John 13:17
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Original Language Analysis
οἴδατε
ye know
G1492
οἴδατε
ye know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 8
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
6 of 8
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
Cross References
Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.James 4:17Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Ezekiel 36:27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.Revelation 22:14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.Psalms 19:11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.Exodus 40:16Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.Genesis 6:22Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism debated the primacy of study versus practice. Pharisees emphasized Torah study; Jesus emphasizes doing. This verse addresses the perennial temptation to substitute theological knowledge for obedient action. The early church struggled with this—James addresses believers who hear the word but don't do it. Reformed theology affirms faith alone saves, but genuine faith produces works (James 2:14-26).
Questions for Reflection
- What teachings of Christ do you know intellectually but fail to practice consistently?
- How does obedience to Christ's commands bring deeper joy than mere knowledge of them?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If ye know these things (εἰ ταῦτα οἴδατε, ei tauta oidate)—Jesus assumes they possess the knowledge from His teaching and example. The condition is reality: "since you know." But knowledge alone doesn't constitute blessedness. Happy are ye if ye do them (μακάριοι, makarioi; ποιῆτε, poiēte)—makarios is the beatitude word (Matthew 5:3-11), denoting deep spiritual blessedness, not superficial happiness.
The sharp contrast is knowledge versus obedience. Blessedness comes not from knowing Christ's teaching but from doing it (James 1:22-25). The Greek present tense "if ye do" (ongoing action) requires sustained obedience, not one-time compliance. This captures Jesus' consistent emphasis: "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). Knowing that Christ washed feet doesn't bless; washing others' feet in Christ-like humility brings blessing. Jesus establishes Christianity as orthopraxis (right practice), not merely orthodoxy (right belief).