John 15:17

An Exegetical Analysis of ταῦτα and the ἵνα Clause in John 15:17

This exegetical study of ‘ταῦτα and ἵνα in John 15:17′ is based on a b-greek discussion from Fri May 23 07:05:24 EDT 2003. The initial inquiry focused on the various interpretations of John 15:17, specifically concerning the referent of the demonstrative pronoun ταῦτα and the grammatical function of the subsequent ἵνα clause. Different English translations (NRSV, NIV) highlight this ambiguity, with some understanding ταῦτα as referring to multiple preceding commands and the ἵνα clause introducing a purpose, while others interpret ταῦτα as a singular reference to the command introduced by the ἵνα clause itself.

The main exegetical issue revolves around whether ταῦτα functions anaphorically, pointing back to previously stated commands (e.g., verses 13-16 or earlier), or kataphorically, anticipating the command presented in the ἵνα clause that follows. Simultaneously, the precise semantic force of ἵνα in Hellenistic Greek, particularly in John’s Gospel, is debated: is it primarily a clause of purpose, result, or does it serve as a direct object or content clause, functioning almost as a complementary infinitive in Modern Greek?

Greek text (Nestle 1904)

Ταῦτα ἐντέλλομαι ὑμῖν, ἵνα ἀγαπᾶτε ἀλλήλους.

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• There are no textual differences between the Nestle 1904 text and the SBLGNT (2010) for John 15:17 that affect the core exegetical questions of this study. Both read: Ταῦτα ἐντέλλομαι ὑμῖν, ἵνα ἀγαπᾶτε ἀλλήλους.

Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes

The critical apparatus of NA28 does not indicate any significant textual variants for John 15:17 that would alter the meaning or grammatical structure relevant to the current discussion regarding ταῦτα or the ἵνα clause.

Lexical Notes:

• ταῦτα (tauta): This is the neuter plural nominative/accusative form of the demonstrative pronoun οὗτος (houtos). BDAG defines it as “this” or “these.” Its referential function is key: it can refer anaphorically to something previously mentioned or kataphorically to something about to be stated. Bullinger (Figures of Speech Used in the Bible) notes a phenomenon termed ‘heterosis of number,’ where a plural (like ταῦτα) might be used to denote the excellence or magnitude of a singular concept, drawing attention to its importance.
• ἐντέλλομαι (entellomai): “to command, to instruct, to enjoin.” BDAG highlights its use in contexts of authoritative directive. In John’s Gospel, it frequently signifies divine commands or the commands of Jesus (e.g., John 14:15; 15:12, 14, 17).
• ὑμῖν (hymin): Dative plural of ὑμεῖς, “to you (plural).”
• ἵνα (hina): This conjunction, especially prevalent in John’s Gospel, is highly versatile. BDAG lists its primary uses as introducing clauses of purpose (“in order that”), result (“with the result that”), and content/direct object (“that”). In Hellenistic Greek, particularly after verbs of commanding, entreating, or wishing, ἵνα increasingly functions as a direct object clause, indicating the content of the command or wish, analogous to an infinitive construction in other languages.
• ἀγαπᾶτε (agapate): Present active subjunctive second person plural of ἀγαπάω, “to love.” The subjunctive mood here is governed by ἵνα, indicating either purpose or the content of the command. The concept of ἀγάπη (agapē) in John emphasizes a self-giving, divine love, particularly within the community of believers (John 13:34-35; 15:12).
• ἀλλήλους (allēlous): Accusative plural of the reciprocal pronoun, “one another.”

Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The interpretation of John 15:17 hinges on two primary analyses, both represented in various English translations:

1. Anaphoric ταῦτα and Purposeful ἵνα: This view suggests that ταῦτα refers to the plurality of commands Jesus has just given (e.g., abiding in Him, abiding in His love, loving one another in vv. 1-16, or specifically vv. 13-16). In this reading, the ἵνα clause introduces the *purpose* for which Jesus issues these commands. The NRSV, for instance, implies this by rendering ταῦτα as “I am giving you these commands so that,” connecting the specific command of mutual love to a broader set of preceding directives. Supporters of this view note the parallel with verse 14 (ὑμεῖς φίλοι μου ἐστὲ ἐὰν ποιῆτε ἃ ἐγὼ ἐντέλλομαι ὑμῖν), where ἃ (a) clearly refers anaphorically to previous commands. Furthermore, it is argued that 15:15-16 might be understood as somewhat parenthetical, allowing ταῦτα in v. 17 to naturally link back to the overarching themes of abiding and loving found in vv. 4 and 9. This reading posits mutual love as the ultimate goal or outcome of all Jesus’s teachings.

2. Kataphoric ταῦτα and Direct Object ἵνα: This alternative interpretation posits that ταῦτα refers kataphorically to the single command introduced by the ἵνα clause that immediately follows. The NIV, for example, often translates this as “This is my command: Love each other,” effectively treating ταῦτα as singular despite its plural form in Greek. Proponents of this view, drawing on grammarians like Daniel Wallace, emphasize that ἵνα clauses, especially after verbs of command (**ἐντέλλομαι**), frequently function as direct object or content clauses, specifying *what* is commanded rather than *why*. The use of the neuter plural ταῦτα to refer to a single, significant command is also supported by figures like Bullinger, who explains it as a “heterosis of number” to denote the importance of the command. The NET Bible also adopts this understanding, translating “This I command you—to love one another,” with a note acknowledging the plural Greek form but explaining its singular referent. This interpretation highlights mutual love as the singular, overarching command Jesus imparts.

Critical analysis by scholars in the original discussion illuminated further nuances. While the versatility of ἵνα in Hellenistic Greek (functioning as purpose, result, or noun clause) is widely acknowledged, the commonality of a *plural* demonstrative pronoun (ταῦτα) being used kataphorically for a *singular* command in the New Testament is less clear. John’s typical kataphoric construction for a singular command is often αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ ἐντολὴ ἡ ἐμή, ἵνα (as in John 15:12), using the singular αὕτη. However, parallels like 1 Timothy 5:7 (καὶ ταῦτα παραγγέλλε ἵνα…) suggest that ταῦτα can indeed anticipate a single command or instruction given via an ἵνα clause. The rhetorical effect of either reading is significant: an anaphoric ταῦτα frames mutual love as the ultimate purpose of all preceding commands, while a kataphoric ταῦτα elevates mutual love as *the* paramount command itself.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The exegetical analysis reveals that both anaphoric and kataphoric interpretations of ταῦτα in John 15:17 possess grammatical and rhetorical plausibility. The anaphoric reading connects mutual love to a broader set of divine directives, making it the culminating purpose. The kataphoric reading, while less common for a plural demonstrative referring to a singular command in John’s specific idioms, highlights the singular importance of the command to love. The flexibility of the ἵνα clause in Hellenistic Greek, capable of expressing purpose, result, or the content of a command, further complicates a definitive choice. Ultimately, the immediate context of 15:12 (“This is my command: that you love one another”) suggests a strong emphasis on mutual love as a central, singular command, which might lean towards the kataphoric interpretation in 15:17 as a reiteration or emphatic summary.

Here are three translation suggestions, reflecting different nuances:

1. “These are the things I command you: that you love one another.”
   This translation emphasizes ταῦτα as referring anaphorically to multiple commands (e.g., abiding, bearing fruit), with the ἵνα clause specifying the overarching content or expected outcome of these commands: mutual love.

2. “This is my command to you: to love one another.”
   This rendering interprets ταῦτα kataphorically as a singular reference to the command that follows. It views the ἵνα clause as a direct object or content clause, identifying *what* Jesus commands. The plural ταῦτα is understood as an emphatic form for a single important command.

3. “I am commanding you these things so that you may love one another.”
   This option treats ταῦτα anaphorically, referring to the preceding commands, and the ἵνα clause strictly as a purpose clause. It implies that the *reason* for all Jesus’s directives is to cultivate mutual love among his disciples.