Note: Words are shown in their original Greek order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Ἀγαπητοί μὴ παντὶ πνεύματι πιστεύετε ἀλλὰ δοκιμάζετε τὰ πνεύματα εἰ ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν ὅτι πολλοὶ ψευδοπροφῆται ἐξεληλύθασιν εἰς τὸν κόσμον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing (dearly G27 Ἀγαπητοί ἀγαπητός agapētós Adj-Voc-Pl-M any but (that) G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega all (manner of G3956 παντὶ πᾶς pâs Adj-Dat-Sg-N ghost G4151 πνεύματι πνεῦμα pneûma N-Dat-Sg-N believe(-r) G4100 πιστεύετε πιστεύω pisteúō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Pl-2P and G235 ἀλλὰ ἀλλά allá Conj allow G1381 δοκιμάζετε δοκιμάζω dokimázō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Pl-2P the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N ghost G4151 πνεύματα πνεῦμα pneûma N-Acc-Pl-N forasmuch as G1487 εἰ ei Part after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M am G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj abundant G4183 πολλοὶ πολύς polýs Adj-Nom-Pl-M false prophet G5578 ψευδοπροφῆται ψευδοπροφήτης pseudoprophḗtēs N-Nom-Pl-M come (forth G1831 ἐξεληλύθασιν ἐξέρχομαι exérchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P ly G1519 εἰς eis Prep the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμον κόσμος kósmos N-Acc-Sg-M
2 By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκετε τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ θεοῦ πᾶν πνεῦμα ὃ ὁμολογεῖ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἐν σαρκὶ ἐληλυθότα ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing about G1722 ἐν en Prep he (it was that) G3778 τούτῳ οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Dat-Sg-N allow G1097 γινώσκετε γινώσκω ginṓskō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-2P the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N ghost G4151 πνεῦμα pneûma N-Acc-Sg-N the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M all (manner of G3956 πᾶν πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Sg-N ghost G4151 πνεῦμα pneûma N-Nom-Sg-N one G3739 ὃ ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-N con- (pro-)fess G3670 ὁμολογεῖ ὁμολογέω homologéō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦν Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Acc-Sg-M Christ G5547 Χριστὸν Χριστός Christós N-Acc-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep carnal(-ly G4561 σαρκὶ σάρξ sárx N-Dat-Sg-F accompany G2064 ἐληλυθότα ἔρχομαι érchomai V-2nd-Act-Acc-Sg-M after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M am G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.
καὶ πᾶν πνεῦμα ὃ μὴ ὁμολογεῖ τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ οὐκ ἔστιν καὶ τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ τοῦ ἀντιχρίστου ὃ ἀκηκόατε ὅτι ἔρχεται καὶ νῦν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἐστὶν ἤδη
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj all (manner of G3956 πᾶν πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Sg-N ghost G4151 πνεῦμα pneûma N-Nom-Sg-N one G3739 ὃ ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-N any but (that) G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega con- (pro-)fess G3670 ὁμολογεῖ ὁμολογέω homologéō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦν Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Acc-Sg-M after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M + long G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega am G1510 ἔστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj he (it was that) G3778 τοῦτό οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Nom-Sg-N am G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M antichrist G500 ἀντιχρίστου ἀντίχριστος antíchristos N-Gen-Sg-M one G3739 ὃ ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Sg-N give (in the) audience (of) G191 ἀκηκόατε ἀκούω akoúō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-2P as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj accompany G2064 ἔρχεται ἔρχομαι érchomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj henceforth G3568 νῦν nŷn Adv about G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμῳ κόσμος kósmos N-Dat-Sg-M am G1510 ἐστὶν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P already G2235 ἤδη ḗdē Adv
4 You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
Ὑμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστε τεκνία καὶ νενικήκατε αὐτούς ὅτι μείζων ἐστὶν ὁ ἐν ὑμῖν ἢ ὁ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing thou G4771 Ὑμεῖς σύ sý Pers-Nom-Pl-2P after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M am G1510 ἐστε εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-2P little children G5040 τεκνία τεκνίον tekníon N-Voc-Pl-N and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj conquer G3528 νενικήκατε νικάω nikáō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Pl-2P her G846 αὐτούς αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Pl-M as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj exceedingly G3173 μείζων μέγας mégas Adj-Nom-Sg-M am G1510 ἐστὶν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep thou G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P and G2228 ἢ ἤ ḗ Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμῳ κόσμος kósmos N-Dat-Sg-M
