John 13:34
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Jesus speaks on the night before His crucifixion, after washing the disciples' feet -- a living picture of the love He now commands.
What Does John 13:34 Mean?
In one sentence: Jesus commands His followers to love one another, and sets the measure of that love: "as I have loved you." Love itself was not new -- the Old Testament commanded it -- but the standard is: Christ's own self-giving love.
This love is the mark of a disciple; the next verse says the world will know we are His by it. The command is also empowered -- we love from having first been loved by Him.
In the Original Language
The Greek "agapao" (love) is self-giving love that seeks another's good. "Kainos" (new) means new in kind. "Entole" (commandment) is an authoritative charge.
Cross References
Application
Let the measure of your love for others be Christ's love for you -- sacrificial and humble -- as the clearest evidence that you follow Him.