Bible Commentaries
1 John 4

Introduction

Overview

1 John 4:1, He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit; 1 John 4:7, and exhorts to brotherly love.

Verse 1

believe not: Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Proverbs 14:15, Jeremiah 5:31, Jeremiah 29:8, Jeremiah 29:9, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 7:16, Matthew 24:4, Matthew 24:5, Romans 16:18, 2 Peter 2:1

try: Luke 12:57, Acts 17:11, Romans 16:19, 1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Revelation 2:2

many: 1 John 2:18, Matthew 24:5, Matthew 24:23-26, Mark 13:21, Luke 21:8, Acts 20:29, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 3:13, 2 Peter 2:1, 2 John 1:7

Reciprocal: Leviticus 13:34 - the seventh Deuteronomy 13:3 - hearken Deuteronomy 18:21 - General 1 Kings 13:18 - But Nehemiah 6:12 - God had Job 26:4 - whose spirit Proverbs 19:27 - General Isaiah 9:15 - the prophet Jeremiah 23:16 - Hearken Jeremiah 27:14 - they Daniel 11:34 - cleave Micah 2:11 - a man Zephaniah 3:4 - light Zechariah 13:2 - cause Matthew 13:47 - and gathered Matthew 24:11 - General Mark 4:24 - Take Mark 13:5 - Take Mark 13:6 - many John 6:45 - Every John 8:47 - General John 10:1 - He John 16:14 - glorify Acts 13:6 - a false 1 Corinthians 2:15 - judgeth 1 Corinthians 12:10 - discerning 1 Corinthians 14:32 - General 2 Corinthians 2:17 - which 2 Corinthians 11:3 - so 2 Corinthians 11:13 - false Galatians 1:7 - pervert Galatians 2:4 - because Ephesians 4:14 - tossed Ephesians 5:6 - no Philippians 1:10 - approve things that are excellent Philippians 4:8 - think Colossians 2:4 - lest Colossians 2:18 - no 2 Thessalonians 2:2 - by spirit 1 Timothy 3:10 - let these 2 Timothy 3:8 - resist Titus 1:10 - there Hebrews 13:9 - carried 1 John 4:6 - Hereby Revelation 16:13 - three

Verse 2

Every: 1 John 5:1, John 16:13-15, 1 Corinthians 12:3

come: 1 John 4:3, John 1:14, 1 Timothy 3:16

Reciprocal: Zechariah 13:2 - cause John 12:42 - they did not Romans 1:3 - according Romans 10:9 - That if Galatians 4:4 - made Philippians 2:11 - every Colossians 2:18 - no 2 Thessalonians 2:2 - by spirit Hebrews 9:11 - Christ Hebrews 10:5 - but Hebrews 10:20 - his 1 John 4:15 - confess 1 John 5:20 - we know 2 John 1:7 - who

Verse 3

and this: 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22, 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, 2 John 1:7

Reciprocal: John 1:14 - the Word Romans 1:3 - according Romans 10:9 - That if 1 Corinthians 12:3 - no man Hebrews 5:7 - the Hebrews 9:11 - Christ Hebrews 10:5 - but 1 John 3:10 - is 1 John 4:2 - come

Verse 4

are: 1 John 4:6, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 3:9, 1 John 3:10, 1 John 5:19

and have: 1 John 2:13, 1 John 5:4, Romans 8:37, Ephesians 6:10, Ephesians 6:13, Revelation 12:11

greater: 1 John 4:13, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 3:24, John 10:28-30, John 14:17-23, John 17:23, Romans 8:10, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 6:13, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 3:17

than: 1 John 5:19,*Gr: John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 6:12

Reciprocal: Exodus 7:12 - but Aaron's Deuteronomy 13:3 - proveth 2 Kings 6:16 - they that be 2 Chronicles 32:7 - for there 2 Chronicles 32:8 - an arm Psalms 17:14 - men of Psalms 55:18 - there Isaiah 8:10 - for God Matthew 12:29 - General Matthew 12:44 - my Mark 3:27 - General Mark 10:24 - Children Luke 8:32 - besought Luke 11:22 - General John 13:33 - Little John 14:23 - make John 15:19 - were of the world John 16:33 - I Romans 8:9 - if so be Romans 8:31 - If Romans 12:2 - be not Colossians 1:27 - Christ 1 John 1:10 - his word 1 John 3:20 - God Revelation 3:12 - overcometh Revelation 9:11 - they had

