New International VersionI no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
New Living TranslationI no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
English Standard VersionNo longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
Berean Standard BibleNo longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
Berean Literal BibleNo longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because all things that I heard from My Father, I have made known to you.
King James BibleHenceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
New King James VersionNo longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
New American Standard BibleNo longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
NASB 1995“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
NASB 1977“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
Legacy Standard BibleNo longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
Amplified BibleI do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father.
Christian Standard BibleI do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father.
Holman Christian Standard BibleI do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.
American Standard VersionNo longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father, I have made known unto you.
Contemporary English VersionServants don't know what their master is doing, and so I don't speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything my Father has told me.
English Revised VersionNo longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father I have made known unto you.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI don't call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn't know what his master is doing. But I've called you friends because I've made known to you everything that I've heard from my Father.
Good News TranslationI do not call you servants any longer, because servants do not know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father.
International Standard VersionI don't call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn't know what his master is doing. But I've called you friends, because I've made known to you everything that I've heard from my Father.
NET BibleI no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father.
New Heart English BibleNo longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father I have made known to you.
Webster's Bible TranslationHenceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you.
Weymouth New TestamentNo longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all that I have heard from the Father I have made known to you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNo longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
World English BibleNo longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI no longer call you servants, because the servant has not known what his lord does, and I have called you friends, because all things that I heard from My Father, I made known to you.
Berean Literal BibleNo longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because all things that I heard from My Father, I have made known to you.
Young's Literal Translation no more do I call you servants, because the servant hath not known what his lord doth, and you I have called friends, because all things that I heard from my Father, I did make known to you.
Smith's Literal TranslationI no more call you servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: and I have called you friends; for all which I heard of my Father I made known to you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI will not now call you servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends: because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you.
Catholic Public Domain VersionI will no longer call you servants, for the servant does not know what his Lord is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything whatsoever that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you.
New American BibleI no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
New Revised Standard VersionI do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHenceforth I will not call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master does; but I have always called you my friends, because everything that I heard from my Father I made it known to you.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master does, but I have called you my friends, because all that I have heard from my Father, I have taught you.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentI no longer call you servants, because the servant knows not what his master does. But I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you.
Godbey New TestamentNo longer do I call you servants; because the servant knows not what his lord is doing: but I have called you friends; because all things which I heard with my Father, I made known unto you.
Haweis New Testament
I no more call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his master is doing: but I have called you friends because I have made known to you all things which I have heard of my Father.
Mace New Testament
henceforth I do not treat you as servants; for the servant is unacquainted with his master's affairs: but I have treated you as friends; for what I have learnt of my father, I have communicated to you.
Weymouth New Testament
No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all that I have heard from the Father I have made known to you.
Worrell New Testament
No longer do I call you slaves; because the slave knows not what his lord is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things which I heard from My Father I made known to you.
Worsley New Testament
I no longer stile you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth: but I have called you friends; for whatsoever I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context No Greater Love… 14You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15No longerdo I callyouservants,fora servantdoes notunderstandwhathismasteris doing.ButI have calledyoufriends,becauseeverythingI have learnedfromMyFatherI have made knownto you.16You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.…
Cross References John 13:16Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
John 17:6-8I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. / Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. / For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me.
Matthew 11:27All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.
Luke 12:4I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
Romans 8:15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Galatians 4:6-7And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” / So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.
Ephesians 1:9And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ
1 Corinthians 2:10-12But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. / We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
Hebrews 2:11For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
James 2:23And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.
Exodus 33:11Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.
Genesis 18:17And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?
Isaiah 41:8“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—
Psalm 25:14The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.
Proverbs 3:32for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.
