John 16:27
For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸς
himself
G846
αὐτὸς
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
4 of 18
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
πεφιλήκατε
have loved
G5368
πεφιλήκατε
have loved
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
5 of 18
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πεφιλήκατε
have loved
G5368
πεφιλήκατε
have loved
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
10 of 18
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πεπιστεύκατε
have believed
G4100
πεπιστεύκατε
have believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
12 of 18
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
παρὰ
from
G3844
παρὰ
from
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 14:21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.John 14:23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.John 17:23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.John 8:42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:1 John 4:19We love him, because he first loved us.Matthew 10:37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.John 16:30Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.2 Corinthians 5:14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
Historical Context
This teaching would have been revolutionary for first-century Judaism. While the Old Testament revealed God's covenant love for Israel, the idea that the Father personally loves individual disciples with tender affection—because of their love for and faith in Jesus—was astonishing. This wasn't the distant deity of Greek philosophy or the fearsome Judge of distorted religion, but a Father who delights in His children who trust His Son.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding the Father's direct, affectionate love for you (not merely tolerating you for Christ's sake) change your relationship with God?
- What is the connection between loving Jesus and being loved by the Father—does our love earn His, or does His love enable ours?
- How does genuine belief in Christ's divine origin affect our daily trust and obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For the Father himself loveth you (αὐτὸς γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ φιλεῖ ὑμᾶς)—Notice the verb here is phileō (φιλεῖ), indicating affectionate friendship-love, not the usual agapaō. The Father's love for believers mirrors a father's tender affection for children. The word "himself" (αὐτὸς/autos) emphasizes the Father's direct, personal love—not mediated or reluctant, but immediate and warm.
Because ye have loved me (ὅτι ὑμεῖς ἐμὲ πεφιλήκατε)—Again phileō, suggesting genuine affection and attachment to Christ. The perfect tense (πεφιλήκατε/pephilēkate) indicates an ongoing state resulting from past action—their love for Jesus has become an established reality. And have believed that I came out from God (πεπιστεύκατε ὅτι ἐγὼ παρὰ θεοῦ ἐξῆλθον)—The perfect tense of "believed" (πεπιστεύκατε/pepisteukate) likewise shows settled conviction. True faith grasps Christ's divine origin and mission.