John 15:25
But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
John 15:25 · King James Version
Meaning
When Jesus spoke the words "But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause," he was referencing a prophecy found in the Old Testament that foretold of the mistreatment and persecution he would face. This verse can be found in both Psalms and Isaiah, where it speaks of the unjust hatred and rejection that Jesus would encounter despite his innocence. By acknowledging that this prophecy was being fulfilled through the actions of those who hated him without a cause, Jesus was highlighting the fact that his suffering and death were not a result of any wrongdoing on his part, but rather a fulfillment of the divine plan set forth in Scripture. This verse serves as a reminder of Jesus' unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's will, even in the face of unjust persecution and hatred.
Theological Overview
When Jesus spoke the words, "But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause," he was referring to a prophecy found in the Old Testament that foretold the rejection and persecution of the Messiah without any legitimate reason. The phrase "They hated me without a cause" comes from Psalm 69:4, a Messianic psalm that depicts the suffering and betrayal that the Anointed One will face. In interpreting this verse theologically, we see Jesus as fulfilling the Scriptures by experiencing unjust hatred and persecution from those who rejected his message and identity as the Son of God. By quoting this passage, Jesus was showing that his suffering and death were part of God's sovereign plan to fulfill the prophecies and bring salvation to humanity. The word study here reveals the depth of the rejection and animosity that Jesus faced, emphasizing the innocence and righteousness of his character in the face of baseless hatred.
John 15:25 in other translations
American Standard Version
But [this cometh to pass], that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
World English Bible
But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’
Douay-Rheims
But that the word may be fulfilled which is written in their law: they hated me without cause.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But it is that the worde might be fulfilled, that is written in their Lawe, They hated me without a cause.