CINXE.COM
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
<!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 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/4-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/62_1Jn_04_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 4:8 - Love Comes from God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." /><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/4-8.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/4-8.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/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 8</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="/ad8.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/4-7.htm" title="1 John 4:7">◄</a> 1 John 4:8 <a href="/1_john/4-9.htm" title="1 John 4:9">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_john/4.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/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The <i>one</i> not loving has not known God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The person who doesn't love doesn't know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He who is destitute of love has never had any knowledge of God; because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />he who is not loving did not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The <i>one</i> not loving has not known God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> he who is not loving did not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He not loving knows not God; for God is love.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is charity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever does not love, does not know God. For God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who does not love, does not know God; for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Because God is love, and everyone who does not love does not know God.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />He that loves not, does not know God; for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />The one not loving with divine love does not know God; because God is divine love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />He that loveth not, never knew God; for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />he that has not social affection, does not know God; for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He who is destitute of love has never had any knowledge of God; because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />He that loves not never knew God; because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />He, that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/4-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=754" 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/4.htm">Love Comes from God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7</span>Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">Whoever</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."></a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: agapōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">does not love</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: egnō (V-AIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">does not know</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-NFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">9</span>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.…<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="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</a></span><br />But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-8</a></span><br />Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a></span><br />God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Ephesians 2:4-5</a></span><br />But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-16.htm">1 John 4:16</a></span><br />And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a></span><br />But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-5.htm">1 John 2:5</a></span><br />But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1</a></span><br />Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-9.htm">John 15:9-10</a></span><br />As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. / If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-10.htm">1 John 4:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-19.htm">1 John 4:19</a></span><br />We love because He first loved us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.</p><p class="hdg">knoweth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4,9</a></b></br> He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/3-6.htm">1 John 3:6</a></b></br> Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-54.htm">John 8:54,55</a></b></br> Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: … </p><p class="hdg">God is.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5</a></b></br> This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6,7</a></b></br> And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/86-5.htm">Psalm 86:5,15</a></b></br> For thou, Lord, <i>art</i> good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">Destitute</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Love</a> <a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">Loving</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/24-27.htm">Destitute</a> <a href="/1_john/4-9.htm">Love</a> <a href="/1_john/4-21.htm">Loving</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">and exhorts to brotherly love.</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Whoever does not love</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the essential nature of love in the life of a believer. In the context of 1 John, the apostle John is addressing the early Christian community, emphasizing the importance of love as a defining characteristic of those who follow Christ. The Greek word for love used here is "agape," which refers to selfless, sacrificial love. This type of love is not based on emotions or feelings but is an act of will, reflecting God's love for humanity. The absence of such love indicates a lack of genuine relationship with God, as love is a fruit of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a>).<p><b>does not know God</b><br>Knowing God in this context goes beyond intellectual understanding; it implies an intimate, personal relationship with Him. The Greek word for "know" is "ginōskō," which often denotes experiential knowledge. In the biblical narrative, knowing God is associated with obedience and love (<a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15, 21</a>). The Old Testament also emphasizes knowing God as a covenantal relationship, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/31-34.htm">Jeremiah 31:34</a>, where God promises that all will know Him. The lack of love signifies a disconnect from this relationship, as true knowledge of God transforms one's life and actions.<p><b>because God is love</b><br>This profound statement encapsulates the essence of God's nature. It is not merely that God loves, but that He is love itself. This declaration is unique to the Christian understanding of God, distinguishing Him from other deities in ancient cultures, who were often capricious or indifferent. The concept of God as love is rooted in the Old Testament, where God's steadfast love (hesed) is a recurring theme (<a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-7</a>). In the New Testament, this is most clearly demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate expression of divine love (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>, <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</a>). This love is both the motivation for and the model of Christian love, calling believers to reflect God's character in their relationships with others.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love in his writings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a></b><br>The recipients of John's letter, likely facing challenges of false teachings and divisions, needing encouragement to remain in the truth and love of God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, described as the very essence of love, which is foundational to understanding His nature and our relationship with Him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_nature.htm">Understanding God's Nature</a></b><br>Recognize that love is not just an attribute of God but His very essence. This understanding should shape our view of God and His actions throughout history.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/love_as_evidence_of_knowing_god.htm">Love as Evidence of Knowing God</a></b><br>Our ability to love others is a reflection of our relationship with God. If we truly know God, His love will naturally flow through us to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_love.htm">The Call to Love</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to love others as God loves us. This is not optional but a command that reflects our identity in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/love_in_action.htm">Love in Action</a></b><br>True love is demonstrated through actions, not just words. We are to actively seek ways to show love to those around us, especially in challenging situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/overcoming_false_teachings.htm">Overcoming False Teachings</a></b><br>In a world with many conflicting messages, grounding ourselves in the truth that God is love helps us discern and reject teachings that contradict His nature.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/am_i_loved_by_god.htm">Am I loved by God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/define_cataphatic_theology..htm">What is the definition of cataphatic theology?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_christians_reconcile_love_and_exclusivity.htm">How can Christians believe in love while promoting exclusivity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_love_and_good_works_connect.htm">How are love and good works interconnected?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - In giving the opposite, St. John again varies the thought, this time very remarkably. Instead of "love is of God" (verse 7), we have "God is Love" - a far deeper thought; and instead of "knoweth not God," we have "knew not God," or, as we should say in English, "hath not known" or "never knew God." The man's not loving his brother shows that in no real sense has he ever in the past known God: he is of the world (chapter 3:1), not of God. We must beware of watering down "God is Love" into "God is loving," or even "God of all beings is the most loving." Love is not a mere <span class="accented">attribute</span> of God; like light, it is his very <span class="accented">nature.</span> As "God is Light" sums up the Being of God intellectually considered, so "God is Love" sums up the same on the moral side. Only when this strong meaning is given to the statement does St. John's argument hold, that "he that loveth not knoweth not God." A man who has no idea of any one of the <span class="accented">attributes</span> of God, as order, or beauty, or power, or justice, has an <span class="accented">imperfect</span> knowledge of God. But he who has no idea of love has no knowledge of God, for love is himself. God alone loves in the fullest and highest sense of the word; for he alone loves with perfect disinterestedness. It is love which alone can explain creation. Why should a Being perfectly blessed in himself create other beings, but to bestow a blessing upon them? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/4-8.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">Whoever</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">does not love</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαπῶν</span> <span class="translit">(agapōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<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">does not know</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔγνω</span> <span class="translit">(egnō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεόν</span> <span class="translit">(Theon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεὸς</span> <span class="translit">(Theos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστίν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">love.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγάπη</span> <span class="translit">(agapē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> </span><span class="str2">From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/4-8.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 4:8 He who doesn't love doesn't know God (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/4-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 4:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 4:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/4-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 4:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 4:9" /></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>