Verse 5

are: Psalms 17:4, Luke 16:8, John 3:31, John 7:6, John 7:7, John 8:23, John 15:19, John 15:20, John 17:14, John 17:16, Revelation 12:9

and: Isaiah 30:10, Isaiah 30:11, Jeremiah 5:31, Jeremiah 29:8, Micah 2:11, John 15:19, John 17:14, 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 2:3

Reciprocal: Nehemiah 6:19 - they reported Psalms 17:14 - men of Proverbs 17:4 - General Proverbs 28:4 - that Daniel 11:34 - cleave Hosea 7:3 - General Luke 6:26 - when John 10:5 - General Acts 17:11 - and searched Romans 12:2 - be not 1 Corinthians 2:12 - not 1 Corinthians 5:10 - of this 1 John 2:15 - Love not 1 John 5:19 - and the

Verse 6

We are: 1 John 4:4, Micah 3:8, Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, 2 Peter 3:2, Jude 1:17

he that knoweth: 1 John 4:8, Luke 10:22, John 8:19, John 8:45-50, John 10:27, John 13:20, John 18:37, John 20:21, 1 Corinthians 14:37, 2 Corinthians 10:7, 2 Thessalonians 1:8

Hereby: 1 John 4:1, Isaiah 8:20

the spirit of truth: John 14:17, John 15:26

and: Isaiah 29:10, Hosea 4:12, Micah 2:11, Romans 11:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 22:22 - a lying spirit 2 Chronicles 18:21 - General Hosea 2:20 - and Luke 6:26 - when John 8:23 - ye are of John 10:5 - General John 10:26 - because John 16:13 - Spirit John 17:3 - this John 17:14 - they Acts 17:11 - and searched 1 John 3:10 - is 1 John 4:12 - love one 1 John 5:18 - whosoever

Verse 7

let: 1 John 4:20, 1 John 4:21, 1 John 2:10, 1 John 3:10-23, 1 John 5:1

love is: 1 John 4:8, Deuteronomy 30:6, Galatians 5:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:10, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Peter 1:22

every: 1 John 4:12, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 5:1

and knoweth: John 17:3, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Galatians 4:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:8 - brethren Psalms 26:3 - For Psalms 34:8 - Lord Psalms 52:1 - goodness Matthew 22:40 - General Matthew 25:40 - Inasmuch Mark 12:31 - Thou Luke 6:35 - and ye John 1:13 - were John 13:34 - That ye love John 15:13 - General 1 Corinthians 5:10 - of this 1 Corinthians 13:13 - charity 1 Corinthians 16:14 - General Philippians 2:1 - if any comfort Colossians 3:14 - the 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - love 1 Timothy 1:5 - the end Hebrews 13:1 - General 1 Peter 1:3 - hath 1 John 3:9 - born 1 John 3:11 - that we 1 John 3:24 - dwelleth 2 John 1:5 - that we

Verse 8

knoweth: 1 John 2:4, 1 John 2:9, 1 John 3:6, John 8:54, John 8:55

God is: 1 John 1:5, Exodus 34:6, Exodus 34:7, Psalms 86:5, Psalms 86:15, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 2:4, Hebrews 12:29

Reciprocal: Psalms 52:1 - goodness Nahum 1:7 - Lord Zechariah 9:17 - how great is his goodness Matthew 19:17 - there Mark 10:18 - that is Mark 12:31 - Thou John 16:3 - because 1 Corinthians 13:2 - and have 1 Corinthians 16:14 - General Philippians 2:1 - if any comfort James 2:13 - and 1 John 3:10 - neither 1 John 3:14 - because 1 John 4:6 - he that knoweth 1 John 4:7 - love is 1 John 4:10 - Herein 1 John 4:16 - God is love

Verse 9

was: 1 John 3:16, John 3:16, Romans 5:8-10, Romans 8:32

God sent: 1 John 4:10, Luke 4:18, John 5:23, John 6:29, John 8:29, John 8:42

only: Psalms 2:7, Mark 12:6, John 1:14-18, John 3:18, Hebrews 1:5

we: 1 John 5:11, John 6:51, John 6:57, John 10:10, John 10:28-30, John 11:25, John 11:26, John 14:6, Colossians 3:3, Colossians 3:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 22:2 - Take Genesis 22:12 - seeing Exodus 40:6 - General Leviticus 4:31 - a sweet Leviticus 4:35 - and the priest shall make Deuteronomy 15:15 - General Psalms 36:7 - How Psalms 47:4 - whom Psalms 86:5 - thou Proverbs 8:24 - I was Isaiah 53:10 - he hath Isaiah 63:9 - in his Zechariah 2:8 - sent Zechariah 13:7 - smite Mark 9:7 - This Luke 1:78 - tender Luke 2:14 - good Luke 19:10 - General Luke 20:13 - I will John 1:18 - the only John 1:34 - this John 7:29 - for John 10:36 - sent John 11:36 - Behold John 11:42 - that thou Romans 1:3 - his Son Romans 4:25 - Who was Romans 5:15 - and the gift Romans 8:39 - love 2 Corinthians 5:15 - that they 2 Corinthians 9:15 - his Galatians 2:20 - the Son Galatians 4:4 - God Ephesians 3:19 - to know Colossians 1:20 - having made peace 2 Thessalonians 2:16 - which 1 Timothy 1:15 - that Hebrews 1:6 - And again Hebrews 2:9 - by 1 Peter 1:20 - but 1 John 3:5 - he 1 John 4:16 - we

Verse 10

Herein: 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 3:1

not: 1 John 4:19, Deuteronomy 7:7, Deuteronomy 7:8, John 15:16, Romans 5:8-10, Romans 8:29, Romans 8:30, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:5, Titus 3:3-5

and sent: 1 John 2:2, Daniel 9:24, Romans 3:25, Romans 3:26, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 22:2 - Take Genesis 22:12 - seeing Exodus 40:6 - General Leviticus 4:31 - a sweet Leviticus 4:35 - and the priest shall make Leviticus 23:28 - General Deuteronomy 24:22 - General Psalms 36:7 - How Psalms 47:4 - whom Isaiah 9:6 - unto us a son Isaiah 53:10 - he hath Isaiah 63:9 - in his Isaiah 64:4 - have not Zechariah 2:8 - sent Zechariah 13:7 - smite Matthew 7:11 - how Mark 9:7 - This Luke 1:78 - tender Luke 2:14 - good Luke 10:37 - Go John 1:29 - which John 3:12 - heavenly John 3:16 - God John 8:42 - neither John 11:36 - Behold John 11:42 - that thou Romans 1:3 - his Son Romans 4:25 - Who was Romans 5:15 - and the gift Romans 8:28 - them Romans 8:32 - that Romans 8:37 - him Romans 8:39 - love 2 Corinthians 5:18 - who 2 Corinthians 9:15 - his Galatians 2:20 - the Son Galatians 3:13 - redeemed Galatians 4:4 - God Ephesians 1:7 - whom Colossians 1:20 - having made peace 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - beloved 2 Thessalonians 2:16 - which 1 Timothy 1:14 - with 1 Timothy 1:15 - that 1 Timothy 2:6 - gave Hebrews 2:9 - by James 1:17 - good 1 Peter 1:20 - but 1 John 3:16 - perceive 1 John 4:14 - the Father 1 John 4:16 - we 1 John 5:6 - blood 2 John 1:3 - the Son Revelation 1:5 - him

Verse 11

1 John 3:16, 1 John 3:17, 1 John 3:23, Matthew 18:32, Matthew 18:33, Luke 10:37, John 13:34, John 15:12, John 15:13, 2 Corinthians 8:8, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 4:31, Ephesians 4:32, Ephesians 5:1, Ephesians 5:2, Colossians 3:13

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 24:22 - General Romans 12:10 - kindly 1 Corinthians 13:4 - is kind 1 John 2:8 - which 1 John 4:21 - General