5 They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them.
αὐτοὶ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου εἰσίν διὰ τοῦτο ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου λαλοῦσιν καὶ ὁ κόσμος αὐτῶν ἀκούει
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing her G846 αὐτοὶ αὐτός autós Pers-Nom-Pl-M after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμου κόσμος kósmos N-Gen-Sg-M am G1510 εἰσίν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P after G1223 διὰ διά diá Prep he (it was that) G3778 τοῦτο οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Acc-Sg-N after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμου κόσμος kósmos N-Gen-Sg-M preach G2980 λαλοῦσιν λαλέω laléō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμος kósmos N-Nom-Sg-M her G846 αὐτῶν αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Pl-M give (in the) audience (of) G191 ἀκούει ἀκούω akoúō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.
ἡμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐσμεν ὁ γινώσκων τὸν θεὸν ἀκούει ἡμῶν ὃς οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ οὐκ ἀκούει ἡμῶν ἐκ τούτου γινώσκομεν τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πλάνης
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing I G1473 ἡμεῖς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Pl-1P after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M am G1510 ἐσμεν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M allow G1097 γινώσκων γινώσκω ginṓskō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M give (in the) audience (of) G191 ἀκούει ἀκούω akoúō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P I G1473 ἡμῶν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Pl-1P one G3739 ὃς ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-M + long G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega am G1510 ἔστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M + long G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega give (in the) audience (of) G191 ἀκούει ἀκούω akoúō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P I G1473 ἡμῶν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Pl-1P after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep he (it was that) G3778 τούτου οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Gen-Sg-N allow G1097 γινώσκομεν γινώσκω ginṓskō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N ghost G4151 πνεῦμα pneûma N-Acc-Sg-N the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F true G225 ἀληθείας ἀλήθεια alḗtheia N-Gen-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N ghost G4151 πνεῦμα pneûma N-Acc-Sg-N the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F deceit G4106 πλάνης πλάνη plánē N-Gen-Sg-F
7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Ἀγαπητοί ἀγαπῶμεν ἀλλήλους ὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν καὶ πᾶς ὁ ἀγαπῶν ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ γεγέννηται καὶ γινώσκει τὸν θεόν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing (dearly G27 Ἀγαπητοί ἀγαπητός agapētós Adj-Voc-Pl-M love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπῶμεν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Pl-1P each other G240 ἀλλήλους ἀλλήλων allḗlōn Reci-Acc-Pl-M as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπη agápē N-Nom-Sg-F after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M am G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj all (manner of G3956 πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπῶν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M bear G1080 γεγέννηται γεννάω gennáō V-Perf-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj allow G1097 γινώσκει γινώσκω ginṓskō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεόν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M
8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
ὁ μὴ ἀγαπῶν οὐκ ἔγνω τὸν θεόν ὅτι ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M any but (that) G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπῶν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M + long G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega allow G1097 ἔγνω γινώσκω ginṓskō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεόν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπη agápē N-Nom-Sg-F am G1510 ἐστίν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
