1 John 4:17

Authorized King James Version

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

Herein

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

τούτῳ

G5129

this

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

τετελείωται

G5048

made perfect

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)

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

μεθ'

G3326

is our

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

παῤῥησίαν

G3954

boldness

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

#10

ἔχωμεν

G2192

we may have

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

#11

ἐν

G1722

Herein

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

#12

τῇ

G3588

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

#13

ἡμέρᾳ

G2250

the day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#14

τῆς

G3588

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

#15

κρίσεως

G2920

of judgment

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

#16

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#17

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#18

ἐκεῖνός

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

#19

ἐστιν

G2076

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

#20

καὶ

G2532

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

#21

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

#22

ἐσμεν

G2070

are

we are

#23

ἐν

G1722

Herein

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

#24

τῷ

G3588

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

#25

κόσμῳ

G2889

world

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

#26

τούτῳ

G5129

this

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

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

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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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