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 1:4 We write these things so that our joy may be complete.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/1-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/62_1Jn_01_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 1:4 - The Word of Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="We write these things so that our joy may be complete." /><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/1-4.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/1-4.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/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 4</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="/ad4.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/1-3.htm" title="1 John 1:3">◄</a> 1 John 1:4 <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm" title="1 John 1:5">►</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/1.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/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />We write this to make our joy complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />We write these things so that our joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And these things we write, so that our joy might be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And these things we are writing, so that our joy may be made complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />We are writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be made complete [by having you share in the joy of salvation].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and these things we write, that our joy may be made full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We are writing to tell you these things, because this makes us truly happy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and these things we write, that our joy may be fulfilled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We are writing this so that we can be completely filled with joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We write this in order that our joy may be complete. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />We are writing these things so that our joy may be full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />We write these things to you so that our joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Thus we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And we write these things, that our joy may be fulfilled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And these things we write to you, that your joy may be full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And we write these things in order that our joy may be made complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and these things we write to you, that your joy may be full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And these things we write, so that our joy might be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and these things we write to you, that your joy may be full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And these we write to you, that your joy might be filled up.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And these things we write to you, that you may rejoice, and your joy may be full. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And this we write to you, so that you may rejoice, and so that your joy may be full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />We are writing this so that our joy may be complete. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And these things we write to you, that our joy in you may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And these things we write to you that the joy which we have in you may be complete.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And these things we write to you, that your joy may be full.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And we write the same things to you, in order that our joy may be full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be complete.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and these things write we unto you, that our joy may be perfect.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And we write these things in order that our joy may be made complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And these things we write, that your joy may be made full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And these <i>things</i> we write unto you, that your joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/1-4.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=42" 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/1.htm">The Word of Life</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">We</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: graphomen (V-PIA-1P) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">write</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these things</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.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</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/5479.htm" title="5479: chara (N-NFS) -- Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.">joy</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ē (V-PSA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">may be</a> <a href="/greek/4137.htm" title="4137: peplērōmenē (V-RPM/P-NFS) -- From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.">complete.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.…<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/15-11.htm">John 15:11</a></span><br />I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-24.htm">John 16:24</a></span><br />Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Philippians 2:2</a></span><br />then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">2 John 1:12</a></span><br />I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/17-13.htm">John 17:13</a></span><br />But now I am coming to You; and I am saying these things while I am in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-13.htm">Romans 15:13</a></span><br />Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">1 Peter 1:8</a></span><br />Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a></span><br />But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a></span><br />You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a></span><br />Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-12.htm">Isaiah 55:12</a></span><br />You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-12.htm">Psalm 51:12</a></span><br />Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5-6</a></span><br />Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23</a></span><br />A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-8.htm">Psalm 19:8</a></span><br />The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And these things write we to you, that your joy may be full.</p><p class="hdg">that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a></b></br> I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh <i>himself</i> with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth <i>herself</i> with her jewels.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/3-17.htm">Habakkuk 3:17,18</a></b></br> Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither <i>shall</i> fruit <i>be</i> in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and <i>there shall be</i> no herd in the stalls: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/15-11.htm">John 15:11</a></b></br> These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and <i>that</i> your joy might be full.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/3-3.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/james/2-23.htm">Fulfilled</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm">Full</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-13.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">Write</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-1.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/2-5.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/revelation/10-7.htm">Fulfilled</a> <a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">Full</a> <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">Write</a> <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">He describes the person of Christ, in whom we have eternal life, by a communion with God;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">to which we must adjoin by walking in the light.