Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

JOHN 15:20KJV
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John 15:20 (KJV)

What does John 15:20 mean?

John 15:20 means that Jesus is reminding his followers that they should not expect to be treated better than he was; if people persecuted him, his followers can expect similar treatment, but if some listened to him, some will listen to them as well. Jesus uses the example of a servant and a master to show that his disciples are not above him and will share in his experiences.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples shortly before his arrest, preparing them for the challenges they will face after he is gone. He refers back to something he told them earlier, using the image of a servant (meaning disciple or follower) and a lord (meaning master or teacher). Jesus is setting their expectations: just as he faced opposition and rejection, so will those who follow him, but there is also the possibility that some will respond positively to their message.

The Greek behind John 15:20

  • The word for "servant" is δοῦλος (doulos), which means a bondservant or slave—someone who is not free but serves a master. This highlights the humility and dependence Jesus expects from his followers.
  • The word for "persecuted" is διώκω (diōkō), which means to pursue or harass, often with the intent to harm. Jesus is warning that the same kind of active opposition he faced will come to his disciples.
  • The word for "kept" is τηρέω (tēreō), meaning to guard, observe, or pay careful attention to. When Jesus says, "if they have kept my saying," he means that some people did listen and hold onto his teachings, so the disciples can expect a similar mixed response.

Why John 15:20 matters

  • John 15:20 clears up the idea that following Jesus would lead to an easy or comfortable life; instead, it sets a realistic expectation of hardship and opposition.
  • The verse connects the disciples’ experience directly to Jesus’ own, emphasizing their close relationship with him and the shared path they walk.
  • This verse helps frame the wider passage, where Jesus is preparing his followers for the reality of being sent into a world that may not always welcome their message, but also reminding them that their work will not be in vain.

Where else these words appear

“yours” Greek G5212 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
  • John 8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

“Remember” Greek G3421 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 16:9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
  • Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
  • 2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

“than” Greek G3187 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
  • Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
  • John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

“persecuted” Greek G1377 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 22:8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
  • Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.