John 13:34

New [κ α ι ν η ν]. See on Matthew 26:29.

Commandment [ε ν τ ο λ η ν]. The word for a single commandment or injunction, but used also for the whole body of the moral precepts of Christianity. See 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Peter 2:21; 2 Peter 3:2. See also on James 2:8. This new commandment embodies the essential principle of the whole law. Compare also 1 John 3:23. Some interpreters instead of taking that ye love one another, etc., as the definition of the commandment, explain the commandment as referring to the ordinance of the Holy Communion, and render, "a new commandment (to observe this ordinance) I give unto you, in order that ye love one another." It is, however, more than improbable, and contrary to usage, that the Holy Supper should be spoken of as ejntolh a commandment.

That [ι ν α]. With its usual telic 45 force; indicating the scope and not merely the form or nature of the commandment.

As [κ α θ ω ς]. Rev., better, even as. Not a simple comparison [ω σ π ε ρ], but a conformity; the love is to be of the same nature. There are, however, two ways of rendering the passage.

1. "I give you a new commandment, that ye love one another with the same devotion with which I loved you."

2. "I give you a new commandment, that ye love one another, even as up to this moment I loved you, in order that you may imitate my love one toward another." By the first rendering the character of the mutual love of Christians is described; by the second, its ground. The Rev. gives the latter in margin.