1 Corinthians 8:3

KJV

But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if any man {G1536} love {G25} God {G2316}, the same {G3778} is known {G1097} of {G5259} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, if someone loves God, God knows him.

Berean Standard Bible

But the one who loves God is known by God.

American Standard Version

but if any man loveth God, the same is known by him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 8:3 serves as a profound counterpoint to the Corinthian church's emphasis on intellectual knowledge, asserting that true spiritual standing and divine recognition are not rooted in what one knows *about* God, but in one's genuine, heartfelt love *for* God. This verse pivots the discussion from human understanding, which can lead to pride, to the supreme importance of an intimate, relational devotion to God, highlighting that those who truly love Him are intimately acknowledged and approved by Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's broader discussion in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") concerning the consumption of meat sacrificed to idols. The chapter opens with the declaration, "Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth" ([1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge vs. Love")). Paul is addressing a faction within the Corinthian church that might have been boasting in their intellectual freedom and knowledge, believing that since idols are nothing, eating idol meat was inconsequential. Verse 3 directly challenges this self-assured intellectualism by shifting the focus from human knowledge to divine recognition, asserting that a loving relationship with God is paramount, far surpassing mere intellectual understanding. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent admonitions about exercising Christian liberty with consideration for weaker believers, as seen in [1 Corinthians 8:9-13](/1_corinthians/8-9-13 "1 Corinthians 8:9-13 - Christian Liberty and Conscience").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, deeply steeped in pagan worship and philosophical thought. Temples dedicated to various deities, such as Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon, were prominent, and the practice of sacrificing animals to idols was commonplace. Much of this meat was then sold in the market or consumed in temple feasts, posing a significant dilemma for early Christians. While some believers, particularly those with a background in Greek philosophy, might have intellectually dismissed idols as non-existent, others, especially those recently converted from paganism, might have struggled with conscience, fearing participation in idolatry. Paul's letter navigates this tension, not only addressing the specific issue of food but also the underlying cultural values that prioritized intellectual prowess and social status, urging the Corinthians to adopt a posture of love and humility over prideful knowledge.

* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 8:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, it underscores the **supremacy of love over knowledge**. While knowledge can be a source of pride and division, genuine love for God and neighbor is the foundation of true spiritual growth and unity, as Paul elaborates in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **divine recognition and intimate relationship**. To be "known of him" by God is not merely an acknowledgment of existence but signifies a profound, covenantal, and approving relationship, far more valuable than any human accolade or intellectual achievement. This concept contrasts sharply with the "knowledge that puffs up" mentioned in [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge vs. Love"), emphasizing that true spiritual wisdom is rooted in a right disposition of the heart towards God, rather than intellectual accumulation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb (G25) signifies a deep, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love, distinct from mere affection or friendship (phileo). When applied to loving God, it implies a commitment of the will, a devotion that prioritizes God above all else, and a desire to obey His commands. It is not merely an emotional state but an active, benevolent disposition.
* **known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** The Greek verb (G1097) "to know" here carries a profound relational weight, especially when God is the subject. It implies more than intellectual acquaintance or omniscience; it denotes an intimate, personal, and approving knowledge, akin to the covenantal knowing found in the Old Testament. For God to "know" someone means He acknowledges them as His own, has a relationship with them, and approves of their walk.
* **of (Greek, _hypó'_):** This preposition (G5259) indicates agency or means. In the phrase "known of him," it signifies that God is the active agent in this knowing. It is God who initiates and possesses this intimate knowledge of the one who loves Him, underscoring His sovereignty and initiative in the relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if any man love God":** This clause sets the condition for the divine recognition that follows. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast to the preceding discussion about knowledge. The focus shifts from human intellectual attainment to the profound spiritual act of loving God. This love (agapáō) is presented as the foundational characteristic of a true believer, emphasizing not just outward actions or intellectual assent, but an internal disposition of the heart.
* **"the same is known":** This is the consequence or outcome for the one who loves God. The phrase "the same" (G3778, _hoûtos_) refers directly back to "any man who loves God." The passive voice "is known" (G1097, _ginṓskō_) indicates that the action originates from an external agent, which is God Himself. This "knowing" is not merely God's omniscience (He knows everything), but a special, intimate, and affirming recognition of the individual as His own.
* **"of him":** This final phrase clarifies the agent of the knowing: God. The preposition "of" (G5259, _hypó_) signifies that this profound knowledge comes from God. It highlights God's initiative and active engagement in the relationship, emphasizing that the ultimate validation and security for a believer come not from human knowledge or status, but from being intimately known and acknowledged by the Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device in this passage, implicitly setting the "knowledge that puffs up" (from [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge vs. Love")) against the profound truth that "if any man love God, the same is known of him." This creates a stark distinction between human intellectual pride and divine relational intimacy. There is also a subtle **Inversion** or **Theological Parallelism** at play: instead of focusing on what we know about God, the verse pivots to what God knows about us. This reorients the reader's perspective from human achievement to divine grace and initiative. The phrase "known of him" also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the act of knowing stands for the deeper reality of a covenantal relationship, divine approval, and belonging.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Corinthians 8:3 profoundly redefines spiritual standing, shifting the emphasis from human intellectual achievement to divine relational intimacy. It teaches that true spiritual value is not measured by the quantity of one's knowledge, which can often lead to arrogance, but by the quality of one's love for God. This "knowing" by God is not merely an intellectual awareness on His part, but a deep, personal, and affirming recognition, signifying a covenantal relationship where God acknowledges and approves of the one who loves Him. This divine recognition is far more valuable and enduring than any human boast or intellectual superiority, underscoring God's initiative in establishing and maintaining a relationship with His people.

