For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

JOHN 16:27KJV
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John 16:27 (KJV)

What does John 16:27 mean?

John 16:27 says that God the Father himself loves Jesus’ followers because they have loved Jesus and have believed that Jesus came from God. This verse highlights that the Father’s love is personal and directly connected to the disciples’ relationship with Jesus and their trust in who he is.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during his final teachings before his arrest. He reassures them that God’s love for them is not distant or indirect, but is a direct response to their faith and affection for Jesus. The statement comes as part of a longer conversation where Jesus prepares his followers for his departure and encourages them about their connection to God.

The Greek behind John 16:27

  • The word for “loves” is φιλέω (phileō), which often means a warm, affectionate kind of love, like that between close friends or family. This choice of word emphasizes a personal, relational love from the Father, not just a general goodwill.
  • The phrase “came out from God” uses the Greek word ἐξῆλθον (exēlthon), meaning to come out or proceed from. This underlines Jesus’ origin and mission as truly sent from God, not just acting on his own.
  • The word for “believed” is πιστεύω (pisteuō), which means to trust or have faith. Here, it highlights that the disciples’ belief is not just intellectual agreement, but a trust in Jesus’ identity and mission.

Why John 16:27 matters

  • John 16:27 clears up the idea that God’s love is only mediated through Jesus; Jesus says the Father himself loves the disciples, showing a direct relationship.
  • The verse emphasizes that faith in Jesus’ divine origin is central to being loved by the Father, tying belief and love together.
  • In the wider context, this reassurance comes as Jesus prepares his disciples for difficult times, grounding their confidence in God’s personal love for them.

Where else these words appear

“loveth” 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.

“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;