9 This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.
ἐν τούτῳ ἐφανερώθη ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν ὅτι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἀπέσταλκεν ὁ θεὸς εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα ζήσωμεν δι᾽ αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing about G1722 ἐν en Prep he (it was that) G3778 τούτῳ οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Dat-Sg-N appear G5319 ἐφανερώθη φανερόω phaneróō V-Aor-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπη agápē N-Nom-Sg-F the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep I G1473 ἡμῖν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Pl-1P as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M child G5207 υἱὸν υἱός huiós N-Acc-Sg-M her G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M only (begotten G3439 μονογενῆ μονογενής monogenḗs Adj-Acc-Sg-M put in G649 ἀπέσταλκεν ἀποστέλλω apostéllō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M ly G1519 εἰς eis Prep the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμον κόσμος kósmos N-Acc-Sg-M albeit G2443 ἵνα hína Conj life(-time) G2198 ζήσωμεν ζάω záō V-Aor-Act-Sub-Pl-1P after G1223 δι᾽ διά diá Prep her G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
10 And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
ἐν τούτῳ ἐστὶν ἡ ἀγάπη οὐχ ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἠγαπήκαμεν τὸν θεόν ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι αὐτὸς ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς καὶ ἀπέστειλεν τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἱλασμὸν περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing about G1722 ἐν en Prep he (it was that) G3778 τούτῳ οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Dat-Sg-N am G1510 ἐστὶν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπη agápē N-Nom-Sg-F + long G3756 οὐχ οὐ ou Nega as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Adv I G1473 ἡμεῖς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Pl-1P love(-ed) G25 ἠγαπήκαμεν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Pl-1P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεόν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M and G235 ἀλλ᾽ ἀλλά allá Conj as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Adv her G846 αὐτὸς αὐτός autós Pers-Nom-Sg-M love(-ed) G25 ἠγάπησεν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P I G1473 ἡμᾶς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Acc-Pl-1P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj put in G649 ἀπέστειλεν ἀποστέλλω apostéllō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M child G5207 υἱὸν υἱός huiós N-Acc-Sg-M her G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M propitiation G2434 ἱλασμὸν ἱλασμός hilasmós N-Acc-Sg-M about G4012 περὶ περί perí Prep the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-F offence G266 ἁμαρτιῶν ἁμαρτία hamartía N-Gen-Pl-F I G1473 ἡμῶν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Pl-1P
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Ἀγαπητοί εἰ οὕτως ὁ θεὸς ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς καὶ ἡμεῖς ὀφείλομεν ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing (dearly G27 Ἀγαπητοί ἀγαπητός agapētós Adj-Voc-Pl-M forasmuch as G1487 εἰ ei Conj after that G3779 οὕτως οὕτω hoútō Adv the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M love(-ed) G25 ἠγάπησεν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P I G1473 ἡμᾶς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Acc-Pl-1P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj I G1473 ἡμεῖς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Pl-1P behove G3784 ὀφείλομεν ὀφείλω opheílō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P each other G240 ἀλλήλους ἀλλήλων allḗlōn Reci-Acc-Pl-M love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπᾶν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act
12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.
θεὸν οὐδεὶς πώποτε τεθέαται ἐὰν ἀγαπῶμεν ἀλλήλους ὁ θεὸς ἐν ἡμῖν μένει καὶ ἡ ἀγάπη αὐτοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν τετελειωμένη ἐστίν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing X exceeding G2316 θεὸν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M any (man) G3762 οὐδεὶς οὐδείς oudeís Adj-Nom-Sg-M at any time G4455 πώποτε pṓpote Adv behold G2300 τεθέαται θεάομαι theáomai V-Perf-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P before G1437 ἐὰν ἐάν eán Conj love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπῶμεν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Pl-1P each other G240 ἀλλήλους ἀλλήλων allḗlōn Reci-Acc-Pl-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep I G1473 ἡμῖν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Pl-1P abide G3306 μένει μένω ménō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπη agápē N-Nom-Sg-F her G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep I G1473 ἡμῖν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Pl-1P consecrate G5048 τετελειωμένη τελειόω teleióō V-Perf-Pass-Nom-Sg-F am G1510 ἐστίν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
13 By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.
Ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ μένομεν καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ἡμῖν ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ πνεύματος αὐτοῦ δέδωκεν ἡμῖν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing about G1722 Ἐν ἐν en Prep he (it was that) G3778 τούτῳ οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Dat-Sg-N allow G1097 γινώσκομεν γινώσκω ginṓskō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj about G1722 ἐν en Prep her G846 αὐτῷ αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Sg-M abide G3306 μένομεν μένω ménō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj her G846 αὐτὸς αὐτός autós Pers-Nom-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep I G1473 ἡμῖν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Pl-1P as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj after G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-N ghost G4151 πνεύματος πνεῦμα pneûma N-Gen-Sg-N her G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M adventure G1325 δέδωκεν δίδωμι dídōmi V-Perf-Act-Ind-Sg-3P I G1473 ἡμῖν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Pl-1P
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.