* [Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment")
* [Galatians 4:9](/galatians/4-9 "Galatians 4:9 - Known by God")
* [2 Timothy 2:19](/2_timothy/2-19 "2 Timothy 2:19 - God Knows His Own")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a timeless and powerful reminder for believers across all generations. In a world that often values intellectual prowess, academic achievement, and public recognition, 1 Corinthians 8:3 reorients our priorities to what truly matters in God's eyes: a sincere and active love for Him. This love should manifest not as a mere sentiment, but as a transformative force that shapes our humility, our interactions with others, and our willingness to prioritize the well-being of our brothers and sisters over our own perceived rights or liberties. Cultivating a deep, authentic love for God is the most crucial pursuit, for it is through this love that we are truly recognized, embraced, and affirmed by the One who created us. It calls us to examine our hearts and ensure that our spiritual pursuits are rooted in genuine affection for God, rather than a desire for knowledge that might inflate our ego.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life reflect a greater pursuit of loving God than accumulating knowledge or personal achievements?**
* **In what specific ways does my love for God translate into practical actions that build up others and demonstrate humility?**
* **What does it truly mean to be "known of God" in my personal relationship with Him, and how does this assurance impact my fears and insecurities?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "knowing God" and "being known of God" as implied in this verse?**

Answer: The distinction is crucial. "Knowing God" typically refers to our intellectual understanding of Him, our theological knowledge, or our personal experience of Him (e.g., [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")). While important, this knowledge can, as Paul warns in [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge vs. Love"), "puff up" or lead to spiritual pride if not balanced with love. "Being known of God," on the other hand, emphasizes God's initiative and intimate, personal recognition of us. It's not about what we achieve or know, but about God's sovereign choice to acknowledge us as His own, to have a deep, covenantal relationship with us. This divine knowing implies approval, care, and belonging. As Paul writes in [Galatians 4:9](/galatians/4-9 "Galatians 4:9 - Known by God"), "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God..." This highlights that God's knowing of us is the more profound and foundational reality, securing our identity and relationship with Him. It is akin to the shepherd who "knows" his sheep intimately ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")), signifying a relationship of belonging and protection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 8:3, with its emphasis on loving God and being known by Him, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression in Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied the love for God that Paul describes; His entire life was an act of perfect obedience and devotion to the Father, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross ([John 14:31](/john/14-31 "John 14:31 - Jesus' Love for the Father")). Moreover, it is through Christ that believers are truly "known of God." Before the foundation of the world, God "foreknew" those He would call and conform to the image of His Son ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Foreknown by God")). When we are "in Christ," we are adopted into God's family, and the Father knows us intimately as His beloved children, just as He knows His Son ([John 17:23](/john/17-23 "John 17:23 - Beloved as Christ is Beloved")). Our ability to genuinely love God is itself a gift, empowered by the Holy Spirit, who pours God's love into our hearts ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Love Poured Out by the Spirit")). Thus, the divine recognition spoken of in this verse is ultimately mediated through our union with Christ, who is the beloved Son, perfectly known by the Father, and through whom we are brought into that same intimate, eternal knowledge ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 3:8

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Exodus 33:17

And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

Nahum 1:7

The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Galatians 4:9

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?