We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Read it in contextMarks of God's Children
Start reading at 1 John 3:1 (1 John 3:1 to 1 John 3:24).
The unit begins at the start of the chapter and discusses the distinguishing marks of God's children.
3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3:3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
3:4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
3:5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
3:6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
3:7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
3:8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
3:9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
3:10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
3:11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
3:12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
3:13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
3:14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
3:15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
3:16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
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?
3:18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
3:19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
3:20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
3:21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
3:23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
3:24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
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Who
Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author, associated with the eyewitness testimony and teaching also found in the Gospel of John. Biblical references: 1 John 1:1; 1 John 1:3. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Epistles of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 John 3:1–5:21): The same community receives instruction about love, righteous conduct, testing spirits, faith in Jesus Christ, and prayer. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Believers in the name of the Son of God, addressed as children and beloved, facing false teaching and a separation within their community. No city is named. Biblical references: 1 John 2:19; 1 John 4:1; 1 John 5:13. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the manifestation of true sonship with God through righteousness and brotherly love, contrasting it with sin and hatred which characterize the children of the devil. Specifically, love for fellow believers is presented as evidence of spiritual life.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the clear distinction between His children and the children of the devil, primarily through their actions: righteousness versus sin, and brotherly love versus hatred. He reveals that loving the brethren is a tangible sign of having received eternal life.
What is the literary style? The literary style is that of an epistle, characterized by direct address, declarative statements, and strong contrasts between spiritual life and death, righteousness and sin, and love and hatred.
When
When was it written? Approximately A.D. 85 to 95. book background
When does the event take place? The events described and the context of the letter occur in the late first century. The spiritual truths discussed (passing from death to life, loving the brethren) are timeless, but the letter addresses believers living at that time. book background
Where
Where did it happen? The spiritual transformation of "passing from death unto life" occurs in the lives of individual believers. The letter's teachings apply to the lives of believers wherever they are. stated in the text
Where was the author located? The author, John, was located in Ephesus when he wrote this letter. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Marks of God's Children (1 John 3:1 to 1 John 3:24).
Start reading at 1 John 3:1. The unit begins at the start of the chapter and discusses the distinguishing marks of God's children.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as a crucial diagnostic test within the broader discussion of distinguishing true children of God from children of the devil. It explicitly states that love for fellow believers is the evidence of having transitioned from spiritual death to spiritual life, reinforcing the earlier command to love one another and setting the stage for deeper exploration of what that love entails. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The ability to pass from death unto life is solely through the work of Jesus Christ, who was manifested to take away sins and destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:5, 3:8). The love for the brethren, which is the evidence of this new life, is a direct result of Christ's transformative power and a reflection of His own sacrificial love, as He laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16). Furthermore, loving one another is explicitly presented as His commandment (1 John 3:23). interpretation
How do I apply it today? Today, this verse serves as a crucial diagnostic for genuine faith. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and actions: if we truly possess spiritual life in Christ, it will be evidenced by a sincere love for our fellow Christians. This calls us to actively pursue and demonstrate brotherly love, recognizing it as a fundamental mark of being born of God and a confirmation of our spiritual state. interpretation
Cited: 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:2, 1 John 3:4, 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:7, 1 John 3:8, 1 John 3:10, 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:12, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 3:15, 1 John 3:16, 1 John 3:17, 1 John 3:18, 1 John 3:23, 1 John 3:24
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author, but claims eyewitness testimony of the Word of life. 1 John 1:1
Early traditionEarly testimony names John the apostle, and the style closely matches the Gospel of John.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 John 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
Connection to the wholeThe hope of seeing Him is joined to purification and a contrast between righteous conduct and sin, testing what claimed sonship means.
Connection to the wholeThe appeal to love moves from the negative example of Cain to Christ's self-giving and practical provision for a brother's need.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 John
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
Connection to the wholeThe letter tests claims to know God, warns against the world and antichrists, and urges the readers to abide in what they heard.
Connection to the wholeThe community's identity is connected to conduct and love, while competing spiritual claims are tested by their confession concerning Jesus Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe argument connects God's initiating love with mutual love, obedient faith, and the testimony God has given concerning His Son.