This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

JOHN 15:12KJV
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John 15:12 (KJV)

What does John 15:12 mean?

John 15:12 records Jesus telling his followers that his commandment is for them to love one another in the same way that he has loved them. The verse highlights that the standard for their love is not just kindness, but the kind of self-giving love Jesus himself has shown.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his closest disciples during his final meal with them, preparing them for his departure. He is making clear that loving each other is not just a suggestion but a direct instruction, and he points to his own actions as the example they should follow. This command sets the tone for how his followers are to relate to each other after he is gone.

The Greek behind John 15:12

  • The word for "love" here is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which often means a selfless, committed, and active kind of love, not just affection or friendship. This word choice emphasizes a love that acts for the good of others, even at personal cost.
  • The phrase "as I have loved you" uses the same verb ἀγαπάω (agapaō), underlining that Jesus is not asking for any kind of love, but specifically the kind he has demonstrated—sacrificial and unconditional.
  • The word for "commandment" is ἐντολή (entolē), which means an authoritative instruction, not just advice or a suggestion. This shows Jesus is giving a binding directive, not merely sharing a personal preference.

Why John 15:12 matters

  • John 15:12 clarifies that love is not optional for Jesus’ followers; it is a commandment, not a suggestion or an ideal.
  • The verse sets Jesus’ own love as the measure, which is a higher and more demanding standard than ordinary human love.
  • This command is central to the whole section (John 13–17), where Jesus repeatedly stresses love as the defining mark of his community, especially as he prepares his disciples for life without his physical presence.

Where else these words appear

“commandment” 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:

“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.

“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;

“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 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
  • 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.