1 John 4:16

Authorized King James Version

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

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

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἐγνώκαμεν

G1097

have known

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

καὶ

G2532

And

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

πεπιστεύκαμεν

G4100

believed

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

τὴν

G3588

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

ἀγάπῃ

G26

love

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

ἣν

G3739

that

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

ἔχει

G2192

hath

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

#10

ὁ

G3588

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

#11

Θεὸς

G2316

God

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

#12

ἐν

G1722

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

#13

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

#14

ὁ

G3588

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

#15

Θεὸς

G2316

God

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

#16

ἀγάπῃ

G26

love

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

#17

ἐστίν,

G2076

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

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#19

ὁ

G3588

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

#20

μένει

G3306

dwelleth

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

#21

ἐν

G1722

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

#22

τῇ

G3588

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

#23

ἀγάπῃ

G26

love

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

#24

ἐν

G1722

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

#25

τῷ

G3588

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

#26

Θεὸς

G2316

God

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

#27

μένει

G3306

dwelleth

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

#28

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#29

ὁ

G3588

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

#30

Θεὸς

G2316

God

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

#31

ἐν

G1722

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

#32

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

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

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?
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?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Love