CINXE.COM

<!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 3:11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/62_1Jn_03_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 3:11 - Love One Another" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another." /><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/3-11.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/3-11.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 11</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/3-10.htm" title="1 John 3:10">◄</a> 1 John 3:11 <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm" title="1 John 3:12">►</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 />For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message that you have heard from <i>the</i> beginning, that we should love one another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we are to love one another;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message which you [believers] have heard from the beginning [of your relationship with Christ], that we should [unselfishly] love <i>and</i> seek the best for one another;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />From the beginning you were told we must love each other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The message that you have heard from the beginning is to love each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This is the message that you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For this is the gospel message that you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For this is the message that ye have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For this is the Message you have heard from the beginning--that we are to love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another— <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />because this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we may love one another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message that you have heard from <i>the</i> beginning, that we should love one another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> because this is the message that ye did hear from the beginning, that we may love one another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For this is the declaration, which you have heard from the beginning, that you should love one another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For this is the announcement that you heard from the beginning: that you should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For this is the commandment that you have heard from the beginning, that you must love one another,<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 />For this is the commandment that you have heard from the first: “You shall love one another”,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Because this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we must love one another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For this is the commandment which ye have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for this is the doctrine that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For this is the Message you have heard from the beginning--that we are to love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />because this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />for this is the injunction which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another: not as Cain <i>who</i> was of the evil <i>one,</i> and slew his brother;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/3-11.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=535" 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">10</span>By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: Hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></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/31.htm" title="31: angelia (N-NFS) -- A message. From aggelos; an announcement, i.e. precept.">message</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: ēkousate (V-AIA-2P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">you have heard</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archēs (N-GFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">the beginning:</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."></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.">We should love</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlous (RecPro-AMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">one another.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">12</span>Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.…<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/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="/john/15-12.htm">John 15:12-17</a></span><br />This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. / Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7-21</a></span><br />Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. / 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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">1 John 2:7-11</a></span><br />Beloved, I am not writing to you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had from the beginning. This commandment is the message you have heard. / Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining. / If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. ...<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="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a></span><br />Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / 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="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13-14</a></span><br />For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. / 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="/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="/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="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:9</a></span><br />Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5-6</a></span><br />And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. / 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="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a></span><br />Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a></span><br />Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Proverbs 17:17</a></span><br />A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.</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 message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.</p><p class="hdg">this.</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="/1_john/2-7.htm">1 John 2:7,8</a></b></br> Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning… </p><p class="hdg">message.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a></b></br> Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and <i>of</i> a good conscience, and <i>of</i> faith unfeigned:</p><p class="hdg">that we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7,21</a></b></br> Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34,35</a></b></br> A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/15-12.htm">John 15:12</a></b></br> This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_john/2-24.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/1_john/2-24.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">Love</a> <a href="/1_john/2-14.htm">Message</a> <a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/1_john/4-19.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_john/4-5.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_john/3-13.htm">Love</a> <a href="/revelation/10-3.htm">Message</a> <a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">Word</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>This is the message</b><br />The phrase "This is the message" refers to a foundational teaching that the Apostle John emphasizes throughout his writings. The Greek word for "message" is "ἀγγελία" (angelia), which denotes a proclamation or announcement. This suggests that the teaching is not new but a core tenet of the Christian faith, echoing the consistent message of love that Jesus Himself proclaimed. Historically, this message was revolutionary in a world often characterized by division and hostility.<p><b>you have heard</b><br />The phrase "you have heard" underscores the oral tradition and the importance of hearing in the early Christian communities. The Greek verb "ἀκούω" (akouo) implies not just hearing with the ears but understanding and internalizing the message. This reflects the Jewish Shema tradition, where hearing is linked to obedience. The early Christians would have been familiar with this concept, as many were converts from Judaism.<p><b>from the beginning</b><br />"From the beginning" points to the timeless nature of the command to love. The Greek word "ἀρχή" (archē) can mean both the beginning of time and the beginning of one's faith journey. This phrase connects the command to love with the teachings of Jesus from the start of His ministry, as well as the creation narrative where God's love is foundational. It emphasizes that love is not a new command but one that has been integral to God's plan from the outset.<p><b>We should love one another</b><br />The command "We should love one another" is central to Christian ethics. The Greek word for love here is "ἀγαπάω" (agapaō), which refers to selfless, sacrificial love. This is the same love that God shows humanity and is distinct from other forms of love like "philia" (brotherly love) or "eros" (romantic love). In the historical context of the early church, this command was radical, calling believers to transcend social, ethnic, and cultural barriers. Scripturally, this command echoes Jesus' words in <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a>, where He instructs His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, thus identifying them as His followers. This love is not merely an emotion but an active choice to seek the well-being of others, reflecting the love of Christ.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Because the message</span> (<span class="greek">ἀγγελία</span>: see on 1 John 1:5) <span class="cmt_word">which ye heard from the beginning is this.</span> Not merely <span class="accented">in</span> the beginning, but <span class="accented">from</span> the beginning; it was among the first announcements, and it had never ceased to be in force. Jerome, in his 'Commentary on Galatians' (<a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a>), tells us that when St. John became too infirm to preach, he used often to say no more than this, "Little children, love one another." His hearers at last wearied of it, and said, "Master, why dost thou always say this?" "It is the Lord's command," he replied; "and if this alone is done, it is enough." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/3-11.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">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">ἐστὶν</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">message</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγγελία</span> <span class="translit">(angelia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_31.htm">Strong's 31: </a> </span><span class="str2">A message. From aggelos; an announcement, i.e. precept.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have heard</span><br /><span class="grk">ἠκούσατε</span> <span class="translit">(ēkousate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπ’</span> <span class="translit">(ap’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> </span><span class="str2">From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] beginning:</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀρχῆς</span> <span class="translit">(archēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> </span><span class="str2">From archomai; a commencement, or chief.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">We should 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">one another.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλήλους</span> <span class="translit">(allēlous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> </span><span class="str2">One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 3:11 For this is the message which you (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/3-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 3:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 3:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/3-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 3:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 3:12" /></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>