1 John 3:2

Authorized King James Version

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἀγαπητοί,

G27

Beloved

beloved

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

τέκνα

G5043

the sons

a child (as produced)

Θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

ἐσμεν

G2070

are we

we are

καὶ

G2532

and

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

οὔπω

G3768

not yet

φανερωθῇ

G5319

appear

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#10

ἐσόμεθα

G2071

we shall be

will be

#11

οἴδαμεν

G1492

we know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#12

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#13

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#14

ἐὰν

G1437

when

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

#15

φανερωθῇ

G5319

appear

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

#16

ὅμοιοι

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

#17

αὐτὸν

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

#18

ἐσόμεθα

G2071

we shall be

will be

#19

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#20

ὀψόμεθα

G3700

we shall see

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

#21

αὐτὸν

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

#22

καθώς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#23

ἐστιν

G2076

he is

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Cross References

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

¹ Philippians 3:21 Philippians 3:21
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
— Fashion our vile body
² Colossians 3:4 Colossians 3:4
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
— Appear with him in glory

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Topics

Love