15:17

This is My command to you: Love one another: The Greek of this verse more literally says, “These things I command you, that you love one another.” There are two ways to interpret this verse:

(1) It is a quote introducer followed by the quotation. It means “I command you (plur.), ‘Love one another.’ For example:

This is my command: Love each other. (New Century Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Good News Translation)

(2) It describes what Jesus was doing and then includes a purpose clause. It means “I gave you these commands so that you (plur.) would love one another.” For example:

These things I command you, so that you will love one another. (English Standard Version)

(New Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version)

Two translations (New American Standard Bible, King James Version) can be understood either way. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) and most English translations and Bible scholars.

Love one another: This clause is Jesus’ command to all of his disciples, that each of them should love the other disciples.

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