I John 3
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Behold, what manner of love - Whole volumes might be written upon this and the two following verses, without exhausting the extraordinary subject contained in them, viz., the love of God to man. The apostle himself, though evidently filled with God, and walking in the fullness of his light, does not attempt to describe it; he calls on the world and the Church to behold it, to look upon it, to contemplate it, and wonder at it. What manner of love. - Ποταπην αγαπην· What great love, both as to quantity and quality; for these ideas are included in the original term. The length, the breadth, the depth, the height, he does not attempt to describe. The Father hath bestowed - For we had neither claim nor merit that we should be called, that is, constituted or made, the sons of God, who were before children of the wicked one, animal, earthly, devilish; therefore, the love which brought us from such a depth of misery and degradation must appear the more extraordinary and impressive. After κληθωμεν, that we might be called, και εσμεν, and we are, is added by ABC, seventeen others, both the Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Slavonic, and Vulgate. Therefore the world - The Jews, and all who know not God, and are seeking their portion in this life; knoweth us not - do not acknowledge, respect, love, or approve of us. In this sense the word γινωσκειν is here to be understood. The world Knew well enough that there were such persons; but they did not approve of them. We have often seen that this is a frequent use of the term know, both in Hebrew and Greek, in the Old Testament and also in the New. Because it knew him not - The Jews did not acknowledge Jesus; they neither approved of him, his doctrine, nor his manner of life.
Open source ↗DISTINGUISHING MARKS OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD AND THE CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL. BROTHERLY LOVE THE ESSENCE OF TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS. (1Jo. 3:1-24) Behold--calling attention, as to some wonderful exhibition, little as the world sees to admire. This verse is connected with the previous Jo1 2:29, thus: All our doing of righteousness is a mere sign that God, of His matchless love, has adopted us as children; it does not save us, but is a proof that we are saved of His grace. what manner of--of what surpassing excellence, how gracious on His part, how precious to us. love . . . bestowed--He does not say that God hath given us some gift, but love itself and the fountain of all honors, the heart itself, and that not for our works or efforts, but of His grace [LUTHER]. that--"what manner of love"; resulting in, proved by, our being, &c. The immediate effect aimed at in the bestowal of this love is, "that we should be called children of God." should be called--should have received the privilege of such a glorious title (though seeming so imaginary to the world), along with the glorious reality. With God to call is to make really to be. Who so great as God? What nearer relationship than that of sons? The oldest manuscripts add, "And we ARE SO" really. therefore--"on this account," because "we are (really) so." us--the children, like the Father. it knew him not--namely, the Father. "If they who regard not God, hold thee in any account, feel alarmed about thy state" [BENGEL]. Contrast Jo1 5:1. The world's whole course is one great act of non-recognition of God.
Open source ↗Behold what manner of love,.... See, take notice, consider, look by faith, with wonder and astonishment, and observe how great a favour, what an instance of matchless love, what a wonderful blessing of grace, the Father hath bestowed upon us: the Father of Christ, and the Father of us in Christ, who hath adopted us into his family, and regenerated us by his grace, and hath freely given us the new name: that we should be called the sons of God. The Alexandrian copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version, add, "and we are", or "be"; and the Ethiopic version, "and have been"; for it is not a mere name that is bestowed, but the thing itself in reality; and in the Hebrew language, "to be called", and "to be", are terms synonymous; see Isa 9:6; in what sense the saints are the sons of God; See Gill on Gal 4:6; this blessing comes not by nature, nor by merit, but by grace, the grace of adoption; which is of persons unto an inheritance they have no legal right unto; the spring of it is the everlasting and unchangeable love of God, for there was no need on the adopter's side, he having an only begotten and beloved Son, and no worth and loveliness in the adopted, they being by nature children of wrath; it is a privilege that exceeds all others, and is attended with many; so that it is no wonder the apostle breaks out in this pathetic manner, and calls upon the saints to view it with admiration and thankfulness: therefore the world knoweth us not; that is, the greater part of the world, the world that lies in wickedness, the men of the world, who have their portion in this life, whom the god of this world has blinded, and who only mind the things of the world, and are as when they came into it, and have their conversation according to the course of it; these do not know t…