</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>We write these things</b><br>The Apostle John, traditionally understood to be the author of 1 John, emphasizes the act of writing as a means of communication and preservation of the apostolic message. This phrase underscores the importance of the written word in the early Christian community, serving as a tool for teaching, correction, and encouragement. The use of "we" suggests a collective authority, possibly referring to John and other apostolic witnesses. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of Scripture as divinely inspired and authoritative (<a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a>).<p><b>so that our joy</b><br>The concept of joy in the New Testament is often linked to the presence and work of the Holy Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a>). Here, joy is not merely an emotional state but a deep-seated sense of fulfillment and contentment that comes from fellowship with God and other believers. The communal aspect of joy is highlighted, suggesting that the joy of the apostles is intertwined with the spiritual well-being of their readers. This reflects the biblical principle that true joy is found in relationship with God and others (<a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Philippians 2:2</a>).<p><b>may be complete</b><br>The idea of completeness or fullness is a recurring theme in John's writings, often associated with the fulfillment of God's purposes (<a href="/john/15-11.htm">John 15:11</a>). In this context, complete joy is achieved through the readers' adherence to the truth and their fellowship with God and one another. This echoes the biblical narrative of restoration and redemption, where God's ultimate goal is the complete reconciliation of creation to Himself (<a href="/colossians/1-20.htm">Colossians 1:20</a>). The phrase also points to the eschatological hope of believers, where ultimate joy and completeness will be realized in the presence of God (<a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a></b><br>Traditionally believed to be the author of 1 John, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and a key figure in the early church. His writings emphasize love, truth, and fellowship with God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_christian_community.htm">Early Christian Community</a></b><br>The recipients of John's letter were likely early Christians facing challenges such as false teachings and the need for assurance in their faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a></b><br>During the time of John's writing, false teachers were spreading heretical views, particularly Gnosticism, which denied the incarnation of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_joy.htm">The Source of Joy</a></b><br>True joy is found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is not dependent on external circumstances but on the internal reality of knowing and abiding in Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fellowship.htm">The Role of Fellowship</a></b><br>Joy is made complete in the context of Christian fellowship. Sharing in the truth and love of Christ with others enhances our joy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truth.htm">The Importance of Truth</a></b><br>Holding to the truth of the Gospel is essential for complete joy. False teachings can disrupt our fellowship and diminish our joy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_writing.htm">The Purpose of Writing</a></b><br>John's purpose in writing is to ensure that believers experience the fullness of joy. This underscores the importance of Scripture in guiding and sustaining our spiritual lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/joy_as_a_witness.htm">Joy as a Witness</a></b><br>A joyful Christian life serves as a powerful testimony to the world. Our joy in Christ can draw others to seek the source of that joy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'our_joy_may_be_full'_mean.htm">What does "our joy may be full" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_for_the_living,_not_the_dead.htm">What does 'our joy may be full' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'seeks_a_sign'.htm">How can your joy be made complete?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_main_themes_of_1_john.htm">What are the main themes of 1 John?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - While verses 1-3 refer to the Gospel, this refers to the Epistle; but, although <span class="greek">ταῦτα</span> in <a href="/1_john/2-26.htm">1 John 2:26</a> and 1 John 5:13 refer to what <span class="accented">precedes</span>, there is no need to limit <span class="greek">ταῦτα</span> here to these opening verses; it covers the whole Epistle. The reading <span class="greek">ἡμεῖς</span> seems preferable to <span class="greek">ὑμῖν</span>, and <span class="greek">ἡμῶν</span> to <span class="greek">ὑμῶν</span>. But <span class="greek">ἡμεῖς</span> and <span class="greek">ἡμῶν</span> are not coordinate: <span class="greek">ἡμεῖς</span> is the apostolic "we;" <span class="greek">ἡμῶν</span> means "your joy as well as mine." This verse takes the place of the usual "grace and peace" in the opening of other Epistles; and as verse 3 recalls <a href="/john/17-21.htm">John 17:21</a>, so this recalls <a href="/john/17-13.htm">John 17:13</a>. The joy is that of knowing that, though in the world, they are not of it, but are one with one another, and with the Father and with the Son. The gospel is always joy: "Rejoice alway" (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-16.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:16</a>); "Rejoice in the Lord alway" (<a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a>). To know that the Eternal Life has been manifested, that we have communion with him, and through him with the Father, must be joy. Whereas Gnosticism, by denying the atonement, and "the personal office of God in the salvation of the world," cuts off one great sphere of God's love, and consequently one great cause of the believer's joy. To sum up this introduction: St. John gives his Gospel to the Church <span class="greek">ἀπαγγέλλομεν</span> in order that all may share in the union for which Christ prayed; and to the Gospel he adds this Epistle <span class="greek">καὶ ταῦτα γράφομεν</span>, that all may realize the joy resulting from this union - <span class="cmt_word">that our joy may be fulfilled.</span> In this introduction we find the following expressions which are characteristic of St. John, serving to show the common authorship of the Gospel and Epistle, and in some cases of the Revelation also: <span class="greek">ὁ Λόγος ἡ ζωή φανερόω μαρτυρέω ζωὴ αἰώνιος η΅ν πρός ἡ χαρὰ η΅ι πεπληρωμένη</span>. It is among the many excellences of the Revised Version that characteristic expressions are marked by a uniform translation; whereas in the Authorized Version they are obscured by capriciously varying the translation: <span class="accented">e.g.</span> <span class="greek">μαρτυρέω</span> is rendered in <span class="accented">four</span> different ways - "bear witness," "bear record," "give record," "testify" (cf. page 10). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/1-4.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">We</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(hēmeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">write</span><br /><span class="grk">γράφομεν</span> <span class="translit">(graphomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these things</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῦτα</span> <span class="translit">(tauta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<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">so that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">joy</span><br /><span class="grk">χαρὰ</span> <span class="translit">(chara)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5479.htm">Strong's 5479: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may be</span><br /><span class="grk">ᾖ</span> <span class="translit">(ē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive 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">complete.</span><br /><span class="grk">πεπληρωμένη</span> <span class="translit">(peplērōmenē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4137.htm">Strong's 4137: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/1-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 1:4 And we write these things to you (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/1-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 1:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 1:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/1-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 1:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 1:5" /></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>