1 John 3:17

Authorized King James Version

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὃς

G3739

whoso

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δ'

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἂν

G302

whatsoever

ἔχοντα

G2192

hath

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὸν

G3588

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

βίον

G979

good

life, i.e., (literally) the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood

τοῦ

G3588

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

κόσμου

G2889

this world's

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

θεωρῇ

G2334

seeth

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

#11

τὸν

G3588

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

#12

ἀδελφὸν

G80

brother

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

#13

αὐτῷ

G846

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

#14

χρείαν

G5532

need

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

#15

ἔχοντα

G2192

hath

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

κλείσῃ

G2808

shutteth up

to close (literally or figuratively)

#18

τὰ

G3588

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

#19

σπλάγχνα

G4698

bowels

an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy

#20

αὐτῷ

G846

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

#21

ἀπ'

G575

of compassion from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#22

αὐτῷ

G846

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

#23

πῶς

G4459

how

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

#24

ἡ

G3588

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

#25

ἀγάπη

G26

the love

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

#26

τοῦ

G3588

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

#27

Θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#28

μένει

G3306

dwelleth

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

#29

ἐν

G1722

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

#30

αὐτῷ

G846

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

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 John.

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

In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Love