Greater Love Hath No Man: What Does John 15:13 Mean?

John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (King James Version)

Also see the meaning of Be Fruitful and Multiply to learn more.

Greater Love Hath No Man: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

15:9-17 Those whom God loves as a Father, may despise the hatred of all the world. As the Father loved Christ, who was most worthy, so he loved his disciples, who were unworthy.

All that love the Saviour should continue in their love to him, and take all occasions to show it. The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment, but the joy of those who abide in Christ’s love is a continual feast.

They are to show their love to him by keeping his commandments. If the same power that first shed abroad the love of Christ’s in our hearts, did not keep us in that love, we should not long abide in it. Christ’s love to us should direct us to love each other. He speaks as about to give many things in charge, yet names this only; it includes many duties.

Also see the meaning of What God Has Joined Together to learn more.

John 15:13 | Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

13. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends—The emphasis lies not on “friends,” but on “laying down his life” for them; that is, “One can show no greater regard for those dear to him than to give his life for them, and this is the love ye shall find in Me.”

Also see the meaning of I Knew You Before You Were Born to learn more.