1 John 4:10

Authorized King James Version

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

Herein

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

τούτῳ

G5129

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

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)

ἀγάπη

G26

love

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

οὐχ

G3756

that

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὅτι

G3754

not

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἠγάπησεν

G25

he loved

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#10

τὸν

G3588

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

#11

Θεόν,

G2316

God

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

#12

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#13

ὅτι

G3754

not

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#14

αὐτὸς

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

#15

ἠγάπησεν

G25

he loved

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#16

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#18

ἀπέστειλεν

G649

sent

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

#19

τὸν

G3588

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

#20

υἱὸν

G5207

Son

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

#21

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

#22

ἱλασμὸν

G2434

to be the propitiation

atonement, i.e., (concretely) an expiator

#23

περὶ

G4012

for

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#24

τῶν

G3588

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

#25

ἁμαρτιῶν

G266

sins

a sin (properly abstract)

#26

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

Cross References

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

¹ Romans 5:8 Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
— God commendeth his love
² John 3:16 John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
— God so loved the world

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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

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

Topics

Love