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1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,
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And his commands are not burdensome,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/5.htm">English Standard Version</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="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we should keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/5.htm">New King James Version</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="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/5.htm">NASB 1995</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="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/5.htm">NASB 1977 </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="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </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="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For the [true] love of God is this: that we <i>habitually</i> keep His commandments <i>and</i> remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments <i>and</i> His precepts are not difficult [to obey].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />To love God means that we obey his commandments. Obeying his commandments isn't difficult<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For this demonstrates our love for God: We keep his commandments, and his commandments are not difficult, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments do not weigh us down,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Love for God means obedience to His commands; and His commands are not irksome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For this is loving God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for this is the love of God, that we may keep His commands, and His commands are not burdensome;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we should keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for this is the love of God, that His commands we may keep, and His commands are not burdensome;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep his commands: and his commands are not heavy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For this is the charity of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not heavy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not heavy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: And his commandments are not difficult.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For this is the love of God: to keep his commandments; and his commandments are not burdensome.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</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="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For this is the divine love of God, that we may keep his commandments: and his commandments are not heavy:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we should keep his commandments: and his commandments are not burdensome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for our love of God consists in the observation of his precepts: precepts that are far from being grievous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Love for God means obedience to His commands; and His commands are not irksome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</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="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/5-3.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=913" 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/5.htm">Overcoming the World</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</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/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</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> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- 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: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/5083.htm" title="5083: tērōmen (V-PSA-1P) -- From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.">we keep</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: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolas (N-AFP) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandments.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</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: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolai (N-NFP) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandments</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</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.">not</a> <a href="/greek/926.htm" title="926: bareiai (Adj-NFP) -- Heavy, weighty, burdensome, lit. and met; violent, oppressive. From the same as baros; weighty, i.e. burdensome, grave.">burdensome,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.…<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/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a></span><br />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="/matthew/11-30.htm">Matthew 11:30</a></span><br />For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/30-11.htm">Deuteronomy 30:11-14</a></span><br />For this commandment I give you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. / It is not in heaven, that you should need to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it for us and proclaim it, that we may obey it?’ / And it is not beyond the sea, that you should need to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it for us and proclaim it, that we may obey it?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-47.htm">Psalm 119:47-48</a></span><br />I delight in Your commandments because I love them. / I lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-127.htm">Psalm 119:127-128</a></span><br />Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold. / Therefore I admire all Your precepts and hate every false way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-10.htm">Romans 13:10</a></span><br />Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">2 John 1:6</a></span><br />And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8</a></span><br />If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a></span><br />The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a></span><br />Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5-6</a></span><br />And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. / These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7-11</a></span><br />The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/112-1.htm">Psalm 112:1</a></span><br />Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1-2</a></span><br />My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; / for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.</p><p class="hdg">this.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-6.htm">Exodus 20:6</a></b></br> And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-10.htm">Deuteronomy 5:10</a></b></br> And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">Deuteronomy 7:9</a></b></br> Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he <i>is</i> God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;</p><p class="hdg">and.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7-11</a></b></br> The law of the LORD <i>is</i> perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD <i>is</i> sure, making wise the simple… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-45.htm">Psalm 119:45,47,48,103,104,127,128,140</a></b></br> And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-17.htm">Proverbs 3:17</a></b></br> Her ways <i>are</i> ways of pleasantness, and all her paths <i>are</i> peace.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Burdensome</a> <a href="/1_john/5-2.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/1_john/5-2.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Irksome</a> <a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/1_john/5-2.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/1_john/5-2.htm">Obey</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/11-14.htm">Burdensome</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/revelation/16-2.