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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 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/4-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/62_1Jn_04_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 4:18 - Love Comes from God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_john/4-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_john/4-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_john/">1 John</a> > <a href="/1_john/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.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/4-17.htm" title="1 John 4:17">◄</a> 1 John 4:18 <a href="/1_john/4-19.htm" title="1 John 4:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_john/4.htm">New International Version</a> There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. <a href="/nlt/1_john/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. <a href="/esv/1_john/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. <a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. <a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment; and the one fearing has not been perfected in love. <a href="/kjv/1_john/4.htm">King James Bible</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. <a href="/nkjv/1_john/4.htm">New King James Version</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. <a href="/nasb_/1_john/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. <a href="/nasb/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. <a href="/nasb77/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. <a href="/lsb/1_john/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. <a href="/amp/1_john/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]. <a href="/csb/1_john/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. <a href="/hcsb/1_john/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. <a href="/asv/1_john/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love. <a href="/cev/1_john/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows we have not really learned to love. <a href="/erv/1_john/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love. <a href="/gwt/1_john/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> No fear exists where his love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn't have perfect love. <a href="/gnt/1_john/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment. <a href="/isv/1_john/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> There is no fear where love exists. Rather, perfect love banishes fear, for fear involves punishment, and the person who lives in fear has not been perfected in love. <a href="/msb/1_john/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. <a href="/net/1_john/4.htm">NET Bible</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been perfected in love. <a href="/nheb/1_john/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. <a href="/wbt/1_john/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth, is not made perfect in love. <a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Love has in it no element of fear; but perfect love drives away fear, because fear involves pain, and if a man gives way to fear, there is something imperfect in his love. <a href="/web/1_john/4.htm">World English Bible</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_john/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and he who is fearing has not been made perfect in love; <a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment; and the one fearing has not been perfected in love. <a href="/ylt/1_john/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> fear is not in the love, but the perfect love doth cast out the fear, because the fear hath punishment, and he who is fearing hath not been made perfect in the love; <a href="/slt/1_john/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Fear is not in love; but perfected love casts out fear: for fear has restraint. And he fearing has not been perfected in love.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_john/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Fear is not in charity: but perfect charity casteth out fear, because fear hath pain. And he that feareth, is not perfected in charity. <a href="/cpdv/1_john/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Fear is not in love. Instead, perfect love casts out fear, for fear pertains to punishment. And whoever fears is not perfected in love. <a href="/nabre/1_john/4.htm">New American Bible</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. <a href="/nrsvce/1_john/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_john/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear is tormenting. He who fears is not made perfect in love. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear is by suspicion, but he who fears is not grown up in love. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_john/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment: he that fears is not made perfect in love. <a href="/godbey/1_john/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> There is no fear in divine love; but perfect divine love casts out the fear: because the fear has torment; and the one fearing has not been made perfect in the divine love. <a href="/haweis/1_john/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Fear is not in this love; but the perfect love casteth out fear: for fear hath anguish. He that is afraid is not made perfect in love.<CM> <a href="/mace/1_john/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Fear is a stranger to love; for perfect loves excludes all fear: since pain is the object of fear, he that is affected with fear, cannot be sincere in his love. <a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Love has in it no element of fear; but perfect love drives away fear, because fear involves pain, and if a man gives way to fear, there is something imperfect in his love. <a href="/worrell/1_john/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment; and he who fears is not made perfect in love. <a href="/worsley/1_john/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment; but he that feareth is not perfected in love. <a href="/parallel/1_john/4-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=852" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Love Comes from God</a> …17In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him. 18<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.">There is</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.">no</a> <a href="/greek/5401.htm" title="5401: Phobos (N-NMS) -- (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.">fear</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-DFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</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."></a> <a href="/greek/5046.htm" title="5046: teleia (Adj-NFS) -- From telos; complete; neuter completeness.">perfect</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/906.htm" title="906: ballei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.">drives</a> <a href="/greek/1854.htm" title="1854: exō (Adv) -- Without, outside. Adverb from ek; out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively.">out</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/5401.htm" title="5401: phobon (N-AMS) -- (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.">fear,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5401.htm" title="5401: phobos (N-NMS) -- (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.">fear</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">involves</a> <a href="/greek/2851.htm" title="2851: kolasin (N-AFS) -- Chastisement, punishment, torment, perhaps with the idea of deprivation. From kolazo; penal infliction.">punishment.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></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.">The one who</a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: phoboumenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">fears</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/5048.htm" title="5048: teteleiōtai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate.">has not been perfected</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-DFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love.</a> 19We love because He first loved us.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15</a> For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” <a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a> For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. <a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a> Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6-7</a> Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. <a href="/matthew/6-34.htm">Matthew 6:34</a> Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. <a href="/psalms/23-4.htm">Psalm 23:4</a> Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. <a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Hebrews 13:6</a> So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a> Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a> Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? <a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a> I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” <a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a> Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. <a href="/isaiah/35-4.htm">Isaiah 35:4</a> Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” <a href="/zephaniah/3-17.htm">Zephaniah 3:17</a> The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” <a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3-4</a> When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.is no.<a href="/luke/1-74.htm">Luke 1:74,75</a> That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, … <a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15</a> For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.<a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a> For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.fear hath.<a href="/job/15-21.htm">Job 15:21</a> A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.<a href="/psalms/73-19.htm">Psalm 73:19</a> How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.<a href="/psalms/88-15.htm">Psalm 88:15,16</a> I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted… He that.<a href="/1_john/4-12.htm">1 John 4:12</a> No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/luke/11-15.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/luke/11-15.htm">Casts</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/mark/1-12.htm">Drives</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/acts/13-26.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-5.htm">Fears</a> <a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">Imperfect</a> <a href="/acts/18-15.htm">Involves</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Love</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-17.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Perfected</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-9.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Room</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">Something</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Torment</a> <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/revelation/6-13.htm">Casts</a> <a href="/1_john/5-8.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-27.htm">Drives</a> <a href="/jude/1-12.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/28-17.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/jude/1-9.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Fears</a> <a href="/jude/1-24.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_john/5-6.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/psalms/139-16.htm">Imperfect</a> <a href="/acts/18-15.htm">Involves</a> <a href="/1_john/4-19.htm">Love</a> <a href="/revelation/9-5.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/revelation/3-2.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/revelation/3-2.htm">Perfected</a> <a href="/1_john/5-17.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/revelation/12-8.htm">Room</a> <a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">Something</a> <a href="/revelation/9-5.htm">Torment</a> <a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_john/5-2.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 4</div>1. <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit;</a> 7. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">and exhorts to brotherly love.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>There is no fear in love This phrase emphasizes the transformative power of divine love. In the biblical context, love is a central theme, especially in the writings of John. The absence of fear in love reflects the assurance and security found in a relationship with God. In the cultural context of the early church, fear was often associated with judgment and the unknown, but the love of God provides a sense of peace and confidence. This echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15</a>, where believers are described as receiving a spirit of adoption rather than a spirit of fear.but perfect love drives out fear Perfect love refers to the mature, complete love that comes from God. This love is not just an emotion but an active force that dispels fear. The concept of perfect love is rooted in the nature of God Himself, as seen in 1 <a href="/john/4-8.htm">John 4:8</a>, which states that "God is love." The driving out of fear suggests a cleansing or purifying action, similar to how light dispels darkness. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke of love as the greatest commandment (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a>).because fear involves punishment Fear, in this context, is linked to the anticipation of punishment or judgment. In the historical setting of the early church, believers faced persecution and the fear of divine judgment. However, the assurance of salvation through Christ removes the fear of eternal punishment. This is consistent with the message of <a href="/romans/8.htm">Romans 8:1</a>, which declares that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. The understanding of punishment here is both temporal and eternal, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive love.The one who fears has not been perfected in love This statement serves as both a challenge and an encouragement to believers. It suggests that fear is an indicator of incomplete understanding or acceptance of God's love. The process of being perfected in love is ongoing, involving spiritual growth and maturity. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of sanctification, where believers are continually being transformed into the likeness of Christ (<a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">2 Corinthians 3:18</a>). The call to be perfected in love is a call to deeper faith and trust in God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love in his writings. 2. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a> The recipients of John's letter, likely facing challenges of false teachings and needing reassurance of God's love and truth. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god's_love.htm">God's Love</a> Central theme in John's writings, emphasizing the transformative power of divine love in the believer's life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_perfect_love.htm">Understanding Perfect Love</a> Perfect love is mature and complete, reflecting God's nature. It is not merely an emotion but a transformative force that aligns us with God's will. <a href="/topical/f/fear_and_punishment.htm">Fear and Punishment</a> Fear is often linked to the anticipation of punishment. In Christ, believers are freed from the fear of judgment because of the assurance of salvation. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_love.htm">Living in Love</a> To be perfected in love means to live in a way that reflects God's love to others, fostering a community of trust and fearlessness. <a href="/topical/o/overcoming_fear.htm">Overcoming Fear</a> Believers are called to confront and overcome fear by deepening their understanding and experience of God's love. <a href="/topical/p/practical_love.htm">Practical Love</a> Demonstrating love in practical ways can help dispel fear in our relationships and communities, embodying the love of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 4</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'perfect_love_casts_out_fear'.htm">What does "perfect love casts out fear" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'no_fear_in_love'_mean.htm">What does "no fear in love" mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_believers_fear_despite_faith.htm">If 1 John 4:18 states “perfect love drives out fear,” why do many believers still struggle with fear despite their faith? </a> <a href="/q/what_did_john_mean_by_'repent'.htm">What does 'no fear in love' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Love implies attraction, fear repulsion; therefore fear exists not in love. Love here means the principle of love in general; it must not be limited to God's love to us, or our love to God, or our love of the brethren. Love and fear coexist only where love is not yet perfect. Perfect love will absolutely exclude fear as surely as perfect union excludes all separation. It is self-interested love that fears; pure and unselfish love has no fear. Yet nothing but perfect love must be allowed to cast out fear. Otherwise this text might be made an excuse for taking the most unwarrantable liberties with Almighty God. To cease to fear without attaining to perfect love is to be irreverent and presumptuous. Hence the apostle is once more pointing out an ideal to which Christians must aspire, but to which no one attains in this life. There is a fear, as Bede points out, which prepares the way for love, and which comes only to depart again when its work is done. Because fear hath punishment. Κόλασις must not be rendered indefinitely "suffering" or "torment" (<a href="/matthew/25-46.htm">Matthew 25:46</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/43-11.htm">Ezekiel 43:11</a>; Wisd. 11:14; 2 Macc. 4:38). But κόλασιν ἔχει does not mean "deserves" or "will receive punishment," but quite literally "has it." It is the day of judgment and fear in reference to that day that is under consideration; and fear of punishment is in itself punishment by anticipation. Note the ἀλλά and the δέ, introducing a contrary and then a contrast back again: "There is no fear in love; nay, perfect love casteth out fear: but he that habitually feareth [present participle] is not made perfect in love." The dread of punishment may deter men from sin; but it cannot lead them to righteousness. For that we need either the sense of duty or the feeling of love. <a href="/commentaries/1_john/4-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>There is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. no οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. fear Φόβος (Phobos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. love, ἀγάπῃ (agapē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. perfect τελεία (teleia) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> From telos; complete; neuter completeness. love ἀγάπη (agapē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. drives βάλλει (ballei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_906.htm">Strong's 906: </a> (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. out ἔξω (exō) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1854.htm">Strong's 1854: </a> Without, outside. Adverb from ek; out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively. fear, φόβον (phobon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. fear φόβος (phobos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright. involves ἔχει (echei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. punishment. κόλασιν (kolasin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2851.htm">Strong's 2851: </a> Chastisement, punishment, torment, perhaps with the idea of deprivation. From kolazo; penal infliction. The [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. fears φοβούμενος (phoboumenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. has not been perfected τετελείωται (teteleiōtai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. love. ἀγάπῃ (agapē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_john/4-18.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/4-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 4:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 4:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/4-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 4:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 4:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>