Treasury of Scripture From now on I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known to you. I call. John 15:20 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 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him willmy Father honour. John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. friends. James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. all. John 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. John 17:6-8,26 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word… Genesis 18:17-19 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; … Jump to Previous BondmanBondmenBusinessFriendsHeardHenceforthInsteadLongerMasterMaster'sServantServantsSlaveSlavesJump to Next BondmanBondmenBusinessFriendsHeardHenceforthInsteadLongerMasterMaster'sServantServantsSlaveSlavesJohn 15 1.The union of Jesus and his members shown under the parable of a vine.18.The hatred of the world.26.The office of the Holy Spirit.No longer do I call you servantsIn the cultural context of the time, a servant (or slave) was someone who obeyed commands without necessarily understanding the master's intentions. Jesus elevates His disciples from mere servants to a more intimate relationship. This shift signifies a deeper level of trust and intimacy. In the Old Testament, figures like Moses and David were called servants of God, highlighting their roles in God's plan, but Jesus offers something greater. for a servant does not understand what his master is doing
This phrase highlights the limited knowledge and understanding a servant has regarding the master's plans. In biblical times, servants were expected to follow orders without question. Jesus contrasts this with the relationship He offers, where His followers are given insight into God's purposes. This echoes the idea inAmos 3:7, where God reveals His plans to His prophets. But I have called you friends
Calling the disciples "friends" indicates a significant shift in relationship. Friendship implies mutual knowledge, trust, and love. In ancient cultures, friendship was a bond of loyalty and shared purpose. This reflects the covenant relationship God desires with His people, as seen in the friendship between God and Abraham (James 2:23). because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you
Jesus emphasizes the transparency and openness He has with His disciples. This phrase underscores the divine revelation Jesus provides, sharing the wisdom and knowledge He received from the Father. It aligns with the role of Jesus as the ultimate prophet, revealing God's will, as seen inHebrews 1:1-2. This also fulfills the promise of the New Covenant, where God's law is written on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:33). Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, emphasizing the intimate relationship He shares with them. 2. DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' message, representing all believers who follow Christ. 3. Father (God)Referred to by Jesus as the source of all knowledge and wisdom that He imparts to His disciples. 4. ServantsA metaphorical reference to those who serve without understanding the full scope of their master's plans. 5. FriendsThe new status Jesus gives to His disciples, indicating a deeper, more personal relationship. Teaching Points Intimacy with ChristJesus invites us into a personal relationship where we are not just followers but friends who share in His mission and purpose. Revelation of God's WillAs friends of Jesus, we are privy to the knowledge and understanding of God's plans, which He reveals to us through His Word and Spirit. Transformation of IdentityOur identity in Christ transforms from mere servants to beloved friends, which should impact how we live and serve. Obedience and FriendshipTrue friendship with Jesus involves obedience to His commands, as it reflects our love and commitment to Him. Communion with GodLike Moses and Abraham, we are called to a relationship where we can communicate openly with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 15:15?
2.How does John 15:15 redefine our relationship with Jesus from servants to friends?
3.What responsibilities come with being called a "friend" of Jesus in John 15:15?
4.How does Jesus revealing "everything" connect to His teachings in other scriptures?
5.How can we apply the friendship with Jesus to our daily spiritual walk?
6.In what ways can we share Jesus' teachings as His friends in our communities?
7.What does John 15:15 mean by calling believers "friends" instead of "servants"?
8.How does John 15:15 redefine the relationship between Jesus and His followers?
9.Why is the concept of friendship with Jesus significant in John 15:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 15?
11.What does "I Have Called You Friends" mean?
12.What defines a personal relationship with Jesus?
13.John 15:15: How can Jesus call his followers “friends” here, yet other scriptures refer to them as “servants” or “slaves” (e.g., Romans 1:1)?
14.What does 'I Have Called You Friends' mean?What Does John 15:15 Mean No longer do I call you servants• Jesus draws a clear line: the relationship is changing from servanthood to something deeper (John 13:16;Galatians 4:7). • Servants obey, but they remain at a distance; they are valued for work, not intimacy. • The change highlights grace—disciples didn’t earn promotion; Christ grants it (Ephesians 2:8-9).
for a servant does not understand what his master is doing• Servants receive orders without explanations; insight is limited (Luke 17:7-10). • God never intended His people to stay in the dark; revelation is a sign of love (Amos 3:7). • Christ’s teaching ministry has been pulling the curtain back (Matthew 13:11).
