1 John 2:15

Authorized King James Version

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#2
ἀγαπᾷ
G25
Love
to love (in a social or moral sense)
#3
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
κόσμον
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#5
μηδὲ
neither
but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor
#6
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
κόσμον
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#10
ἐάν
If
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#11
τις
any man
some or any person or object
#12
ἀγαπᾷ
G25
Love
to love (in a social or moral sense)
#13
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
κόσμον
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#15
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
ἔστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἀγάπη
G26
the love
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#19
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
πατρὸς
of the Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#21
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
αὐτῷ·
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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