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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/15-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/43_Jhn_15_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 15:13 - No Greater Love" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/15-12.htm" title="John 15:12">◄</a> John 15:13 <a href="/john/15-14.htm" title="John 15:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one&#8217s life for one&#8217s friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />No one shows greater love than when he lays down his life for his friends. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />No one has greater love than this--that one lays down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />No one has greater love than this--a man laying down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />greater love has no one than this, that anyone may lay down his life for his friends;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> greater love than this hath no one, that any one his life may lay down for his friends;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Greater love than this has none, that any lay down his life for his friends.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />No one has a greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />There is no greater love than this, when a man lays down his life for the sake of his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“There is no greater love than this: that a person would lay down his life for the sake of his friends.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Greater love has no man than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>No one has greater love than this, that he may lay down his soul for his friends.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />there cannot be greater love than that of a man, who lays down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />No one has greater love than this--a man laying down his life for his friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his soul for his friends.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Greater love hath no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/15-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=5513" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/15.htm">No Greater Love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12</span>This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizona (Adj-AFS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">Greater</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapēn (N-AFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">has</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: oudeis (Adj-NMS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">no one</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tautēs (DPro-GFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">than this,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">he</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5087.htm" title="5087: thē (V-ASA-3S) -- To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.">lay down</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychēn (N-AFS) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">life</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/5384.htm" title="5384: philōn (Adj-GMP) -- Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly.">friends.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">14</span>You are My friends if you do what I command you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-7.htm">Romans 5:7-8</a></span><br />Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. / But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16</a></span><br />By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a></span><br />and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7-8</a></span><br />but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. / And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm">1 Peter 3:18</a></span><br />For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a></span><br />I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-14.htm">Hebrews 9:14</a></span><br />how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-9.htm">1 John 4:9-10</a></span><br />This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. / And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a></span><br />just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a></span><br />For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-19.htm">Luke 22:19-20</a></span><br />And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” / In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4-5</a></span><br />Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-12.htm">Isaiah 53:12</a></span><br />Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-14.htm">Psalm 22:14-18</a></span><br />I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. / My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death. / For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/22-12.htm">Genesis 22:12-13</a></span><br />“Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the angel, “for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” / Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11,15</a></b></br> I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/5-6.htm">Romans 5:6-8</a></b></br> For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a></b></br> And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/23-49.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/john/15-5.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/john/14-28.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/luke/5-25.htm">Laying</a> <a href="/john/15-12.htm">Love</a> <a href="/john/13-10.htm">Someone</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/15-14.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/john/15-20.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Laying</a> <a href="/john/15-17.htm">Love</a> <a href="/john/18-39.htm">Someone</a><div class="vheading2">John 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/15-1.htm">The union of Jesus and his members shown under the parable of a vine.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">The hatred of the world.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/15-26.htm">The office of the Holy Spirit.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/john/15.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Greater love</b><br />The phrase "Greater love" in Greek is "μείζονα ἀγάπην" (meizona agapēn). The word "agapē" is a profound term for love in the New Testament, often used to describe the selfless, sacrificial love that God has for humanity. This love is not based on emotions or feelings but is an act of will, a deliberate choice to seek the well-being of others. In the historical context of Jesus' time, love was often understood in terms of familial or reciprocal relationships, but "agapē" transcends these boundaries, embodying the highest form of love that is unconditional and self-giving.