Open source ↗The apostle, having shown the dignity of Christ's faithful followers, that they are born of him and thereby nearly allied to God, now here, I. Breaks forth into the admiration of that grace that is the spring of such a wonderful vouchsafement: Behold (see you, observe) what manner of love, or how great love, the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, effectually called (he who calls things that are not makes them to be what they were not) the sons of God! The Father adopts all the children of the Son. The Son indeed calls them, and makes them his brethren; and thereby he confers upon them the power and dignity of the sons of God. It is wonderful condescending love of the eternal Father, that such as we should be made and called his sons - we who by nature are heirs of sin, and guilt, and the curse of God - we who by practice are children of corruption, disobedience, and ingratitude! Strange, that the holy God is not ashamed to be called our Father, and to call us his sons! Thence the apostle, II. Infers the honour of believers above the cognizance of the world. Unbelievers know little of them. Therefore (or wherefore, upon this score) the world knoweth us not, Jo1 3:1. Little does the world perceive the advancement and happiness of the genuine followers of Christ. They are here exposed to the common calamities of earth and time; all things fall alike to them as to others, or rather they are subject to the greater sorrow, for they have often reason to say, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable, Co1 15:19. The unchristian world, therefore, that walks by sight, knows not their dignity, their privileges, the enjoyments they have in hand, nor what they are entitled to. Little does the world think that these poor, humbl…
Open source ↗3:1-3 When Christ returns, we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. God’s children bear the image of Christ and will share in his glory (see Rom 8:18-30). • Those who have this hope keep themselves pure, seeking to become more like Christ in anticipation of his glorious appearing. It is partly for this reason that God’s children will not be ashamed when Christ comes (1 Jn 2:29).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ποταπός (potapós, G4217) — interrogatively, whatever, i.e. of what possible sort ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as…
Open source ↗ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or… ἐσμέν (esmén, G2070) — we are τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) οὔπω (oúpō, G3768) — not yet τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ταύτῃ (taútēi, G5026) — (towards or of) this ἐλπίς (elpís, G1680) — expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἁγνίζω (hagnízō, G48) — to make clean, i.e. (figuratively) sanctify (ceremonially or morally) ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἁγνός (hagnós, G53) — properly, clean, i.e. (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect
Open source ↗πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract) ἀνομία (anomía, G458) — illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) αἴρω (aírō, G142) — to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not
Open source ↗πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole μένω (ménō, G3306) — to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἁμαρτάνω (hamartánō, G264) — properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e. (figuratively) to err,… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ὁράω (horáō, G3708) — by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as…
Open source ↗τεκνίον (tekníon, G5040) — an infant, i.e. (plural figuratively) darlings (Christian converts) πλανάω (planáō, G4105) — to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue) μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, G1343) — equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are δίκαιος (díkaios, G1342) — equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
Open source ↗ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἁμαρτάνω (hamartánō, G264) — properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e. (figuratively) to err,… ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ἀρχή (archḗ, G746) — (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole γεννάω (gennáō, G1080) — to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… σπέρμα (spérma, G4690) — something sown, i.e. seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring;… μένω (ménō, G3306) — to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. τούτῳ (toútōi, G5129) — to (in, with or by) this (person or thing) τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are φανερός (phanerós, G5318) — shining, i.e. apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly,… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, G1343) — equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote)
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἀγγελία (angelía, G31) — an announcement, i.e. (by implication) precept ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ἀρχή (archḗ, G746) — (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἀγαπάω (agapáō, G25) — to love (in a social or moral sense) ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn, G240) — one another
Open source ↗οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that Κάϊν (Káïn, G2535) — Cain, (i.e. Cajin), the son of Adam ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… σφάζω (spházō, G4969) — to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) χάριν (chárin, G5484) — through favor of, i.e. on account of τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Open source ↗θαυμάζω (thaumázō, G2296) — to wonder; by implication, to admire μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… μισέω (miséō, G3404) — to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Open source ↗εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἡμεῖς (hēmeîs, G2249) — we (only used when emphatic) μεταβαίνω (metabaínō, G3327) — to change place ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) θάνατος (thánatos, G2288) — (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) ἀγαπάω (agapáō, G25) — to love (in a social or moral sense) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… μένω (ménō, G3306) — to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, I know You, and they know that You sent Me.
The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me.