1 John 3:23

Authorized King James Version

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

αὕτη

G3778

this

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστὶν

G2076

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

ἡ

G3588

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

ἐντολὴν

G1785

commandment

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

ἵνα

G2443

That

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πιστεύσωμεν

G4100

we should believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

τῷ

G3588

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

#10

ὀνόματι

G3686

on the name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

υἱοῦ

G5207

Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#13

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#15

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#17

ἀγαπῶμεν

G25

love

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#18

ἀλλήλους

G240

one another

#19

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#20

ἔδωκεν

G1325

he gave

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#21

ἐντολὴν

G1785

commandment

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

#22

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) 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 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

In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 John chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

Related Resources

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Topics

Love