John 14:31
But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
γνῷ
may know
G1097
γνῷ
may know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
3 of 20
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
5 of 20
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
the Father
G3962
πατήρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
9 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
the Father
G3962
πατήρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
15 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ποιῶ
I do
G4160
ποιῶ
I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
17 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Ἐγείρεσθε
Arise
G1453
Ἐγείρεσθε
Arise
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
18 of 20
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
Cross References
John 10:18No man taketh 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.Philippians 2:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.John 12:49For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.Luke 12:50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!Psalms 40:8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.John 15:9As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.Matthew 26:39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.John 18:11Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?John 12:27Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Historical Context
This marks the transition from Upper Room discourse to Gethsemane. Chapters 15-17 may have been spoken en route or in the garden. Jesus went willingly, demonstrating the cross was voluntary submission to the Father's plan, not forced by circumstances or enemies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing the cross as Jesus's love-demonstration to the Father enrich our understanding of atonement?
- What does Jesus's perfect obedience teach about true love—that it submits to God's will even when costly?
- How should Christians imitate Jesus's obedience to the Father's commands as demonstration of our love for God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence (ἀλλ' ἵνα γνῷ ὁ κόσμος ὅτι ἀγαπῶ τὸν πατέρα, καὶ καθὼς ἐνετείλατο μοί ὁ πατήρ, οὕτως ποιῶ. ἐγείρεσθε, ἄγωμεν ἐντεῦθεν, all' hina gnō ho kosmos hoti agapō ton patera, kai kathōs eneteilato moi ho patēr, houtōs poiō. egeiresthe, agōmen enteuthen)—Jesus explains His voluntary death: not Satan's victory but demonstration of His love for the Father. I love the Father (ἀγαπῶ τὸν πατέρα, agapō ton patera) using ἀγαπάω (agapaō, covenant love) shows the cross reveals Trinitarian love—the Son's obedience to the Father's redemptive plan. As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do (καθὼς ἐνετείλατο μοί ὁ πατήρ, οὕτως ποιῶ, kathōs eneteilato moi ho patēr, houtōs poiō)—perfect obedience to the Father's will. Arise, let us go hence—they leave the Upper Room for Gethsemane.
The cross is the supreme demonstration of the Son's love for the Father—willing obedience unto death (Philippians 2:8). This reframes the atonement: not merely God satisfying His wrath, but the Son joyfully honoring the Father by accomplishing redemption. The world sees God's love (John 3:16) and intra-Trinitarian love displayed at Calvary.