The exact words
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”John 15:13, King James Version (1611)
✓ VerifiedFound in a primary source: the original book, speech transcript, letter or recording.
What people get wrong
Common reading
A verse written about soldiers.
A verse written about soldiers.
Closer to the original
Its first meaning is about Jesus's coming death and the love his followers should have for each other. It was later applied to soldiers, firefighters and others who die saving people.
Its first meaning is about Jesus's coming death and the love his followers should have for each other. It was later applied to soldiers, firefighters and others who die saving people.
Timeline
- 1st century ADIn the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks these words to his disciples at the Last Supper, as part of a long farewell in which he tells them to love one another.
- 1611The King James Version gives the line its familiar wording.
- After 1918The verse is carved on war memorials across Britain, the Commonwealth and the United States, and is often read at military funerals and on Memorial Day.
Use it in a speech
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. The names on this memorial are the people who showed that love. We will not forget them.
~10 secondsto say aloud
Pauseafter “for his friends”
Best spotthe reading of the names
The Gospel says greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. He did exactly that, and every one of us is here because of it.
~10 secondsto say aloud
Pauseafter “for his friends”
Best spotthe closing words
Questions people ask
Where is “greater love hath no man than this” in the Bible?
John 15:13.
Who says it?
Jesus, speaking to his disciples at the Last Supper.
Why is it on war memorials?
After the First World War it was widely chosen to honor soldiers who died for their comrades and country.
Cite this quote
These cite the original source directly, so you can use them in an essay or paper. Always check your teacher's required style.
MLAThe Bible. Authorized King James Version, 1611. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10.
APAThe Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611/2026). Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10
IN TEXT (APA)(The Bible, John 15:13, King James Version)