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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 John 3:16 By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/62_1Jn_03_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 3:16 - Love One Another" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_john/3-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_john/3-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_john/">1 John</a> > <a href="/1_john/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_john/3-15.htm" title="1 John 3:15">◄</a> 1 John 3:16 <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm" title="1 John 3:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_john/3.htm">New International Version</a> This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. <a href="/nlt/1_john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. <a href="/esv/1_john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. <a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. <a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By this we have known love, because He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. <a href="/kjv/1_john/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Hereby 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_john/3.htm">New King James Version</a> By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/nasb_/1_john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers and sisters. <a href="/nasb/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/nasb77/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/lsb/1_john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> By this we have known love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. <a href="/amp/1_john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> By this we know [and have come to understand the depth and essence of His precious] love: that He [willingly] laid down His life for us [because He loved us]. And we ought to lay down our lives for the believers. <a href="/csb/1_john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. <a href="/hcsb/1_john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This is how we have come to know love: He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. <a href="/asv/1_john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/cev/1_john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. This is why we must give our lives for each other. <a href="/erv/1_john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/gwt/1_john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers. <a href="/gnt/1_john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! <a href="/isv/1_john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> This is how we have come to know love: the Messiah gave his life for us. We, too, ought to give our lives for our brothers. <a href="/msb/1_john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. <a href="/net/1_john/3.htm">NET Bible</a> We have come to know love by this: that Jesus laid down his life for us; thus we ought to lay down our lives for our fellow Christians. <a href="/nheb/1_john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. <a href="/wbt/1_john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> By this we perceive the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> We know what love is--through Christ's having laid down His life on our behalf; and in the same way we ought to lay down our lives for our brother men. <a href="/web/1_john/3.htm">World English Bible</a> By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> in this we have known love, because He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brothers; <a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By this we have known love, because He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. <a href="/ylt/1_john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> in this we have known the love, because he for us his life did lay down, and we ought for the brethren the lives to lay down; <a href="/slt/1_john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> In this have we known love, for he set his soul for us: and we ought to set the souls for the brethren.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> In this we have known the charity of God, because he hath laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/cpdv/1_john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> We know the love of God in this way: because he laid down his life for us. And so, we must lay down our lives for our brothers. <a href="/nabre/1_john/3.htm">New American Bible</a> The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. <a href="/nrsvce/1_john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> By this we know his love for us, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for our brethren. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> By this we know his love toward us, for he gave his Life in our place, and it is right for us that we would give our lives for the sake of our brothers.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> By this we know the love of Christ, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/godbey/1_john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> In this we know the divine love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/haweis/1_john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> By this we have known the love of Christ, because for us he laid down his own life: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/mace/1_john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> this is the proof of the divine love, Christ expos'd his life for us: and we ought to expose our lives for the brethren. <a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> We know what love is--through Christ's having laid down His life on our behalf; and in the same way we ought to lay down our lives for our brother men. <a href="/worrell/1_john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> In this we have known the love, that He laid down His soul in our behalf; and we ought to lay down our souls in behalf of the brethren. <a href="/worsley/1_john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> In this we know his love, that He laid down his life for us: and we should be ready to lay down our lives for the brethren. <a href="/parallel/1_john/3-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=581" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm">Love One Another</a> …15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer. 16<a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: En (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">By</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutō (DPro-DNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: egnōkamen (V-RIA-1P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">we know</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapēn (N-AFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love is:</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinos (DPro-NMS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/5087.htm" title="5087: ethēken (V-AIA-3S) -- To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.">laid down</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychēn (N-AFS) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">life</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/3784.htm" title="3784: opheilomen (V-PIA-1P) -- Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty.">ought</a> <a href="/greek/5087.htm" title="5087: theinai (V-ANA) -- To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.">to lay down</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">our</a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychas (N-AFP) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">lives</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">our</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphōn (N-GMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers.</a> 17If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13</a> Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</a> But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a> For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. <a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a> and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. ... <a href="/1_john/4-9.htm">1 John 4:9-11</a> This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. / And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. / Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a> I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. <a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21-24</a> For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: / “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” / When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/5-14.htm">2 Corinthians 5:14-15</a> For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. / And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again. <a href="/hebrews/9-14.htm">Hebrews 9:14</a> how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! <a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4-5</a> Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. <a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a> just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a> For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a> A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.perceive.