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BSB
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1 John 4

BSB·21 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1BelovedἈγαπητοίAgapētoi — Beloved, dearly loved oneG27 — Full Word Study →, do not believeπιστεύετεpisteuete — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → everyπαντὶpanti — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεύματιpneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → testδοκιμάζετεdokimazete — To test, examine, or approve after scrutinyG1381 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → spiritsπνεύματαpneumata — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → to see whether they areἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. Forὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → manyπολλοὶpolloi — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → false prophetsψευδοπροφῆταιpseudoprophētai — A person who falsely claims to speak for GodG5578 — Full Word Study → have gone outἐξεληλύθασινexelēlythasin — to go out, exit, or departG1831 — Full Word Study → intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμονkosmon — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study →. 2ByἘνEn — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thisτούτῳtoutō — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → you will knowγινώσκετεginōskete — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεῦμαPneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →: Everyπᾶνpan — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεῦμαpneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → thatho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → confesses that JesusἸησοῦνIēsoun — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστὸνChriston — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → has comeἐληλυθόταelēlythota — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the flesh isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, 3andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → everyπᾶνpan — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεῦμαpneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → thatho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → does not confessὁμολογεῖhomologei — To confess, profess, or openly acknowledgeG3670 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦνIēsoun — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → isἔστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. Thisτοῦτόtouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → the spirit of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → antichristἀντιχρίστουantichristou — one who opposes or denies ChristG500 — Full Word Study →, whichho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → you have heardἀκηκόατεakēkoate — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → is comingἔρχεταιerchetai — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → which is alreadyἤδηēdē — Already, by now, at this present timeG2235 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμῳkosmō — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study → at this timeνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study →. 4YouὙμεῖςHymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, little childrenτεκνίαteknia — little children; dear childrenG5040 — Full Word Study →, areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → have overcomeνενικήκατεnenikēkate — To conquer, overcome, or achieve victoryG3528 — Full Word Study → themαὐτούςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → greaterμείζωνmeizōn — Great in size, power, or intensityG3173 — Full Word Study → isἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → He who is inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → thanē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → he who is inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμῳkosmō — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study →. 5Theyαὐτοὶautoi — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → areεἰσίνeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμουkosmou — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study →. That is whyδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → they speakλαλοῦσινlalousin — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → from theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → world’sκόσμουkosmou — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study → perspectiveἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμοςkosmos — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study → listens toἀκούειakouei — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → themαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 6Weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → areἐσμενesmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. Whoeverho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → knowsγινώσκωνginōskōn — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → listens toἀκούειakouei — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →; whoeverὃςhos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → isἔστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → does not listen toἀκούειakouei — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. That is howἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → we knowγινώσκομενginōskomen — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Spiritπνεῦμαpneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → of truthἀληθείαςalētheias — Truth; reality; authenticityG225 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεῦμαpneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → of deceptionπλάνηςplanēs — Deception, error, wandering from truthG4106 — Full Word Study →. 7BelovedἈγαπητοίAgapētoi — Beloved, dearly loved oneG27 — Full Word Study →, let us loveἀγαπῶμενagapōmen — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλουςallēlous — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → comesἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. Everyoneπᾶςpas — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → lovesἀγαπῶνagapōn — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → has been bornγεγέννηταιgegennētai — to beget, bring forth, give birthG1080 — Full Word Study → ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → knowsγινώσκειginōskei — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 8Whoeverho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → does not loveἀγαπῶνagapōn — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → does not knowἔγνωegnō — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → isἐστίνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →. 9This is howἘνEn — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → was revealedἐφανερώθηephanerōthē — To reveal, make manifest, or display openlyG5319 — Full Word Study → amongἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →: GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → sentἀπέσταλκενapestalken — to send forth or dispatchG649 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → one and onlyμονογενῆmonogenē — one and only, unique, exclusively begottenG3439 — Full Word Study → SonΥἱὸνHuion — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study → intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμονkosmon — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → we might liveζήσωμενzēsōmen — to live, be alive, existG2198 — Full Word Study → throughδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 10And love consistsἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thisτούτῳtoutō — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →: notοὐχouch — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → lovedἠγαπήκαμενēgapēkamen — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → Heαὐτὸςautos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → lovedἠγάπησενēgapēsen — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → sentἀπέστειλενapesteilen — to send forth or dispatchG649 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SonΥἱὸνHuion — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study → as the atoning sacrifice forπερὶperi — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → sinsἁμαρτιῶνhamartiōn — transgression, violation of God's law; wrongdoingG266 — Full Word Study →. 