John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαμβάνει
He that receiveth
G2983
λαμβάνει
He that receiveth
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
6 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
ἐάν
whomsoever
G1437
ἐάν
whomsoever
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
7 of 19
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
πέμψαντά
I send
G3992
πέμψαντά
I send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
9 of 19
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
λαμβάνει
He that receiveth
G2983
λαμβάνει
He that receiveth
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
11 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαμβάνει
He that receiveth
G2983
λαμβάνει
He that receiveth
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
15 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
λαμβάνει
He that receiveth
G2983
λαμβάνει
He that receiveth
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
16 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 10:16He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.Luke 9:48And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.Mark 9:37Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.Matthew 25:40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.Galatians 4:14And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.Colossians 2:6As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:1 Thessalonians 4:8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a sent messenger (שָׁלִיחַ, shaliach in Hebrew; apostolos in Greek) legally represented the sender with full authority. Jesus applies this cultural practice to apostolic ministry. Early church debates over authority (Galatians, 2 Corinthians) appealed to apostolic authentication. This verse grounds the canon—apostolic writings carry Christ's authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How should this verse shape your response to faithful preaching of God's Word?
- What accountability does this principle create for those who claim to speak for Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verily, verily introduces weighty truth. He that receiveth whomsoever I send (λαμβάνων, lambanōn; πέμπω, pempō)—receiving Christ's sent messengers equals receiving Christ. "Send" (pempō) is apostolic terminology; Jesus sends His apostles with His authority. Receiveth me—accepting Christ's representatives means accepting Christ Himself. This grants apostolic authority but also apostolic accountability.
And he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me—the chain extends to the Father. Receiving apostles → receiving Christ → receiving the Father. This establishes representational theology: the sent one carries the sender's authority. Jesus is the Father's sent One (John 3:17, 5:36); apostles are Jesus' sent ones (John 17:18, 20:21). Rejecting apostolic testimony means rejecting Christ and the Father. This grounds biblical authority—Scripture written by apostles carries Christ's own authority. The principle also warns Christ's messengers: misrepresenting Him means grave accountability.