Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

JOHN 13:1KJV
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John 13:1 (KJV)

What does John 13:1 mean?

John 13:1 describes how, just before the Passover festival, Jesus realized that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. The verse highlights that Jesus had always loved His followers who were still in the world, and He continued to love them completely, right up to the end.

The setting is the beginning of the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, with the Gospel writer (John) introducing the final hours Jesus spends with His disciples. The verse signals a turning point: Jesus is fully aware of what is about to happen, and His love for His disciples is a central theme as He prepares them for His departure.

The Greek behind John 13:1

  • The word "loved" (ἀγαπάω, agapaō) is used twice, emphasizing a deep, committed, and self-giving kind of love, not just affection or friendship. This highlights the nature of Jesus’ relationship with His followers.
  • The phrase "unto the end" (εἰς τέλος, eis telos) can mean both "to the very end" in terms of time and "to the utmost" in terms of completeness or fullness. This suggests that Jesus’ love was unwavering and complete, even as He faced death.
  • The word "hour" (ὥρα, hōra) in John often refers to a decisive moment in Jesus’ mission, not just a literal hour. Here, it signals the arrival of the crucial time for Jesus’ departure and the fulfillment of His purpose.

Why John 13:1 matters

  • John 13:1 clarifies that Jesus’ actions in the following chapters are motivated by His enduring love for His disciples, setting the tone for the Last Supper and the teachings that follow.
  • The verse helps the reader understand that Jesus’ coming death was not a surprise or accident; He was fully aware and chose to love His followers through it.
  • By highlighting both the timing ("before the feast of the Passover") and the depth of Jesus’ love, the verse connects Jesus’ sacrifice to the Passover theme of deliverance and points to the significance of what is about to unfold.

Where else these words appear

“depart” Greek G3327 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 8:34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
  • Matthew 15:29 And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.
  • John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

“feast” Greek G1859 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
  • John 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
  • John 7:14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

“passover” Greek G3957 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
  • Luke 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
  • John 6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

“end” Greek G5056 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
  • Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
  • Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.