11BelovedἈγαπητοίAgapētoi — Beloved, dearly loved oneG27 — Full Word Study →, ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → soοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → lovedἠγάπησενēgapēsen — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → oughtὀφείλομενopheilomen — to owe; to be obligated or indebtedG3784 — Full Word Study → to loveἀγαπᾶνagapan — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλουςallēlous — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study →. 12No oneοὐδεὶςoudeis — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study → has ever seenτεθέαταιtetheatai — To gaze upon, behold intentlyG2300 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →; but if we loveἀγαπῶμενagapōmen — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλουςallēlous — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study →, GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → remainsμένειmenei — to remain, stay, abide, endureG3306 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → perfectedτετελειωμένηteteleiōmenē — to make perfect, complete, or matureG5048 — Full Word Study → in«ἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖν»hēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 13Byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thisτούτῳtoutō — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → we knowγινώσκομενginōskomen — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → we remainμένομενmenomen — to remain, stay, abide, endureG3306 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → Heαὐτὸςautos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →: He has givenδέδωκενdedōken — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματοςPneumatos — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →. 14Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → have seenτεθεάμεθαtetheametha — To gaze upon, behold intentlyG2300 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → testifyμαρτυροῦμενmartyroumen — To testify, bear witness, give testimonyG3140 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → FatherΠατὴρPatēr — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → has sentἀπέσταλκενapestalken — to send forth or dispatchG649 — Full Word Study → His Son to be the Savior of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμουkosmou — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study →. 15Ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → anyoneὋςHos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → confessesὁμολογήσῃhomologēsē — To confess, profess, or openly acknowledgeG3670 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦςIēsous — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SonΥἱὸςHuios — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → abidesμένειmenei — to remain, stay, abide, endureG3306 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → heαὐτὸςautos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 16Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → have come to knowἐγνώκαμενegnōkamen — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → believeπεπιστεύκαμενpepisteukamen — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηνagapēn — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → thatἣνhēn — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → hasἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → forἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → isἐστίνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →; whoeverho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → abidesμένωνmenōn — to remain, stay, abide, endureG3306 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπῃagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → abidesμένειmenei — to remain, stay, abide, endureG3306 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 17InἘνEn — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → this way, loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → has been perfectedτετελείωταιteteleiōtai — to make perfect, complete, or matureG5048 — Full Word Study → amongμεθ’meth’ — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → we may haveἔχωμενechōmen — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → confidenceπαρρησίανparrēsian — Bold confidence in speech and actionG3954 — Full Word Study → onἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → dayἡμέρᾳhēmera — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study → of judgmentκρίσεωςkriseōs — judgment, decision, or verdictG2920 — Full Word Study →; forὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thisτούτῳtoutō — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμῳkosmō — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → areἐσμενesmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → just likeκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → Himἐκεῖνόςekeinos — that one, that person, the otherG1565 — Full Word Study →. 18There isἔστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → noοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → fearΦόβοςPhobos — Fear, terror, or reverent aweG5401 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπῃagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → perfectτελείαteleia — Complete, mature, fully developedG5046 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → drivesβάλλειballei — to throw, cast, or hurl with forceG906 — Full Word Study → outἔξωexō — outside, outer, or externalG1854 — Full Word Study → fearφόβονphobon — Fear, terror, or reverent aweG5401 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → fearφόβοςphobos — Fear, terror, or reverent aweG5401 — Full Word Study → involvesἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → punishmentκόλασινkolasin — Punishment, penalty, tormentG2851 — Full Word Study →. The one who fearsφοβούμενοςphoboumenos — to fear, be afraid; to reverence, respectG5399 — Full Word Study → has not been perfectedτετελείωταιteteleiōtai — to make perfect, complete, or matureG5048 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπῃagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →. 19WeἩμεῖςHēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → loveἀγαπῶμενagapōmen — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → Heαὐτὸςautos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → firstπρῶτοςprōtos — First in order, rank, or importance; chief, foremostG4413 — Full Word Study → lovedἠγάπησενēgapēsen — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 20IfἘάνEan — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → saysεἴπῃeipē — to speak, say, or tellG2036 — Full Word Study →, “I loveἈγαπῶAgapō — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →,” but hatesμισῇmisē — to hate, to regard with hostility or disdainG3404 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → brotherἀδελφὸνadelphon — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, he isἐστίνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → a liarψεύστηςpseustēs — One who speaks falsehood; deceiverG5583 — Full Word Study →. Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → anyone whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → does not loveἀγαπῶνagapōn — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → brotherἀδελφὸνadelphon — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, whomὃνhon — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → he has seenἑώρακενheōraken — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study →, cannotδύναταιdynatai — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → loveἀγαπᾶνagapan — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, whomὃνhon — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → he has not seenἑώρακενheōraken — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study →. 21Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → we haveἔχομενechomen — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → thisταύτηνtautēn — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → commandmentἐντολὴνentolēn — A command or authoritative instructionG1785 — Full Word Study → fromἀπ’ap’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → Himαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →: Whoeverho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → lovesἀγαπῶνagapōn — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → must loveἀγαπᾷagapa — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → brotherἀδελφὸνadelphon — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study → as wellκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 John 4
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

