John 15:18
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
3 of 11
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
μεμίσηκεν
hate
G3404
μεμίσηκεν
hate
Strong's:
G3404
Word #:
5 of 11
to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less
γινώσκετε
ye know
G1097
γινώσκετε
ye know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
6 of 11
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
1 John 3:13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.John 7:7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.Mark 13:13And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.John 3:20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.Luke 6:22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.Matthew 10:22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.Matthew 5:11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.James 4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Historical Context
Within decades, Roman persecution would kill most apostles. Jesus' warning prevented disillusionment: persecution wasn't God's failure but His prediction fulfilled. The early church saw martyrdom as identification with Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How should knowing that persecution indicates authentic Christianity change your response to opposition?
- In what ways does contemporary culture express hatred toward Christ and His followers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus transitions from love within the church to hatred from the world. The world's hatred of believers stems from its prior hatred of Christ—opposition to Christians is ultimately opposition to God. 'Ye know' indicates certainty: persecution isn't possible, it's guaranteed. This prepares disciples for coming trials, showing that rejection proves they belong to Christ, not the world.