New International VersionWhoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
New Living TranslationThose who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
English Standard VersionWhoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
Berean Standard BibleWhoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”
Berean Literal BibleThe one having My commandments and keeping them, he is the one loving Me. Now the one loving Me will be loved by My Father. And I will love him, and will show Myself to him."
King James BibleHe that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
New King James VersionHe who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
New American Standard BibleThe one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”
NASB 1995“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”
NASB 1977“He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him.”
Legacy Standard BibleHe who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”
Amplified BibleThe person who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him [I will make Myself real to him].”
Christian Standard BibleThe one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”
American Standard VersionHe that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.
Contemporary English VersionIf you love me, you will do what I have said, and my Father will love you. I will also love you and show you what I am like.
English Revised VersionHe that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhoever knows and obeys my commandments is the person who loves me. Those who love me will have my Father's love, and I, too, will love them and show myself to them."
Good News Translation"Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. My Father will love those who love me; I too will love them and reveal myself to them."
International Standard VersionThe person who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I, too, will love him and reveal myself to him."
NET BibleThe person who has my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him."
New Heart English BibleThe one who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him."
Webster's Bible TranslationHe that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me, shall be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Weymouth New TestamentHe who has my commandments and obeys them--he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will clearly reveal myself to him." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”
World English BibleOne who has my commandments and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionhe who is having My commands, and is keeping them, that one it is who is loving Me, and he who is loving Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.”
Berean Literal BibleThe one having My commandments and keeping them, he is the one loving Me. Now the one loving Me will be loved by My Father. And I will love him, and will show Myself to him."
Young's Literal Translation he who is having my commands, and is keeping them, that one it is who is loving me, and he who is loving me shall be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.'
Smith's Literal TranslationHe having my commands, and keeping them, the same is he loving me: and he loving me shall be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and manifest myself to him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that hath my commandments, and keepeth them; he it is that loveth me. And he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father: and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionWhoever holds to my commandments and keeps them: it is he who loves me. And whoever loves me shall be loved by my Father. And I will love him, and I will manifest myself to him.”
New American BibleWhoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
New Revised Standard VersionThey who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who has my commandments with him and obeys them, he is the one who loves me; he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and reveal myself to him.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Whoever has my commands and keeps them, he does love me, but he who loves me shall be loved from my Father and I shall love him, and I shall show myself to him.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHe that has my commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves me; and he that loves me shall be loved by my Father; and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Godbey New Testament
The one having my commandments, and keeping them, he is the one loving me with divine love: the one loving me with divine love, shall be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself unto him.
Haweis New Testament
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he is the person who loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Mace New Testament
he that hath received my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me, shall be beloved by my father, and I will love him, and shew my self unto him.
Weymouth New Testament
He who has my commandments and obeys them--he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will clearly reveal myself to him."
Worrell New Testament
He who has My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me; and he that loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him."
Worsley New Testament
He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest my self to him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit… 20On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. 21WhoeverhasMycommandmentsandkeepsthemisthe one wholovesMe.The one wholovesMewill be lovedbyMyFather,and Iwill lovehimandrevealMyselfto him.”22Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?”…
Cross References 1 John 5:3For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,
1 John 2:3-5By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. / If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. / But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:
John 15:10If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
1 John 4:19-21We love because He first loved us. / If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. / And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.
Matthew 7:21Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
1 John 3:24Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.
John 13:34-35A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
1 John 3:18Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.
2 John 1:6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.
Matthew 22:37-40Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ...
Romans 8:28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
James 1:22-25Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...
Deuteronomy 6:5And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Exodus 20:6but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.
Psalm 119:2Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.
Treasury of Scripture He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. that hath. John 14:15,23,24 If ye love me, keep my commandments… John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Genesis 26:3-5 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; … that loveth. John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 15:9,10 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love… John 16:27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. and will. John 14:18,22,23 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you… John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shewit unto you. Acts 18:9-11 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: … Jump to Previous ClearlyCommandmentsCommandsDiscloseKeepethKeepingKeepsLovesLovethManifestObeysRevealShowJump to Next ClearlyCommandmentsCommandsDiscloseKeepethKeepingKeepsLovesLovethManifestObeysRevealShowJohn 14 1.Jesus comforts his disciples with the hope of heaven;5.professes himself the way, the truth, and the life, and one with the Father;13.assures their prayers to be effectual;15.requires obedience;16.promises the Comforter;27.and leaves his peace with them.Whoever has My commandments and keeps themThis phrase emphasizes the importance of not only knowing Jesus' teachings but also actively living them out. In the Jewish tradition, the law was central to religious life, and Jesus' commandments are seen as a fulfillment and expansion of the Mosaic Law. The concept of keeping commandments is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where obedience to God's law was a sign of faithfulness ( Deuteronomy 6:1-9). The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus summarizing the law in the commandments to love God and love others ( Matthew 22:37-40). is the one who loves Me.
