John 5:42
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἔγνωκα
I know
G1097
ἔγνωκα
I know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
2 of 12
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπην
the love
G26
ἀγάπην
the love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
6 of 12
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
1 John 4:20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?1 John 2:15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.John 2:25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Historical Context
The Pharisees claimed devotion to God through strict law observance, yet Jesus exposes their heart condition. External compliance without internal transformation by God's love produces only religion, not relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does experiencing God's love enable us to recognize and receive Christ?
- What is the difference between religious devotion and having 'the love of God' within us?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' penetrating diagnosis—'ye have not the love of God in you'—identifies the core problem. He's not saying they don't love God, but that God's love is absent from them (objective genitive). Without receiving and being transformed by God's love, they cannot recognize or receive His Son. Love for God flows from experiencing His love.