But I have called you friends• Friendship with God is a biblical pattern—Abraham (James 2:23) and Moses (Exodus 33:11). • Friendship implies mutual affection, shared interests, and open conversation (Proverbs 18:24). • In Christ, the disciples experience covenant friendship, not casual acquaintance (John 14:21-23).
because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you• Jesus is the perfect revelator, passing on exactly what the Father gave Him (John 8:26; 12:49-50). • “Everything” underscores completeness; no hidden agenda, no secret knowledge reserved for an elite (John 17:8). • The Spirit will continue this disclosure after the resurrection (John 16:13-15). • The purpose is not information only, but transformation and mission (Matthew 28:18-20;Acts 1:8).
summaryJohn 15:15 reveals a stunning shift: through Christ, believers move from mere servants to cherished friends. Friendship signifies access, understanding, and shared purpose. Jesus offers full disclosure of the Father’s heart so that His people can live in intimate fellowship and faithfully carry out His will. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants.--Better, I call you no longer, or, Ido not still call you, servants. (Comp. John 14:30.) For the word "servant," as applied to them, comp. John 12:26; John 13:13. It is used again in this discourse ( John 15:20), but with reference to an earlier saying. In John 20:17, he calls them brethren. The word here rendered "servant" means literally "bond-servant," "slave." He will not apply this to them, but the foremost Apostles felt that His service was perfect freedom, and it became the common title which they applied to themselves. (Comp., e.g.,Romans 1:1; James 1:1; 2Peter 1:1; Revelation 1:1.) . . . Verse 15. - No longer do I call you servants, bond-slaves. True, he had in this very discourse spoken of them as his δοῦλοι, ( John 13:13, 16). Again and again in his parabolic teaching he had spoken of his disciples as servants of a Lord ( Matthew 13:27; Matthew 22:4; Luke 12:37; and John 12:26, where another word is used). And moreover, later on in this very chapter (Ver. 20), the word and thought return, so that this relation to him, gloried in by St. Paul ( Philippians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:22), St. James ( James 1:1), Jude ( Jude 1:1), and even St. John ( Revelation 1:1), could be sustained in its integrity, even after it had been transfigured, and penetrated through and through with the light of love. Because the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth. The slave is an instrument, doing by commandment, not from intimate knowledge, his Lord's behests. But you I have called ( εἴρηκα) - on previous occasions (see Luke 12:4; and cf. John 11:11, "Our friend Lazarus") - friends, for whom it is joy to die, and I have effected the transfiguration of your service into love. I have raised you by the intimacy of the relations into which 1 have drawn you from the position of slave to that of friend. You may be, you must be, my servants still; I am your Master and Lord; but you will be servants from a higher motive and a more enduring link and bond of union. For all things which I heard of my Father. Notice the source of the Savior's teaching. He was sent from God, trained and taught, as a man; he chose thus, humanly, to learn step by step, thing by thing, what to reveal of his own nature, of his purpose and plan in redeeming men, concerning the essence of the Father himself, and the entire significance of his self-manifestation. That which I heard I made known unto you. This is only in apparent contradiction with John 16:12, where he implies that there will be more for them to learn in the future, when the mystery of his death, resurrection, and ascension shall have been accomplished. The limitation of the πάντα α} ἤκουσα does not consist in doctrines as opposed to practical duties, nor in the plan of salvation for individuals as antithetic to principles of his kingdom, nor in principles as distinguished from what may ultimately be found in them, but in the capacities and circumstances of the disciples themselves ( John 16:12 is a corollary of this solemn assurance). The reason of the present assertion is the proof that it thus supplies of their dearness to him. "Ye are my friends." He had told them all that they could bear. He had lifted the veil high enough for their truest joy and noblest discipline. He had bared his heart to them. He had kept back nothing that was profitable. He had proved his own friendship, and thus given a conclusive reason for his complete self-devotion on their account.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek No longerοὐκέτι(ouketi)Adverb
Strong's 3765:No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.do I callλέγω(legō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.servants,δούλους(doulous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401:(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.forὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.a servantδοῦλος(doulos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401:(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.{does} notοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.understandοἶδεν(oiden)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.whatτί(ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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.masterκύριος(kyrios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.is doing.ποιεῖ(poiei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.I have calledεἴρηκα(eirēka)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2046:Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.friends,φίλους(philous)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5384:Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.everythingπάντα(panta)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.I have learnedἤκουσα(ēkousa)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.fromπαρὰ(para)Preposition
Strong's 3844:Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.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.FatherΠατρός(Patros)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.I have made knownἐγνώρισα(egnōrisa)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1107:To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know.to you.ὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
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NT Gospels: John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants (Jhn Jo Jn) |
