If ye love me, keep my commandments.

JOHN 14:15KJV
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John 14:15 (KJV)

What does John 14:15 mean?

John 14:15 means that Jesus is telling his followers that if they truly love him, they will show it by obeying what he has taught and commanded. Loving Jesus is closely connected to keeping his instructions, not just having feelings or words.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during his final meal with them, preparing them for his departure. He is making it clear that genuine love for him is shown through action—specifically, by following his teachings. This sets the tone for the next passages, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to help them live out these commands.

The Greek behind John 14:15

  • The word for "love" here is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which often refers to a self-giving, committed kind of love, not just affection or sentiment. This highlights that Jesus is talking about a deep, active loyalty.
  • The word for "keep" is τηρέω (tēreō), which means to guard, observe, or pay careful attention to. It suggests more than just following rules—it involves valuing and holding onto Jesus’ teachings as precious.
  • The word for "commandments" is ἐντολή (entolē), meaning instructions or orders given by someone in authority. Jesus is referring to all that he has taught his disciples, not just a few specific rules.

Why John 14:15 matters

  • John 14:15 clears up the idea that love for Jesus is only about feelings; it shows that love is proven by action and obedience.
  • This verse emphasizes that Jesus’ teachings are meant to be lived out, not just admired or discussed.
  • John 14:15 connects to the larger conversation in this chapter about the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will help believers remember and keep Jesus’ commands.

Where else these words appear

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

“keep” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
  • 2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

“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.

“love” Greek G25 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.