1 John 3:16

Authorized King James Version

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

Hereby

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τούτῳ

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

ἐγνώκαμεν

G1097

perceive we

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγάπην

G26

the love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ὅτι

G3754

of God because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκεῖνος

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

#10

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

ψυχὰς

G5590

life

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

#12

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#13

τιθέναι

G5087

laid down

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

#16

ὀφείλομεν

G3784

ought

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

#17

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

#18

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

ἀδελφῶν

G80

the brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#20

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

ψυχὰς

G5590

life

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

#22

τιθέναι

G5087

laid down

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ John 15:13 John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
— Greater love hath no man
² Romans 5:8 Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
— Christ died for us

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Love