Love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience. This reflects the covenant relationship seen throughout the Bible, where love and obedience are intertwined (1John 5:3). In the cultural context of the time, love was often expressed through actions rather than just emotions. This aligns with the Hebrew understanding of love as a commitment to act in accordance with God's will. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father,
This statement highlights the reciprocal nature of the relationship between believers, Jesus, and the Father. It echoes the covenantal promises found in the Old Testament, where God's love and favor are bestowed upon those who are faithful (Exodus 20:6). The Father’s love is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the unity and shared purpose within the Trinity (John 3:16). and I will love him
Jesus' love is personal and active. This assurance of love is a promise of His ongoing presence and care. The love of Christ is a recurring theme in the New Testament, often linked with His sacrificial death and resurrection (Romans 5:8). This love is transformative, leading believers into a deeper relationship with God. and reveal Myself to him.”
Revelation here refers to a deeper understanding and experience of Jesus' nature and mission. This promise of revelation is fulfilled through the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth (John 16:13). The concept of revelation is significant in biblical prophecy, where God unveils His plans and purposes to His people. This personal revelation is part of the believer's spiritual growth and sanctification process. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, providing them with guidance and assurance of His love and presence. 2. The DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who follow Christ's teachings. 3. God the FatherMentioned as the one who loves those who love Jesus, highlighting the divine relationship between the Father and the Son. 4. The Upper RoomThe setting of this discourse, where Jesus shares His final teachings with His disciples before His crucifixion. 5. The Holy SpiritAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of John 14 includes Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit, who aids believers in keeping His commandments. Teaching Points Love and ObedienceTrue love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. This is not a legalistic requirement but a relational response to His love. Divine RelationshipLoving Jesus results in a deeper relationship with God the Father, as both the Father and the Son express their love to the obedient believer. Revelation of ChristJesus promises to reveal Himself to those who love and obey Him, indicating a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Empowerment by the Holy SpiritThe ability to keep Jesus' commandments is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers. Practical LoveKeeping Jesus' commandments involves practical expressions of love towards God and others, reflecting the greatest commandments. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 14:21?
2.How does John 14:21 define love for Jesus in practical terms?
3.What role does obedience play in our relationship with Jesus, according to John 14:21?
4.How does John 14:21 connect with the Greatest Commandment in Matthew 22:37-39?
5.In what ways can we "keep My commandments" in daily life?
6.How does Jesus reveal Himself to those who love Him, per John 14:21?
7.What does John 14:21 reveal about the relationship between love and obedience to Jesus' commands?
8.How does John 14:21 define the connection between love for Jesus and divine revelation?
9.In what ways does John 14:21 challenge the notion of faith without works?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 14?
11.How will I manifest myself to him?
12.How will I manifest myself to him?
13.Why does Jesus deny some who call him 'Lord'?
14.What does 'I Have Called You Friends' mean?What Does John 14:21 Mean Whoever has My commandmentsJesus begins by highlighting simple possession. To “have” His commandments means we have received, heard, and embraced what He has spoken. It echoes the psalmist’s confession, “I have hidden Your word in my heart” (Psalm 119:11). The disciples already heard Jesus sum up all commandments in love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40), and He has just added the new command to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34). When His words dwell in us—“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you” (John 15:7)—we truly possess them.
and keeps themHaving is incomplete without keeping. To “keep” means to guard and obey, reflecting how Noah “did everything that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). Obedience is tangible proof of possession: “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3-4). Keeping carries the idea of ongoing pattern, not momentary success. When we stumble, we confess and return, yet the overall direction of life is obedience (1 John 1:9).
is the one who loves MeJesus ties love to obedience, not mere sentiment. Genuine affection manifests in action, like Abraham offering Isaac (James 2:21-23) or Mary pouring costly perfume (John 12:3). Christ states plainly: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). Love is authenticated by obedience; obedience is animated by love. Neither is negotiable.
