alignment with Christ and the fulfillment of God's prophetic word. When we experience undeserved criticism, rejection, or animosity for our faith, this verse reminds us that our Lord endured the same, and indeed, far worse. It calls us to respond not with surprise or despair, but with steadfastness, knowing that our suffering is purposeful and part of a larger divine narrative. This perspective cultivates resilience, encourages forgiveness for those who hate us "without a cause," and strengthens our resolve to bear witness to Christ, even when it comes at a personal cost. It also prompts us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that any hatred we face truly stems from our allegiance to Christ, and not from our own unrighteousness or foolishness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the prophetic nature of suffering change my perspective on adversity and opposition in my own life?**
* **In what ways might I be experiencing "hatred without a cause" for my faith, and how can I respond biblically to such animosity?**
* **How does Jesus' experience of unjust hatred encourage and strengthen me in my own walk with Him, especially when facing rejection?**

### FAQ
**What does "their law" refer to in John 15:25?**

Answer: In this context, "their law" (τῷ νόμῳ αὐτῶν, *tō nomō autōn*) refers to the entire body of the Old Testament scriptures, not just the Mosaic Law (Torah). It was a common Jewish idiom to refer to the whole of the Hebrew Bible, including the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (which include the Psalms), as "the Law." Jesus is indicating that the prophecy He is quoting is found within the authoritative Jewish scriptures.

**Which Old Testament passages are being quoted or alluded to when Jesus says, "They hated me without a cause"?**

Answer: Jesus is primarily alluding to passages found in the Psalms. The most direct parallels are [Psalm 35:19](/psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19 - Those Who Hate Me Without Cause"), which states, "Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause," and [Psalm 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - More Than the Hairs of My Head"), which says, "They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty." These psalms describe the unjust suffering of a righteous individual at the hands of his adversaries, a theme that Jesus identifies with His own experience.

**Why is it significant that the hatred Jesus experienced was "without a cause"?**

Answer: The phrase "without a cause" (Greek: *dōreán*) is highly significant because it underscores the utter baselessness and irrationality of the world's animosity towards Jesus. It means the hatred was gratuitous, undeserved, and lacked any legitimate justification. Jesus lived a perfectly righteous life, performed good works, and spoke divine truth, yet He was met with intense hostility. This highlights the spiritual blindness and moral depravity of those who rejected Him. Their hatred stemmed not from His actions, but from their inherent opposition to God's light and truth. This concept also serves to comfort believers, assuring them that when they face similar unjust hatred for their faith, it is not due to their own wrongdoing but to the world's ongoing rebellion against Christ, just as He predicted in [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World Hates You").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 15:25 reveals a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, demonstrating that Jesus is the ultimate subject and embodiment of Old Testament prophecy. The "causeless hatred" He endured was not an accident but a divinely orchestrated part of His redemptive mission. As the true Suffering Servant prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected by Men"), Jesus perfectly fulfilled the psalmist's cries of unjust persecution. His experience of being hated "without a cause" underscores His perfect innocence and righteousness, making His subsequent sacrifice on the cross all the more potent as a substitutionary atonement for humanity's sin. This verse points directly to the cross, where the world's hatred culminated in His crucifixion, yet through which God's love and salvation were ultimately manifested. Furthermore, by identifying with the psalmist, Jesus validates His identity as the Messiah, the one through whom all scripture finds its ultimate meaning and purpose. His suffering, though rooted in human sin, was sovereignly allowed by God to accomplish the greatest good—the redemption of humanity, leading to His glorious resurrection and ascension, as celebrated in [Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23-24 "Acts 2:23-24 - God's Determined Plan"). Thus, the hatred He faced, far from being a defeat, was a necessary step in His triumph over sin and death, establishing the foundation for His church, which would also share in His sufferings and ultimate victory, as seen in [Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Completing What Is Lacking in Christ's Afflictions").

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

Psalms 109:3

They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.

Psalms 69:4

They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, [being] mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored [that] which I took not away.

Psalms 35:19

Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: [neither] let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

2 Corinthians 11:7

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

Revelation 21:6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

2 Thessalonians 3:8

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: