If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

JOHN 15:24KJV
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John 15:24 (KJV)

What does John 15:24 mean?

John 15:24 means that if Jesus had not performed unique works among the people—miracles and signs that no one else had done—they would not be as guilty of rejecting Him. But because they witnessed these works and still chose to hate both Jesus and God the Father, their rejection is clear and deliberate.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples during His final teachings before His arrest. He explains that His miracles were undeniable evidence of who He is, and that those who saw them but still rejected Him are also rejecting God Himself. The verse highlights the seriousness of rejecting clear evidence and the unity between Jesus and the Father.

The Greek behind John 15:24

  • The word ἔργα (erga, "works") refers to the miracles and deeds Jesus performed. These are not just ordinary actions but signs pointing to His divine identity, making the rejection more significant.
  • The verb ἐμισεσαν (misēsan, "hated") is strong, meaning more than simple dislike; it points to a deep, active rejection. This shows the intensity of the response to Jesus and, by extension, to God the Father.
  • The phrase νῦν δὲ καὶ ἑωράκασιν καὶ μεμισήκασιν (nun de kai heōrakasin kai memisēkasin, "but now they have both seen and hated") stresses that the people had firsthand experience of Jesus’ works, making their rejection a conscious choice.

Why John 15:24 matters

  • John 15:24 clarifies that greater knowledge brings greater responsibility; seeing Jesus’ unique works removes any excuse for unbelief.
  • The verse emphasizes the unity between Jesus and the Father, showing that rejecting Jesus is also rejecting God Himself.
  • This statement helps explain the depth of opposition Jesus faced, even in the presence of clear evidence, and sets the stage for understanding why the world would also oppose His followers.

Where else these words appear

“hated” 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:

“they” Greek G3708 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

“If” Greek G1508 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
  • Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.