1 John 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πᾶς
G3956
Whosoever
all, any, every, the whole
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πιστεύων
G4100
believeth
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
#4
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#6
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#7
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Χριστὸς
G5547
the Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#9
ἐξ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#10
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
Θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#12
γεγεννημένον
G1080
him that begat
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
πᾶς
G3956
Whosoever
all, any, every, the whole
#15
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἀγαπᾷ
G25
loveth
to love (in a social or moral sense)
#17
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
γεγεννημένον
G1080
him that begat
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#19
ἀγαπᾷ
G25
loveth
to love (in a social or moral sense)
#20
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
γεγεννημένον
G1080
him that begat
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#23
ἐξ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#24
αὐτοῦ
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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

Topics