<a href="/1_john/4-9.htm">1 John 4:9,10</a> In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him… <a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a> Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.and we.<a href="/1_john/2-6.htm">1 John 2:6</a> He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.<a href="/1_john/4-11.htm">1 John 4:11</a> Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a> A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/4-16.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/1_john/2-5.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/1_john/2-22.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-14.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/1_john/3-13.htm">Love</a> <a href="/1_john/2-6.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/13-12.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/matthew/11-2.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/revelation/1-3.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">Love</a> <a href="/1_john/4-11.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/1_john/4-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 3</div>1. <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">He declares the singular love of God toward us, in making us his sons;</a> 3. <a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">who therefore ought obediently to keep his commandments;</a> 11. <a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">as also to love one another as brothers.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_john/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>By this we know what love is: This phrase introduces the concept of love as defined by the actions of Jesus Christ. In the biblical context, love is not merely an emotion but an action demonstrated through sacrifice. The Greek word for love here is "agape," which signifies selfless, unconditional love. This sets the standard for Christian love, contrasting with the world's often self-centered understanding of love.Jesus laid down His life for us: This refers to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a central event in Christian theology. Historically, Jesus' death occurred around 30-33 AD in Jerusalem, a city with significant religious and political tension. The act of laying down His life is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>, which speaks of the suffering servant. It also serves as the ultimate example of sacrificial love, a type of Christ's role as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>).and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers: This phrase calls believers to emulate Christ's sacrificial love in their relationships with others. The term "brothers" refers to fellow believers, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual support within the body of Christ. This echoes Jesus' teaching in <a href="/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13</a>, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." It challenges Christians to prioritize others' needs, even to the point of self-sacrifice, reflecting the early church's communal living and support as seen in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> Central figure in Christianity, whose sacrificial death is the ultimate demonstration of love. 2. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his emphasis on love and truth. 3. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_community.htm">Early Christian Community</a> The recipients of John's letter, facing challenges of false teachings and needing encouragement in love and truth. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_cross.htm">The Cross</a> The event where Jesus laid down His life, serving as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. 5. <a href="/topical/b/brothers.htm">Brothers (and Sisters) in Christ</a> Fellow believers who are called to emulate Christ's love in their relationships with one another.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_true_love.htm">Understanding True Love</a> True love is defined by sacrifice, as demonstrated by Jesus. It is not merely an emotion but an action that often requires selflessness and humility. <a href="/topical/i/imitating_christ's_sacrifice.htm">Imitating Christ's Sacrifice</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His sacrificial love. This may not always mean physical death but involves putting others' needs before our own. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_brotherhood.htm">Community and Brotherhood</a> The Christian community is strengthened when believers practice sacrificial love. This fosters unity and reflects Christ's love to the world. <a href="/topical/p/practical_sacrifice.htm">Practical Sacrifice</a> Consider what it means to "lay down our lives" in daily contexts—time, resources, and personal comfort can be offered in service to others. <a href="/topical/l/love_as_a_witness.htm">Love as a Witness</a> Our love for one another serves as a testimony to the world of Christ's love. It is a powerful witness that can draw others to faith.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 16, 17. - The nature of love as shown by Christ, and its obligation on Christians. Love has been declared the criterion for distinguishing the children of God from the children of the devil. It remains to show what love is; and this is best seen in a concrete example. "The Eternal Word, incarnate and dying for the truth, inspires St. John to guard it with apostolic chivalry; but also this revelation of the heart of God melts him into tenderness towards the race which Jesus has loved so well. To St. John a lack of love for men seems sheer dishonour to the love of Christ" (Liddon). Verse 16. - In this (verse 10; <a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3</a>)we have come to know (have acquired and possess the knowledge of) love (what love is), in that he laid down his life for us. This is better than "We have come to know love as consisting in this, that he laid down his life for us," which would have been ἐν τούτῳ οϋσαν. Cain is the type of hate; Christ, of love. Cain took his brother's life to benefit himself; Christ laid down his own life to benefit his enemies (see on John 10:12). This realized ideal of love we must imitate; ready to sacrifice ourselves, and even our lives, for the good of others. The effacement of another's rights and perhaps existence for one's own sake is the essence of hatred; the effacement of one's self for another's sake is the essence of love. Christ died for those who hated him; and the Christian must confront the hatred of the world with a love that is ready even to die for the haters. This shows that the "brethren" here and in verse 14, though used primarily of Christians, does not exclude unbelievers; otherwise the parallel with Christ would be spoiled (see on verse 10). <a href="/commentaries/1_john/3-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>By Ἐν (En) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. this τούτῳ (toutō) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. we know ἐγνώκαμεν (egnōkamen) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. what τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. love [is]: ἀγάπην (agapēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. [Jesus] ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. laid down ἔθηκεν (ethēken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. life ψυχὴν (psychēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely. for ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. us, ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. we ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. ought ὀφείλομεν (opheilomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3784.htm">Strong's 3784: </a> Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty. to lay down θεῖναι (theinai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place. [our] τὰς (tas) Article - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. lives ψυχὰς (psychas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely. for ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. [our] τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. brothers. ἀδελφῶν (adelphōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_john/3-16.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 3:16 By this we know love because he (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 3:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 3:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>