The one who loves Me will be loved by My FatherHere Jesus assures a special experiential love from the Father toward obedient children. This is not about earning salvation—salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9)—but about entering a deeper relational enjoyment of the Father’s affection. Similar language appears inJohn 16:27: “The Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me.” As we walk in obedience, we feel the Father’s delight in tangible ways, enjoying what Jude calls “keeping yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21).
and I will love himThough Jesus already loves the whole world (John 3:16), there is an intensified, personal expression reserved for obedient believers. Think of His unique affection for John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), or for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:5). Obedience opens the door to deeper communion where Christ’s love is not only believed but continually experienced (Ephesians 3:18-19).
and reveal Myself to himThe promise culminates in revelation. Jesus pledges ongoing self-disclosure—an ever-growing awareness of His character, presence, and purpose. After His resurrection He “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45), and today He does the same through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15). As we walk in obedience, Scripture becomes clearer, prayer more intimate, and circumstances more obviously guided by His hand. This progressive unveiling anticipates the ultimate revelation when “we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).
summaryJohn 14:21 presents a beautiful progression: receiving Jesus’ commands, living them out, and thereby demonstrating authentic love for Him. That love invites an enriched relationship marked by the Father’s delight, Christ’s personal affection, and ongoing revelations of His person. Obedience does not purchase salvation; it proves love and positions us to experience the fullness of divine fellowship promised to every faithful disciple. (21) He that hath my commandments.--Comp. John 14:15 and John 5:36. This verse points out the successive degrees which led up to the full manifestation of Christ. The first step is the moral apprehension and practical observance of our Lord's commandments, which necessarily result from love to Christ. He it is that loveth me.--The next step is the special receptivity of the Father's love which he who loves Christ possesses, and therefore there is a special sense in which the Father loves him. The words express with fulness of emphasis, "He it is, and he only." And I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.--The special love of the Son follows from the special love of the Father, and is accompanied by the full manifestation of the Son. This is further explained inJohn 14:23. Verse 21. - Then for a moment he turns from the eleven, and stretches out his searching gaze and far-sweeping love to every one who hath my commandments as a sure possession and lofty privilege and sufficient standard, and keepeth them, thus proving that he it is that loveth me; returning thus back to Ver. 15, where he said that love would induce and ought to compel to obedience; and he adds another and wonderful benediction: He will be loved by my Father, in a sense more intense than that in which God is said to love the world ( John 3:16). God the Father loves those who love the Son, i.e. love the object of his own superlative affection. But who can this wondrous Being be who adds, as a climax of privilege and honor, as though it were more even than the love of the Father, I will love him, and will manifest myself in him (not ἀποκαλύψω or φανερώσω), not merely "disclose an undiscovered presence" or make evident a hidden glory, but I will take special means to disclose my Person and nature and goodness to him? Christ will do this to those who have and keep his commandments of self-forgetting love and perfect consecration. This remarkable word, ἐμφανίσω, implies that the scene and place of the higher manifestation will be " in" ( ἐν) the consciousness of the soul. "The kingdom of God is within men.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Whoeverὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.hasἔχων(echōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.commandmentsἐντολάς(entolas)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785:An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.keepsτηρῶν(tērōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5083:From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.themαὐτὰς(autas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.the [one who]ὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.lovesἀγαπῶν(agapōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 25:To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.Me.με(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.The [one who]ὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.lovesἀγαπῶν(agapōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 25:To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.Meμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.will be lovedἀγαπηθήσεται(agapēthēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 25:To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.byὑπὸ(hypo)Preposition
Strong's 5259:A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.Father,Πατρός(Patros)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.and Iκἀγὼ(kagō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504:To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.will loveἀγαπήσω(agapēsō)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 25:To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.himαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.revealἐμφανίσω(emphanisō)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1718:To make visible (manifest); hence: I report (inform) against; pass: I appear before. From emphanes; to exhibit or disclose.Myselfἐμαυτόν(emauton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1683:Genitive case compound of emou and autos; of myself so likewise the dative case emautoi em-ow-to', and accusative case emauton em-ow-ton'.to him.”αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: John 14:21 One who has my commandments and keeps (Jhn Jo Jn) |