First John 4 presents one of Scripture's most beautiful and practical treatments of Christian love, grounded in the nature of God Himself. The chapter begins with a necessary warning about spiritual discernment—we must test the spirits and teachers in our midst to distinguish truth from falsehood. John then anchors all genuine spirituality in the incarnation of Christ and moves swiftly to the central theme: love is the defining mark of God's character and the evidence of genuine faith. Throughout these verses, John weaves together truth and love, doctrine and devotion, showing that authentic Christianity cannot separate sound belief from sincere affection for God and others.

Verses 1–4: Testing the Spirits

John opens with an urgent pastoral charge: do not believe every spirit (v. 1). The early church faced false prophets and false teachers claiming to speak for God. This warning remains vital today. The test John provides is Christological: genuine spirits confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (v. 2). This wasn't merely an intellectual statement but a declaration that the Son of God became truly human, died, and rose again—the core of the gospel. Conversely, the spirit of antichrist denies this incarnation (v. 3). John assures his readers, however, that they belong to God and have already overcome these false spirits (v. 4), because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world—a magnificent reminder that the Holy Spirit's presence in believers exceeds any false power opposing them.

Application: We exercise spiritual discernment by measuring teaching against Christ's incarnation and lordship. Today's false teachings often attack Jesus's deity, humanity, or redemptive work. Trust the Holy Spirit's guidance as you test what you hear.

Verses 5–6: The Spirit of Truth and Error

John contrasts two spheres: the worldly and the divine (vv. 5–6). False teachers belong to the world and speak its language; the world listens to them because they validate its values. True believers belong to God and recognize His voice. Those who know God hear us—meaning the apostolic testimony about Christ. This is how we recognize the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. The criterion remains relational: genuine believers hear and follow God's Word.

Verses 7–11: Love as God's Nature

Here John pivots to the heart of his message. Love is of God (v. 7), and everyone who loves is born of God. Conversely, he that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (v. 8). This isn't merely that God demonstrates love; it is His very essence. John then reveals the source of all Christian love: God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him (v. 9). The supreme evidence of God's love is not a feeling but an action—the cross. Jesus became the propitiation for our sins (v. 10), satisfying God's justice and removing our guilt. In light of such love, believers ought to love one another (v. 11).

Application: Our love for others flows from comprehending God's love for us in Christ. We don't generate this love by self-effort; we receive it, believe it, and let it overflow to others.

Verses 12–17: Perfected Love and Confidence

When believers love one another, God's presence dwells among them, and His love reaches perfection or maturity in us (v. 12). We know we dwell in Him because He has given us His Spirit (v. 13). Love made perfect brings boldness before God's judgment (v. 17) because we are being conformed to Christ's image. Perfect love casteth out fear (v. 18)—not because we deny judgment, but because in Christ we are secure.

Verses 18–21: Love's Proof and Command

Love cannot be separated from obedience. If someone claims to love God but hates a brother, they are a liar (v. 20). We cannot love the invisible God while rejecting the visible believer before us. Thus the commandment is clear: love God and love your brother (v. 21).

Application for Today

First John 4 calls us to radical honesty: examine your beliefs by Christ's incarnation, and examine your faith by your love. True Christianity is neither bare doctrine nor baseless sentiment, but heartfelt surrender to Christ producing genuine love for others. Ask yourself: Do I know God's love experientially? Does my love for fellow believers reflect that knowledge? Let this chapter realign your priorities toward both truth and love.

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