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/jude/1-15.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Irksome</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/2_john/1-3.htm">Love</a> <a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Means</a> <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">Obey</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">He who loves God loves his children, and keeps his commandments;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/5-3.htm">which to the faithful are not grievous.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/5-9.htm">Jesus is the Son of God;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">and able to hear our prayers.</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'; 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In the biblical context, love is often tied to obedience and faithfulness. This aligns with the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-5</a>, where love for God is expressed through wholehearted devotion. The love of God is also reflected in the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who stated that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37</a>).<p><b>that we keep His commandments</b><br>Keeping God's commandments is a central theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of obedience as a response to God's love and grace. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given the Law as a covenantal guide for living in relationship with God (<a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5-6</a>). In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed the continuity of the moral law, emphasizing that love for Him is shown through obedience to His commands (<a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a>). This phrase underscores the belief that true faith is evidenced by a life that seeks to align with God's will.<p><b>And His commandments are not burdensome</b><br>This statement reflects the transformative power of God's grace, which enables believers to follow His commandments with joy rather than as a heavy obligation. In contrast to the Pharisaic legalism criticized by Jesus (<a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Matthew 23:4</a>), the commandments of God are designed for the well-being and flourishing of His people. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in <a href="/romans/7-22.htm">Romans 7:22</a>, where he delights in God's law. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out God's commands, making them a source of freedom rather than a burden (<a href="/galatians/5.htm">Galatians 5:1</a>).<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 and truth 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 composed of various house churches in Asia Minor, facing challenges such as false teachings and the need for assurance in their faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, whose love is expressed through the giving of commandments that are meant to guide believers in their walk with Him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_love.htm">Understanding God's Love</a></b><br>God's love is not just an emotion but is demonstrated through His commandments, which are designed for our well-being and spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_as_an_expression_of_love.htm">Obedience as an Expression of Love</a></b><br>True love for God is shown through our willingness to obey His commandments, reflecting a heart aligned with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_god's_commandments.htm">The Nature of God's Commandments</a></b><br>God's commandments are not meant to be a heavy burden but are given to lead us into a life of freedom and joy in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/empowerment_through_the_holy_spirit.htm">Empowerment through the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out God's commandments, making obedience a joyful and possible endeavor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contrast_with_legalism.htm">Contrast with Legalism</a></b><br>Unlike legalistic adherence to rules, obedience to God's commandments is rooted in a loving relationship with Him, transforming duty into delight.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_1_john_5_3_not_burdensome.htm">How does 1 John 5:3's statement that God’s commands “are not burdensome” align with numerous strict Old Testament laws? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_1_john_5_3_on_commandments.htm">What does 1 John 5:3 mean about commandments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_'elder'_in_3_john_1_apostle_john.htm">How can we be certain the “elder” in 3 John 1 is truly the Apostle John given the lack of explicit identification? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_fully_live_christ's_teachings.htm">How can we live fully in Christ's teachings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - Reason for the preceding statement. "For the love of God consists in this (<a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">1 John 4:17</a>), that we keep his commandments: and these are not grievous." These are the words, not merely of an inspired apostle, but of an aged man, with a wide experience of life and its difficulties. "Difficult" is a relative term, depending upon the relation between the thing to be done and the powers of the doer of it. The Christian, whose will is united with the will of God, will not find obedience to that will a task. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/5-3.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">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γάρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">αὕτη</span> <span class="translit">(hautē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</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">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡ</span> <span class="translit">(hē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Feminine 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">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 /><br /><span class="word">of God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive 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">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we keep</span><br /><span class="grk">τηρῶμεν</span> <span class="translit">(tērōmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5083.htm">Strong's 5083: </a> </span><span class="str2">From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">commandments.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐντολὰς</span> <span class="translit">(entolas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> </span><span class="str2">An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.</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">His</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">commandments</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐντολαὶ</span> <span class="translit">(entolai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> </span><span class="str2">An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰσίν</span> <span class="translit">(eisin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<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">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">burdensome,</span><br /><span class="grk">βαρεῖαι</span> <span class="translit">(bareiai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_926.htm">Strong's 926: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heavy, weighty, burdensome, lit. and met; violent, oppressive. From the same as baros; weighty, i.e. burdensome, grave.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/5-3.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/5-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 5:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 5:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/5-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 5:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 5:4" /></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>