By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

JOHN 13:35KJV
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John 13:35 (KJV)

What does John 13:35 mean?

John 13:35 says that the way people will recognize followers of Jesus is by the love they show to each other. According to this verse, love between Jesus’ disciples is the clear sign to everyone else that they truly belong to him.

Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during his final meal with them, just after he has washed their feet and given them a new commandment to love one another. In this setting, Jesus highlights that love is not just a private feeling but a visible marker that sets his disciples apart in the eyes of others. The verse points to love as the main evidence of a genuine connection to Jesus.

The Greek behind John 13:35

  • The word for "love" here is ἀγάπη (agapē), which often refers to self-giving, committed love that seeks the good of others. This is not just affection or friendship, but a deeper, active care.
  • The word for "know" is γινώσκω (ginōskō), which means more than just intellectual knowledge; it carries the sense of recognizing or perceiving something as true based on evidence.
  • The word for "disciples" is μαθηταί (mathētai), meaning learners or followers, emphasizing that those who love each other are seen as true students of Jesus.

Why John 13:35 matters

  • John 13:35 clarifies that outward religious identity or words are not the main proof of following Jesus; it is the way disciples treat each other with love that stands out.
  • This verse connects to the larger context where Jesus commands his followers to love as he has loved them, making love the central ethic of the Christian community.
  • John 13:35 helps clear up the idea that faith is only about private belief; it shows that faith in Jesus is meant to be lived out in visible, practical relationships with others.

Where else these words appear

“my” Greek G1699 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
  • John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“this” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

“are” Greek G2075 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • John 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
  • 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

“another” Greek G240 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
  • Acts 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
  • Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;