"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
— John 13:34 (NIV)
John 13:34 is the verse people mean when they search the reference for "love one another" as Jesus' new command. This page is that line and a plain reading. The longer John 13 study on this site is Love one another: John 13. Jesus' love in the next chapter of the same discourse is How to love like Jesus: John 15 and John 15:13. God's love shown at the cross in Paul is Romans 5:8.
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The verse
John 13:34 (NIV) reads: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
The King James says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." The measure is not vague goodwill. It is "as I have loved you."
What the verse is saying
Jesus speaks in the upper room after washing the disciples' feet and before the cross. "New" is not because love was unknown in Israel; it is new in the standard he sets — his own love for them. The next verse says people will know they are his disciples by that love (John 13:35). This page stays with the reference. The chapter study is Love one another: John 13.
"As I have loved you" points forward to the cross and already to the towel and basin. Costly, initiatory love is the pattern. Related pages are What does the Bible say about love and Bible verses about love.
How people use John 13:34
People look up the reference for sermons on discipleship, church unity, friendship that costs something, and cards that name the new command. It pairs with 1 John 4:8 and 1 John 4:16 when the topic is love as the mark of knowing God. Lists that gather love commands include Bible verses about love.
Questions people ask
What does John 13:34 say?
It says Jesus gives a new command: love one another. As he has loved you, so you must love one another.
What makes the command new?
The measure is new: "as I have loved you." Love of neighbor was already commanded; Jesus ties the church's love to his own love for them. See Love one another: John 13.
How does this relate to John 15:13?
John 13:34 commands love shaped by Jesus' love. John 15:13 names the greatest love as laying down one's life for friends. See John 15:13.
Is love one another only for church people?
Jesus speaks to his disciples. The church has always heard this as the mark of belonging to him. Neighbor love elsewhere in Scripture is wider; this command is the family rule of his followers.
Where should I read next?
For the John 13 study, read Love one another: John 13. For John 15, read How to love like Jesus: John 15. For a daily verse, open Bible verse of the day.
