Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

JOHN 14:23KJV
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John 14:23 (KJV)

What does John 14:23 mean?

John 14:23 describes the close relationship Jesus promises to a person who loves him. Jesus connects that love with keeping his words, and he says that his Father will love that person and that both Father and Son will come to live with them.

Jesus says this in answer to Judas, not Judas Iscariot, who has asked why Jesus will show himself to his followers rather than to the world. The promise of an “abode” pictures a dwelling place, suggesting a lasting presence rather than a brief visit.

The Greek behind John 14:23

  • “keep” — τηρέω (tēreō): This word can mean to guard or observe. Here it carries the sense of holding to Jesus’ teaching by following it.
  • “words” — λόγος (logos): This word can refer to a message or what someone has said. The Greek is singular here, so the KJV’s “words” conveys Jesus’ message or teaching as a whole.
  • “abode” — μονή (monē): This word means a dwelling place. The same word appears in John 14:2, where the KJV translates it as “mansions,” linking the two passages through the image of a place to stay.

Why John 14:23 matters

  • Jesus’ answer addresses how he will be known by his followers. Judas asks why Jesus will show himself to them, and Jesus speaks of coming with the Father to dwell with the person who loves him.
  • The passage connects Jesus’ teaching with the Father. In the next verse, Jesus says that the word his hearers receive is the Father’s who sent him.

Where else these words appear

“abode” Greek G3438 · used in 2 verses

  • John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

“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.

“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.