καὶ ἡμεῖς τεθεάμεθα καὶ μαρτυροῦμεν ὅτι ὁ πατὴρ ἀπέσταλκεν τὸν υἱὸν σωτῆρα τοῦ κόσμου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj I G1473 ἡμεῖς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Pl-1P behold G2300 τεθεάμεθα θεάομαι theáomai V-Perf-Mid-Ind-Pl-1P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj charge G3140 μαρτυροῦμεν μαρτυρέω martyréō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M father G3962 πατὴρ πατήρ patḗr N-Nom-Sg-M put in G649 ἀπέσταλκεν ἀποστέλλω apostéllō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M child G5207 υἱὸν υἱός huiós N-Acc-Sg-M saviour G4990 σωτῆρα σωτήρ sōtḗr N-Acc-Sg-M the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμου κόσμος kósmos N-Gen-Sg-M
15 If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
ὃς ἐὰν ὁμολογήσῃ ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ὁ θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν τῷ θεῷ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing one G3739 ὃς ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-M before G1437 ἐὰν ἐάν eán Part con- (pro-)fess G3670 ὁμολογήσῃ ὁμολογέω homologéō V-Aor-Act-Sub-Sg-3P as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Nom-Sg-M am G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M child G5207 υἱὸς υἱός huiós N-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep her G846 αὐτῷ αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Sg-M abide G3306 μένει μένω ménō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj her G846 αὐτὸς αὐτός autós Pers-Nom-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-Dat-Sg-M
16 And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐγνώκαμεν καὶ πεπιστεύκαμεν τὴν ἀγάπην ἣν ἔχει ὁ θεὸς ἐν ἡμῖν Ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν καὶ ὁ μένων ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ ἐν τῷ θεῷ μένει καὶ ὁ θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj I G1473 ἡμεῖς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Pl-1P allow G1097 ἐγνώκαμεν γινώσκω ginṓskō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Pl-1P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj believe(-r) G4100 πεπιστεύκαμεν πιστεύω pisteúō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Pl-1P the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπην ἀγάπη agápē N-Acc-Sg-F one G3739 ἣν ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Sg-F be (able G2192 ἔχει ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep I G1473 ἡμῖν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Pl-1P the G3588 Ὁ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπη agápē N-Nom-Sg-F am G1510 ἐστίν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M abide G3306 μένων μένω ménō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπῃ ἀγάπη agápē N-Dat-Sg-F about G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-Dat-Sg-M abide G3306 μένει μένω ménō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M about G1722 ἐν en Prep her G846 αὐτῷ αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Sg-M abide G3306 μένει μένω ménō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
17 In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him.
ἐν τούτῳ τετελείωται ἡ ἀγάπη μεθ᾽ ἡμῶν ἵνα παρρησίαν ἔχωμεν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς κρίσεως ὅτι καθὼς ἐκεῖνός ἐστιν καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐσμεν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing about G1722 ἐν en Prep he (it was that) G3778 τούτῳ οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Dat-Sg-N consecrate G5048 τετελείωται τελειόω teleióō V-Perf-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπη agápē N-Nom-Sg-F after(-ward) G3326 μεθ᾽ μετά metá Prep I G1473 ἡμῶν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Pl-1P albeit G2443 ἵνα hína Conj bold (X -ly G3954 παρρησίαν παῤῥησία parrhēsía N-Acc-Sg-F be (able G2192 ἔχωμεν ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Pl-1P about G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F age G2250 ἡμέρᾳ ἡμέρα hēméra N-Dat-Sg-F the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F accusation G2920 κρίσεως κρίσις krísis N-Gen-Sg-F as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj according to G2531 καθὼς καθώς kathṓs Conj he G1565 ἐκεῖνός ἐκεῖνος ekeînos Demo-Nom-Sg-M am G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj I G1473 ἡμεῖς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Pl-1P am G1510 ἐσμεν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P about G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμῳ κόσμος kósmos N-Dat-Sg-M he (it was that) G3778 τούτῳ οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Dat-Sg-M
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.
