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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 3:18 Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/62_1Jn_03_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 3:18 - Love One Another" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/3-18.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/3-18.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 18</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="/ad1.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/3-17.htm" title="1 John 3:17">◄</a> 1 John 3:18 <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm" title="1 John 3:19">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_john/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Little children, we should love not in word, nor in tongue, but in action and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Little children, we must stop expressing love merely by our words and manner of speech; we must love also in action and in truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue but in deed and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Little children, let us not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Dear children, let us not love in words only nor with the lips, but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />My little children, may we not love in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Little children, we should love not in word, nor in tongue, but in action and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> My little children, may we not love in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My little children, we should not love in word, neither in tongue; but in work and truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />My little children, let us not love in word, nor in tongue, but in deed, and in truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />My little sons, let us not love in words only, but in works and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My children, let us not love one another in word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Children, let us not love one another with words and with speech, but in deeds and in truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />My little children, let us not love in word, nor in tongue, but in deed, and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Little children, let us love with divine love not in word, nor in tongue; but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />My dear children, let us not love in word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />my dear children, let not our love be only in the language of our lips, but in the real effects of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Dear children, let us not love in words only nor with the lips, but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue, but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />My little children, let us not love in word, or in tongue <i>only,</i> but in deed and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/3-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=604" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm">Love One Another</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5040.htm" title="5040: Teknia (N-VNP) -- A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings.">Little children,</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: agapōmen (V-PSA-1P) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">let us love</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logō (N-DMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">in word</a> <a href="/greek/3366.htm" title="3366: mēde (Conj) -- And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1100.htm" title="1100: glōssē (N-DFS) -- The tongue; by implication, a language.">speech,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <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.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergō (N-DNS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">action</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheia (N-DFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-17</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? / So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a></span><br />A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-3</a></span><br />If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21</a></span><br />Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a></span><br />Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a></span><br />For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a></span><br />Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a></span><br />Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:3</a></span><br />and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-11</a></span><br />And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, / filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8</a></span><br />I am not giving a command, but I am testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-1.htm">Hebrews 13:1-2</a></span><br />Continue in brotherly love. / Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46</a></span><br />Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.</p><p class="hdg">My.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">1 John 2:1</a></b></br> My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:</p><p class="hdg">let.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/33-21.htm">Exodus 33:21</a></b></br> And the LORD said, Behold, <i>there is</i> a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Matthew 25:41-45</a></b></br> Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a></b></br> <i>Let</i> love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">Act</a> <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_john/3-7.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_john/2-5.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-13.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-15.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/1_john/3-7.htm">Little</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/1_john/2-27.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Act</a> <a href="/revelation/19-8.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/genesis/34-7.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/exodus/6-12.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">Little</a> <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/revelation/5-9.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_john/4-20.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">He declares the singular love of God toward us, in making us his sons;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">who therefore ought obediently to keep his commandments;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">as also to love one another as brothers.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_john/3.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Little children</b><br />This affectionate term, "little children," is translated from the Greek word "τεκνία" (teknia), which John uses to address believers with a sense of pastoral care and intimacy. It reflects the apostle's deep love and concern for the spiritual well-being of his readers, akin to a father guiding his children. Historically, this term underscores the early Christian community's familial nature, emphasizing unity and mutual care among believers.<p><b>let us love</b><br />The Greek verb "ἀγαπῶμεν" (agapōmen) is derived from "ἀγάπη" (agape), which signifies a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others. This is the same love that God demonstrates towards humanity, as seen throughout the New Testament. In the context of 1 John, this call to love is a central theme, urging believers to reflect God's love in their interactions with one another.<p><b>not in word and speech</b><br />The phrase "not in word and speech" highlights the insufficiency of mere verbal expressions of love. The Greek terms "λόγῳ" (logō) and "γλώσσῃ" (glōssē) refer to spoken words and language. In the historical context of the early church, there was a need to distinguish genuine Christian love from superficial declarations. This admonition serves as a reminder that true love transcends verbal affirmations and requires tangible evidence.<p><b>but in action and truth</b><br />The contrast "but in action and truth" emphasizes the necessity of love being demonstrated through deeds and sincerity. The Greek word "ἔργῳ" (ergō) means "work" or "deed," indicating that love must be active and visible. "Truth," from the Greek "ἀληθείᾳ" (alētheia), implies authenticity and integrity. In the scriptural context, this aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified love through His actions and called His followers to do likewise. This phrase challenges believers to embody love in a way that is both practical and genuine, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 18-24.</span> - As in chapter 1 John 2:28, St. John bursts out into personal exhortation (comp. verse 13; chapter 1 John 4:1, 7), based upon the preceding statements. He then restates the motive in a new form both positively and negatively. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Little children</span> (<span class="greek">τεκνία</span>, the <span class="greek">μου</span> being spurious). This address, as in <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">1 John 2:28</a>, introduces the summing up of the section. It may be doubted whether the absence of <span class="greek">ἐν</span> with the first pair <span class="greek">λόγῳ μηδὲ τῇ γλώσσῃ</span> and its presence with the second <span class="greek">ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ ἀληθείᾳ</span> indicates any marked difference, as if <span class="greek">λόγῳ</span> expressed the instrument, and <span class="greek">ἐν ἔργῳ</span> the element or sphere. This introduces a false antithesis, like "Do not dig with a stick, but dig in the earth." (For the Hebraic <span class="greek">ἐν</span> to express the instrument, comp. <a href="/revelation/13-10.htm">Revelation 13:10</a>.) "Nor yet with the tongue" is not a tautological addition. One may love in <span class="accented">word</span> only, and yet the affectionate words may be quite sincere; and this is a common case. People say kind things which they mean at the moment, but afterwards they do not take the trouble to act kindly. But to love <span class="accented">with the tongue</span> only is far worse. This is to say kind things which one does not mean, and which one knows to be unreal. Deeds are needed to complete the kind word; truth is needed to correct the insincere tongue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/3-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Little children,</span><br /><span class="grk">Τεκνία</span> <span class="translit">(Teknia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5040.htm">Strong's 5040: </a> </span><span class="str2">A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let us love</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαπῶμεν</span> <span class="translit">(agapōmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_25.htm">Strong's 25: </a> </span><span class="str2">To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in word</span><br /><span class="grk">λόγῳ</span> <span class="translit">(logō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> </span><span class="str2">From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and]</span><br /><span class="grk">μηδὲ</span> <span class="translit">(mēde)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3366.htm">Strong's 3366: </a> </span><span class="str2">And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speech,</span><br /><span class="grk">γλώσσῃ</span> <span class="translit">(glōssē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue; by implication, a language.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">action</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔργῳ</span> <span class="translit">(ergō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">truth.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀληθείᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(alētheia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> </span><span class="str2">From alethes; truth.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 3:18 My little children let's not love (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 3:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 3:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/3-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 3:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 3:19" /></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>