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John 15:13

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Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Greater {G3187} love {G26} hath {G2192} no man {G3762} than {G3187} this {G5026}, that {G2443} a man {G5100} lay down {G5087} his {G846} life {G5590} for {G5228} his {G846} friends {G5384}.

No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Commentary

John 15:13 (KJV)

John 15:13 is part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse to his disciples, spoken shortly before his crucifixion. In this context, Jesus is defining the nature of the love he has shown them and that they are called to show one another.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient world, friendship was highly valued, often considered a bond as strong, or even stronger, than family ties. The idea of sacrificing one's life for a friend was recognized as the ultimate act of devotion and loyalty, though it was rare. Jesus uses this powerful human example to illustrate the depth of divine love he is about to demonstrate.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ultimate Love: The verse defines the pinnacle of human love and sacrifice – laying down one's life for others.
  • Sacrifice: It highlights the sacrificial nature of true love, which prioritizes the well-being and life of another above one's own.
  • Friendship: The verse elevates the concept of friendship, suggesting that the greatest love is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for those considered friends.
  • Foreshadowing Christ's Sacrifice: This statement directly foreshadows Jesus' own death on the cross, which he would accomplish not just for his friends (the disciples) but for all humanity (Romans 5:8). His sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of this principle.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "love" here is agapē (ἀγάπη), which often denotes a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, distinct from brotherly love (philia) or romantic love (eros). Jesus uses this term to describe the highest form of love, characterized by action and sacrifice.

Practical Application

While most are not called to literal physical death for others, this verse challenges believers to consider the depth of love they are to have. It calls for a willingness to make significant sacrifices – of time, resources, comfort, and personal desires – for the sake of others, reflecting the selfless love of Christ. It also helps us appreciate the immense love Jesus demonstrated by laying down his life for us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 10:11 (88 votes)

    I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

  • Ephesians 5:2 (63 votes)

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

  • John 10:15 (50 votes)

    As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

  • Romans 5:6 (47 votes)

    ¶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

  • Romans 5:8 (47 votes)

    But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

  • 1 John 4:7 (35 votes)

    ¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

  • 1 John 4:11 (35 votes)

    Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.