<p><b>has no one than this</b><br />This phrase emphasizes the unparalleled nature of the love being described. The Greek "οὐδεὶς ἔχει μείζονα ταύτης" (oudeis echei meizona tautēs) suggests an absolute standard. In the context of Jesus' teachings, this statement sets a benchmark for love that surpasses all other forms. Historically, the concept of ultimate sacrifice was revered in many cultures, but Jesus redefines it by linking it directly to love, not just duty or honor.<p><b>that he lay down his life</b><br />The Greek phrase "ἵνα τις τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ θῇ" (hina tis tēn psychēn autou thē) translates to "that he lay down his life." The word "psychē" refers to life or soul, indicating the totality of one's being. In the scriptural context, laying down one's life is the ultimate act of self-sacrifice and commitment. This act is not merely about physical death but encompasses the willingness to give up one's own rights, desires, and comforts for the sake of others. Historically, this was a radical departure from the prevailing cultural norms where self-preservation was paramount.<p><b>for his friends</b><br />The term "friends" in Greek is "φίλων" (philōn), derived from "philos," which denotes a deep, personal affection and bond. In the context of Jesus' ministry, this term is significant because it elevates the disciples from mere followers to intimate companions. The historical context of friendship in the ancient world often involved mutual benefit and loyalty, but Jesus redefines it as a relationship marked by sacrificial love. Scripturally, this foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make on the cross, demonstrating the depth of His love for humanity and setting an example for His followers to emulate.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">Greater love hath no man than this.</span>--Better, . . . <span class= "ital">hath no one than this.</span> (Comp. Note on <a href="/john/10-18.htm" title="No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.">John 10:18</a>; <a href="/john/10-29.htm" title="My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.">John 10:29</a>.) Nothing greater is conceivable in the thought of love. He has spoken of His own love for them as the measure of their love for each other. The thought of this verse dwells upon what His love really was and what theirs should also be. (Comp. especially Note on <a href="/1_john/3-16.htm" title="Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.">1John 3:16</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">That a man lay down his life for his friends.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">that any one . . .</span> For the phrase "lay down his life," comp. <a href="/john/10-11.htm" title="I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.">John 10:11</a>. The term "friends" is here used because those whom He is addressing were His friends. There is no opposition between this passage and <a href="/romans/5-6.htm" title="For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.">Romans 5:6</a> <span class= "ital">et seq.</span> The point dwelt upon is the greatness of the love, and the highest reach of love is the self-sacrifice which spares not life itself. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Greater love than this</span> (love) <span class="cmt_word">no one hath, namely</span> (<span class="greek">ἵνα</span>), <span class="cmt_word">that one should lay down his life for his friends</span>. Meyer and Lange endeavor to maintain even here the telic force of <span class="greek">ἵνα</span>, "The love to you is of so consummate a character, that its object and purpose is seen in my laying down my life for my friends;" and Hengstenberg thinks so because probably a reference here is made to <a href="/isaiah/53-10.htm">Isaiah 53:10</a>, that our Lord was pointing to his atoning death - to a death needed alike by enemies and friends. Such an interpretation supposes the lofty purpose of the greatest love. To me, however, it seems more probable that the translation given above places the argument upon a surer; because more common, human, experience. The disposition to die for ungodly and for enemies is exalted by St. Paul (<a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</a>) above the self-sacrifice involved in dying for the good. Still, which may be shown, and has often been shown in self-sacrificing death for those who are beloved, whatever other and wider ends may be discerned afterwards and spoken of in other connections, he is here asserting that the love of friendship is quite strong and intense enough to secure such a sacrifice. And he adds - <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/15-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Greater</span><br /><span class="grk">μείζονα</span> <span class="translit">(meizona)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> </span><span class="str2">Large, great, in the widest sense. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">love</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγάπην</span> <span class="translit">(agapēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> </span><span class="str2">From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχει</span> <span class="translit">(echei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no one</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐδεὶς</span> <span class="translit">(oudeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> </span><span class="str2">No one, none, nothing. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">than this,</span><br /><span class="grk">ταύτης</span> <span class="translit">(tautēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[he]</span><br /><span class="grk">τις</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lay down</span><br /><span class="grk">θῇ</span> <span class="translit">(thē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">life</span><br /><span class="grk">ψυχὴν</span> <span class="translit">(psychēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> </span><span class="str2">From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπὲρ</span> <span class="translit">(hyper)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">his</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">friends.</span><br /><span class="grk">φίλων</span> <span class="translit">(philōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5384.htm">Strong's 5384: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/15-13.htm">NT Gospels: John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/15-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 15:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 15:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/15-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 15:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 15:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>