Skip to main content
    Love & Discipleship

    John 13:34-35 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
    — John 13:34-35 (KJV)
    Read Chapter

    Introduction

    On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gave a 'new commandment' — love one another AS He had loved them. The standard wasn't new; the measure was: Jesus' sacrificial love became the benchmark.

    Historical Context

    Jesus had just washed His disciples' feet, modeling the love He now commanded. He gave this knowing He would be betrayed, denied, and crucified.

    Original Language Insights

    'New' (kainen) — new in quality, not just time. A qualitatively different standard.

    'As I have loved you' (kathos egapesa humas) — the standard is Christ's own sacrificial love.

    'Know' (gnosontai) — will recognize. Love is the visible evidence of invisible discipleship.

    Theological Significance

    Love — not doctrine, not miracles — is the identifying mark of disciples. The standard 'as I have loved you' makes this impossible without the Holy Spirit.

    Practical Application

    Make love the priority of your Christian community. Love sacrificially, unconditionally, initiatively. Ask: would people around me identify me as Jesus' disciple by my love?

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    1 John 4:7-8

    "He that loveth not knoweth not God."

    John develops this into the definitive test of knowing God.

    John 15:12-13

    "Greater love hath no man than this."

    Jesus defines love's ultimate expression: laying down one's life.

    Prayer Response

    Lord Jesus, You have loved me with love I could never earn. Now You command me to love others the same way. Fill me with Your Spirit and Your love. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is this called 'new' if love was already commanded?

    The command to love was not new. What was new was the standard — 'as I have loved you.' OT love was measured by self-love; NT love by Christ's self-sacrifice.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying John 13 verse by verse:

    Before · John 13:33Exact verse

    Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

    Theme: Jesus' Farewell

    After · John 13:35Exact verse

    By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

    Theme: Christian Identity

    Nearest commentary in John

    Later · 1 ch forward · John 14:15Nearest chapter

    If ye love me, keep my commandments.

    Theme: Obedient Love

    Later · 1 ch forward · John 14:16-17Nearest chapter

    And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

    Theme: The Holy Spirit

    Later · 1 ch forward · John 14:26Nearest chapter

    But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

    Theme: Holy Spirit

    Later · 1 ch forward · John 14:27Nearest chapter

    Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

    Theme: Peace

    Read John 12No commentary yet
    Read John 13 (full)Nearest commentary: John 13:34
    Read John 14Commentary: John 14:27
    Previous commentary: John 13:33Next commentary: John 13:35

    Related Commentaries

    John 13:34 Commentary

    "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you…"

    Christian Love

    John 13:35 Commentary

    "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to anot…"

    Christian Identity

    John 8:31 Commentary

    "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, …"

    Disciples Indeed

    John 16:31 Commentary

    "Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?…"

    Jesus' Question About Their Belief

    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Bible Say About Accountability?

    Scripture teaches that believers should hold each other accountable in love, confessing sins to one another and encouraging godly living.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?

    The Bible celebrates loyal friendship, exemplified by David and Jonathan, and teaches that true friends love at all times and sharpen one another.

    Read answer

    Who Was Zebedee in the New Testament?

    Zebedee was a Galilean fisherman and the father of the apostles James and John, whom Jesus called to be His disciples.

    Read answer

    What Is Tithing?

    Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.

    Read answer

    What does the Bible say about tithing?

    The Old Testament commands giving a tenth (tithe) of one's income to God. The New Testament emphasizes cheerful, generous, and sacrificial giving without specifying a percentage.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Love?

    The Bible teaches that God is love, that He demonstrated love by sending His Son, and that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    John 13:34-35 – Meaning & Devotional

    "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

    John 13:34 – Meaning & Devotional

    "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

    John 13:34 – Meaning & Devotional

    "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    Water Turned into Wine

    Jesus' first public miracle at a wedding in Cana turned six water pots into the best wine.

    Read the miracle
    Resurrection
    New Testament

    The Raising of Lazarus

    After four days in the tomb, Lazarus came forth at the command of Jesus.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Man Born Blind

    Jesus anointed a man's eyes with clay and gave sight to one born blind from birth.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Man Born Blind

    Jesus anoints a man born blind with clay, sends him to Siloam, and he returns seeing.

    Read the miracle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Commentary

    John 13:34 Commentary

    In-depth study • Christian Love

    Devotional

    John 13:34-35 — Meaning & Devotional

    Love

    Devotional

    John 13:34 — Meaning & Devotional

    Love

    Commentary

    John 15:12 Commentary

    In-depth study • Love

    Commentary

    Matthew 22:37-39 Commentary

    In-depth study • Love & Commandments

    Hymn

    My Jesus, I Love Thee

    William R. Featherstone • 1864

    Share this commentary:
    Share:
    John 8:36John 15:1-5

    Where to go next

    Read the commentary on John 13:34-35? Here is where most readers go next.