Verse 12

seen: 1 John 4:20, Genesis 32:30, Exodus 33:20, Numbers 12:8, John 1:18, 1 Timothy 1:17, 1 Timothy 6:16, Hebrews 11:27

love one: 1 John 4:6, 1 John 3:24

and his: 1 John 4:17, 1 John 4:18, 1 John 2:5, 1 Corinthians 13:13

Reciprocal: Exodus 24:10 - saw Psalms 31:2 - an house John 3:21 - that his John 5:37 - Ye have John 6:46 - any John 6:56 - dwelleth John 14:17 - but John 14:20 - ye in John 17:23 - I 1 Corinthians 3:16 - the Spirit 2 Corinthians 6:16 - I will dwell Ephesians 4:6 - and in Philippians 2:1 - if any comfort Colossians 2:2 - being Hebrews 6:1 - let 1 Peter 1:22 - unto 1 John 3:14 - because 1 John 4:7 - every 1 John 4:15 - God dwelleth 1 John 4:16 - God is love

Verse 13

1 John 4:15, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 3:24, John 14:20-26, Romans 8:9-17, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Galatians 5:22-25, Ephesians 2:20-22

Reciprocal: John 3:21 - that his John 14:17 - but John 16:14 - glorify John 17:26 - and I Romans 8:16 - Spirit Romans 16:7 - were 1 Corinthians 1:9 - the fellowship Ephesians 2:22 - an Colossians 2:2 - being 1 John 2:3 - hereby 1 John 2:5 - hereby 1 John 2:20 - ye have 1 John 2:24 - ye also 1 John 4:4 - greater

Verse 14

we have: 1 John 1:1-3, 1 John 5:9, John 1:14, John 3:11, John 3:32, John 5:39, John 15:26, John 15:27, Acts 18:5, 1 Peter 5:12

the Father: 1 John 4:10, John 3:34, John 5:36, John 5:37, John 10:36

the Saviour: 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:2, John 1:29, John 3:16, John 3:17, John 4:42, John 12:47

Reciprocal: Isaiah 43:11 - General Isaiah 63:8 - so he Zechariah 2:8 - sent Mark 16:15 - Go Luke 2:11 - unto John 1:34 - this John 6:51 - the life John 7:29 - for John 8:42 - neither John 11:42 - that thou John 16:14 - glorify John 17:3 - and Jesus John 17:8 - and have John 17:26 - and I Acts 5:31 - a Saviour Acts 9:20 - that Acts 13:23 - raised 1 Corinthians 2:1 - the testimony Galatians 2:20 - the Son Galatians 4:4 - God Galatians 5:3 - testify 1 Timothy 1:1 - God 1 Timothy 4:10 - the saviour 2 Timothy 1:8 - the testimony 2 Timothy 1:10 - our Titus 2:13 - our 2 Peter 1:16 - were 1 John 5:1 - believeth 1 John 5:20 - we know Revelation 1:2 - and of all

Verse 15

confess: 1 John 4:2, 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:5, Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, Romans 10:9, Philippians 2:11, 2 John 1:7

God dwelleth: 1 John 4:12, 1 John 3:24

Reciprocal: Psalms 31:2 - an house Psalms 91:1 - dwelleth Isaiah 45:17 - Israel Matthew 16:16 - Thou Matthew 16:17 - but Mark 8:29 - Thou John 1:34 - this John 3:21 - that his John 6:56 - dwelleth John 9:35 - Dost John 12:42 - they did not John 14:23 - make John 17:3 - and Jesus John 20:31 - these Acts 8:37 - I believe Acts 9:20 - that Romans 1:3 - his Son Romans 10:10 - and with Romans 14:11 - confess 1 Corinthians 3:16 - the Spirit 2 Corinthians 6:16 - I will dwell 1 John 2:5 - hereby 1 John 2:23 - denieth 1 John 4:13 - General

Verse 16

we: 1 John 4:9, 1 John 4:10, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:16, Psalms 18:1-3, Psalms 31:19, Psalms 36:7-9, Isaiah 64:4, 1 Corinthians 2:9

God is love: 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:12, 1 John 4:13

and he: 1 John 4:12, 1 John 3:24

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 30:6 - to love the Lord Psalms 31:2 - an house Psalms 90:1 - Lord Psalms 91:1 - dwelleth Proverbs 15:17 - General Isaiah 32:18 - General Matthew 19:17 - there Mark 10:18 - that is John 3:21 - that his John 6:56 - dwelleth John 14:23 - make Romans 8:39 - love 1 Corinthians 3:16 - the Spirit Ephesians 1:4 - love Ephesians 2:22 - an Ephesians 3:17 - Christ Ephesians 4:16 - edifying Philippians 2:1 - if any comfort Colossians 1:4 - faith 1 John 2:5 - hereby 1 John 2:24 - ye also 1 John 4:4 - are 1 John 5:20 - and we

Verse 17

our love: Gr. love with us

made: 1 John 4:12, 1 John 2:5, James 2:22

we may: 1 John 2:28, 1 John 3:19-21, James 2:13

the day: Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:22, Matthew 11:24, Matthew 12:36, 2 Peter 2:9, 2 Peter 3:7

as: 1 John 3:3, Matthew 10:25, John 15:20, Romans 8:29, Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 12:3, 1 Peter 3:16-18, 1 Peter 4:1-3, 1 Peter 4:13, 1 Peter 4:14

Reciprocal: Isaiah 32:17 - quietness Mark 6:11 - in the day Hebrews 10:19 - Having James 1:4 - perfect and 1 John 3:21 - General

Verse 18

is no: Luke 1:74, Luke 1:75, Romans 8:15, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 12:28

fear hath: Job 15:21, Psalms 73:19, Psalms 88:15, Psalms 88:16, Psalms 119:120, James 2:19

He that: 1 John 4:12

Reciprocal: Exodus 14:10 - sore afraid Luke 19:21 - I feared Galatians 5:6 - faith James 1:4 - perfect and James 2:13 - and James 2:22 - faith made 1 John 2:5 - in him

Verse 19

1 John 4:10, Luke 7:47, John 3:16, John 15:16, 2 Corinthians 5:14, 2 Corinthians 5:15, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 2:3-5, Titus 3:3-5

Reciprocal: Exodus 20:6 - love me Deuteronomy 7:8 - because Deuteronomy 10:12 - love Deuteronomy 33:3 - he loved Judges 5:31 - them that 1 Kings 3:3 - loved Psalms 18:1 - I will Psalms 26:3 - For Psalms 97:10 - Ye that Psalms 116:1 - love Proverbs 8:17 - I love Jeremiah 31:3 - I have Matthew 22:40 - General John 1:43 - and findeth John 13:1 - having John 14:15 - General John 16:27 - because John 17:23 - and hast John 21:15 - lovest Romans 5:5 - because Romans 8:28 - them Romans 8:37 - him Romans 8:39 - love Romans 10:20 - I was made 1 Corinthians 2:9 - them 1 Corinthians 8:3 - love 1 Corinthians 16:22 - love Colossians 3:12 - beloved 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - beloved 2 Thessalonians 3:5 - into James 1:12 - them James 2:13 - and 1 Peter 1:8 - ye love

Verse 20

a man: 1 John 2:4, 1 John 3:17

not: 1 John 4:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:8 - brethren Genesis 37:4 - hated him Deuteronomy 10:12 - love 1 Kings 3:3 - loved Matthew 5:22 - his brother Matthew 25:40 - Inasmuch Matthew 25:42 - General Luke 3:11 - He that hath two Luke 11:42 - and pass John 1:18 - seen John 5:37 - Ye have John 5:42 - that John 13:35 - General John 14:15 - General Romans 12:10 - kindly 1 Corinthians 13:2 - and have Ephesians 5:2 - walk Hebrews 13:1 - General 1 Peter 1:8 - having 1 Peter 1:22 - unto 1 John 1:6 - If 1 John 2:22 - Who 1 John 3:14 - that loveth 1 John 4:7 - let 1 John 5:1 - and every 2 John 1:5 - that we

Verse 21

1 John 4:11, 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 3:18, 1 John 3:23, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:37-39, Mark 12:29-33, Luke 10:37, John 13:34, John 13:35, John 15:12, Romans 12:9, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:9, Romans 13:10, Galatians 5:6, Galatians 5:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Peter 3:8, 1 Peter 4:8

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:8 - brethren Proverbs 14:31 - but Matthew 5:22 - his brother Matthew 25:40 - Inasmuch Mark 12:31 - Thou 1 Corinthians 13:2 - and have Galatians 6:2 - the law Ephesians 1:15 - love Ephesians 5:2 - walk Colossians 3:14 - charity Hebrews 13:1 - General 1 Peter 1:22 - unto 2 Peter 1:7 - charity 1 John 2:8 - a new 1 John 3:10 - neither 1 John 4:7 - let 1 John 5:2 - General