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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 John 4:21 And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/4-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/62_1Jn_04_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 4:21 - Love Comes from God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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/4-20.htm" title="1 John 4:20">◄</a> 1 John 4:21 <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm" title="1 John 5:1">►</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 />And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from Him, that the <i>one</i> loving God should love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God <i>must</i> love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God must also love his brother <i>and sister.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should also [unselfishly] love his brother <i>and</i> seek the best for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And we have this command from Him: The one who loves God must also love his brother. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The commandment that God has given us is: "Love God and love each other!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Christ has given us this commandment: The person who loves God must also love other believers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The command that Christ has given us is this: whoever loves God must love others also. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />And this is the commandment that we have from him: the person who loves God must also love his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And the commandment we have from him is this: that the one who loves God should love his fellow Christian too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God, love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And the command which we have from Him is that he who loves God must love his brother man also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And this [is] the command we have from Him, that he who is loving God, may also love his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from Him, that the <i>one</i> loving God should love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and this is the command we have from Him, that he who is loving God, may also love his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And this command have we from him, That he loving God love his brother also.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from God, that he, who loveth God, love also his brother. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And this is the commandment that we have from God, that he who loves God must also love his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from him, That he who loves God loves his brother also.<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 />And we have received this commandment from him: “Everyone who loves God shall love his brother also.” <div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from him: That he that loves God, must love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And we have this precept from him, that the one loving God with divine love also loves his brother with divine love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />So this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love also his brother.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />besides, 'tis a commandment we have receiv'd from him, that he who would love God, must love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And the command which we have from Him is that he who loves God must love his brother man also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And this commandment we have from Him, that he who loves God loves his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And we have this commandment from Him, that he, who loveth God, should love his brother also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/4-21.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=885" 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">20</span>If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">we have</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tautēn (DPro-AFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolēn (N-AFS) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandment</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/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.">Him:</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/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/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.">loves</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/25.htm" title="25: agapa (V-PSA-3S) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">must love</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: 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/80.htm" title="80: adelphon (N-AMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brother</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">as well.</a> </span><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="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</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="/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="/mark/12-30.htm">Mark 12:30-31</a></span><br />Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ / The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-9.htm">Romans 13:9</a></span><br />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.”<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="/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_john/3-23.htm">1 John 3:23</a></span><br />And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-3</a></span><br />If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-27.htm">Luke 10:27</a></span><br />He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">Matthew 5:43-44</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ / But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/8-17.htm">Zechariah 8:17</a></span><br />do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And this commandment have we from him, That he who loves God love his brother also.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/4-11.htm">1 John 4:11</a></b></br> Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11,14,18,23</a></b></br> For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a></b></br> Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">Command</a> <a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/1_john/4-20.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/1_john/4-8.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">Word</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 />  <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 /> <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>And we have this commandment from Him:</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the commandment, indicating that it is not a human invention but a directive from God Himself. The use of "commandment" suggests a non-negotiable directive, reflecting the authoritative nature of God's instructions. This echoes Jesus' teachings in the Gospels, particularly in <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a>, where He gives a new commandment to love one another. The apostle John, who is traditionally believed to be the author of this epistle, was a direct witness to Jesus' ministry, adding weight to his assertion of this commandment's divine source.<p><b>Whoever loves God:</b><br>This part of the verse establishes the foundational relationship between the believer and God. Love for God is a central theme throughout Scripture, seen in the Shema of <a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a>, which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. The love for God is not merely emotional but involves obedience and commitment to His will. In the cultural context of the early church, love for God was a distinguishing mark of the Christian community, setting them apart from pagan practices and beliefs.<p><b>must love his brother as well:</b><br>The necessity of loving one's brother is a recurring theme in John's writings, underscoring the inseparable link between love for God and love for others. This reflects the teaching of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a>, where He states the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. The term "brother" here can be understood as fellow believers, emphasizing the importance of unity and love within the Christian community. Historically, the early church faced internal and external challenges, making mutual love essential for maintaining fellowship and witness. This commandment also aligns with the broader biblical narrative of reconciliation and community, as seen in the early church's practices in <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42-47</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' closest disciples, known for his emphasis on love and truth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The divine source of love, who commands believers to love one another.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/believers/brothers.htm">Believers/Brothers</a></b><br>Refers to fellow Christians, emphasizing the community of faith and mutual love among its members.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_commandment_of_love.htm">The Commandment of Love</a></b><br>The commandment to love is not optional for believers; it is a direct command from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/love_as_evidence_of_faith.htm">Love as Evidence of Faith</a></b><br>Loving others is a tangible evidence of one's love for God and a true mark of Christian faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_christian_love.htm">The Nature of Christian Love</a></b><br>Christian love is sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional, reflecting the love of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/overcoming_barriers_to_love.htm">Overcoming Barriers to Love</a></b><br>Believers are called to overcome personal grievances, prejudices, and differences to love their brothers and sisters in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/love_in_action.htm">Love in Action</a></b><br>Love must be demonstrated through actions, such as serving others, showing kindness, and meeting the needs of fellow believers.<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/what_defines_christian_behavior.htm">What defines Christian behavior?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_effectively_minister_to_god.htm">How can we achieve unity without divisions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_a_healer'_mean.htm">What does 1 John 5:3 mean about commandments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happens_to_the_wicked_after_death.htm">How is it for brethren to dwell together in unity?</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 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That he who loveth God love his brother also.</span> This is the great commandment, on which hang all the Law and the prophets (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37, 39</a>; <a href="/luke/10-27.htm">Luke 10:27</a>; <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a>), and, whatever we may think of the relation between seeing and loving, there is the Divine command to love, not only the invisible God, but the visible brother in whom the invisible God dwells. Sight may hinder as well as help; it is hard to love what is squalid and hideous. In such cases let us remember the Divine command; let us remember the Divinity which even the most debased humanity contains. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/4-21.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">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">we have</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχομεν</span> <span class="translit">(echomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">ταύτην</span> <span class="translit">(tautēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative 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">commandment</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐντολὴν</span> <span class="translit">(entolēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<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">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">Him:</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">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">loves</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">God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεὸν</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">must love</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαπᾷ</span> <span class="translit">(agapa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person 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">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">brother</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδελφὸν</span> <span class="translit">(adelphon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as well.</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/4-21.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 4:21 This commandment we have from him that (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/4-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 4:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 4:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/5-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 5:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 5:1" /></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>