If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

JOHN 15:19KJV
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John 15:19 (KJV)

What does John 15:19 mean?

John 15:19 says that if Jesus’s followers belonged to the world’s way of thinking and living, the world would accept and love them as its own. But because Jesus has chosen them to be different from the world, the world reacts with rejection and even hatred toward them.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during his final teachings before his arrest. He is preparing them for the reality that following him will set them apart from the broader society, which often stands in opposition to his message and values. Jesus explains that their difference is not accidental but the result of his deliberate choice, and this is why they face hostility.

The Greek behind John 15:19

  • κόσμος (kosmos, "world"): This word refers to the world system, meaning the organized society and its values, not just the physical earth or humanity in general. Here, it highlights the contrast between Jesus’s followers and the prevailing attitudes of society.
  • ἐξελεξάμην (exelexamēn, "I have chosen"): This verb means to select or pick out for oneself. Jesus’s use of this word emphasizes that the disciples’ separation from the world is intentional and personal, not random.
  • μισεῖ (misei, "hateth"): This word means to hate or detest. The Greek here carries a strong sense of active rejection, not just passive dislike, showing the depth of opposition Jesus’s followers may face.

Why John 15:19 matters

  • John 15:19 clarifies that rejection by the world is not a sign of failure or mistake but a natural result of being aligned with Jesus rather than with society’s values.
  • The verse highlights that Jesus’s followers are set apart by his choice, not by their own efforts or superiority, which can guard against pride or discouragement.
  • This verse connects to the larger section where Jesus prepares his disciples for hardship, helping readers understand that opposition is expected and has a deeper purpose in the story of faith.

Where else these words appear

“chosen” Greek G1586 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
  • John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

“love” Greek G5368 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

“hateth” Greek G3404 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
  • Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

“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.