φόβος οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ ἀλλ᾽ ἡ τελεία ἀγάπη ἔξω βάλλει τὸν φόβον ὅτι ὁ φόβος κόλασιν ἔχει ὁ δὲ φοβούμενος οὐ τετελείωται ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing be afraid G5401 φόβος phóbos N-Nom-Sg-M + long G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega am G1510 ἔστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P about G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπῃ ἀγάπη agápē N-Dat-Sg-F and G235 ἀλλ᾽ ἀλλά allá Conj the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F of full age G5046 τελεία τέλειος téleios Adj-Nom-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπη agápē N-Nom-Sg-F away G1854 ἔξω éxō Adv arise G906 βάλλει βάλλω bállō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M be afraid G5401 φόβον φόβος phóbos N-Acc-Sg-M as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M be afraid G5401 φόβος phóbos N-Nom-Sg-M punishment G2851 κόλασιν κόλασις kólasis N-Acc-Sg-F be (able G2192 ἔχει ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M also G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj be (+ sore) afraid G5399 φοβούμενος φοβέω phobéō V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Sg-M + long G3756 οὐ ou Nega consecrate G5048 τετελείωται τελειόω teleióō V-Perf-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P about G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F charity(-ably) G26 ἀγάπῃ ἀγάπη agápē N-Dat-Sg-F
19 We love because He first loved us.
ἡμεῖς ἀγαπῶμεν ὅτι αὐτὸς πρῶτος ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing I G1473 ἡμεῖς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Pl-1P love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπῶμεν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj her G846 αὐτὸς αὐτός autós Pers-Nom-Sg-M before G4413 πρῶτος prōtos Adj-Nom-Sg-M love(-ed) G25 ἠγάπησεν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P I G1473 ἡμᾶς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Acc-Pl-1P
20 If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
ἐάν τις εἴπῃ ὅτι ἀγαπῶ τὸν θεὸν καὶ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ μισῇ ψεύστης ἐστίν ὁ γὰρ μὴ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ ὃν ἑώρακεν τὸν θεὸν ὃν οὐχ ἑώρακεν οὐ δύναται ἀγαπᾶν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing before G1437 ἐάν eán Conj a (kind of) G5100 τις τὶς tìs Inde-Nom-Sg-M answer G2036 εἴπῃ ἔπω épō V-2nd-Act-Sub-Sg-3P as concerning that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπῶ ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-1P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M brother G80 ἀδελφὸν ἀδελφός adelphós N-Acc-Sg-M her G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M hate(-ful) G3404 μισῇ μισέω miséō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Sg-3P liar G5583 ψεύστης pseústēs N-Nom-Sg-M am G1510 ἐστίν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M and G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj any but (that) G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπῶν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M brother G80 ἀδελφὸν ἀδελφός adelphós N-Acc-Sg-M her G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M one G3739 ὃν ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Sg-M behold G3708 ἑώρακεν ὁράω horáō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M one G3739 ὃν ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Sg-M + long G3756 οὐχ οὐ ou Nega behold G3708 ἑώρακεν ὁράω horáō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Sg-3P + long G3756 οὐ ou Nega be able G1410 δύναται δύναμαι dýnamai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπᾶν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act
21 And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.
καὶ ταύτην τὴν ἐντολὴν ἔχομεν ἀπ᾽ αὐτοῦ ἵνα ὁ ἀγαπῶν τὸν θεὸν ἀγαπᾷ καὶ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj he (it was that) G3778 ταύτην οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Acc-Sg-F the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F commandment G1785 ἐντολὴν ἐντολή entolḗ N-Acc-Sg-F be (able G2192 ἔχομεν ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P after G575 ἀπ᾽ ἀπό apó Prep her G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M albeit G2443 ἵνα hína Adv the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπῶν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεὸν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M love(-ed) G25 ἀγαπᾷ ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M brother G80 ἀδελφὸν ἀδελφός adelphós N-Acc-Sg-M her G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
1 John 5
Study Notes — 1 John 4
6 sectionsFirst 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.