These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

JOHN 15:11KJV
Know the Bible

John 15:11 (KJV)

What does John 15:11 mean?

John 15:11 describes Jesus telling his disciples that he has shared his teachings so that his own joy will be present in them, and that their joy will be complete. Jesus is explaining that his words are meant to fill their lives with a lasting, full kind of joy.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during his final hours before his arrest. The setting is intimate—he has just spoken about abiding in him like branches in a vine. Here, Jesus emphasizes that the purpose of his teachings is not just instruction but to give his disciples a deep, enduring joy that comes from him, not from circumstances.

The Greek behind John 15:11

  • χαρά (chara, G5479): This word is translated as "joy." In Greek, χαρά often describes a deep sense of gladness or delight that is not dependent on outward events. Jesus is promising a kind of joy that is rooted in relationship with him.
  • μένω (menō, G3306): Translated as "remain," this word means to stay, abide, or continue. Jesus wants his joy to stay with the disciples, suggesting a lasting, ongoing experience rather than a fleeting feeling.
  • πληρόω (plēroō, G4137): Translated as "full," this word means to be filled up or made complete. Jesus is not just wishing them happiness, but a joy that is brought to its fullest measure.

Why John 15:11 matters

  • John 15:11 clarifies that Jesus’s teachings are not meant to burden his followers but to bring them true, lasting joy.
  • The verse connects the idea of joy directly to Jesus himself—his own joy is to be shared with his disciples, not just any generic happiness.
  • This statement helps frame the surrounding passage about abiding in Jesus as something that leads to fullness of life, not just obedience or duty.

Where else these words appear

“joy” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
  • Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

“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.

“full” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“remain” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.