1 Corinthians 8:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 8:3
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 8 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, obedience, mercy. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 8:3
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
Analysis
But if any man love God, the same is known of him (ἔγνωσται ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, egnostai hyp' autou, "has been known by Him")—Paul reverses the equation: what matters isn't our knowledge of God, but God's knowledge of us. The perfect tense egnostai indicates completed action with ongoing results—God's electing knowledge establishes and sustains the believer.
This echoes Galatians 4:9 ("to be known by God") and anticipates 1 Corinthians 13:12 ("then shall I know even as also I am known"). Biblical "knowing" (ginosko in Greek, yada in Hebrew) signifies intimate, covenant relationship—God's choosing love precedes and enables our response. The one who loves God proves thereby that God first loved and chose him (1 John 4:19). Love, not intellectual achievement, marks true knowledge of God.
Historical Context
Jewish theology emphasized God's election and covenant knowledge—God "knew" Abraham (Genesis 18:19), Israel (Amos 3:2), and Jeremiah before birth (Jeremiah 1:5). This covenantal knowing meant choosing, protecting, and claiming as His own. Paul corrects Greek philosophical notions of knowledge as intellectual attainment by anchoring it in divine initiative and relationship.
Reflection
- How does shifting focus from "I know God" to "God knows me" change your spiritual security and humility?
- What evidence in your life demonstrates that you love God—not just know about Him?
- How does God's electing knowledge (choosing you first) fuel love for Him and others?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 1:6, Galatians 4:9, 2 Timothy 2:19
- Love: 1 Corinthians 2:9, James 1:12, Revelation 2:19
- Parallel theme: Exodus 33:17, Jeremiah 1:5, Nahum 1:7, John 10:14