1 John 3:1

KJV

¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {G1492}, what manner {G4217} of love {G26} the Father {G3962} hath bestowed {G1325} upon us {G2254}, that {G2443} we should be called {G2564} the sons {G5043} of God {G2316}: therefore {G1223}{G5124} the world {G2889} knoweth {G1097} us {G2248} not {G3756}, because {G3754} it knew {G1097} him {G846} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

See what love the Father has lavished on us in letting us be called God’s children! For that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it has not known him.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.

American Standard Version

Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 3:1 is a profound exclamation of God the Father's astonishing and boundless love, which is so transformative that it bestows upon believers the glorious identity and privilege of being called His children. This divine adoption, however, carries a distinct consequence: the world, which remains ignorant of God, will inevitably fail to recognize or accept those who are intimately united with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a powerful theological exclamation point, bridging John's previous discussion of righteous living and fellowship with God (1 John 1-2) with his subsequent exposition on the implications of being God's children. Chapters 1 and 2 establish the necessity of walking in light, confessing sin, obeying God's commands, and loving one another as evidence of true fellowship with God. John has just warned against loving the world and its desires ([1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15-17 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World")), setting the stage for the contrast in [1 John 3:1](/1_john/3-1 "1 John 3:1 - Behold What Manner of Love") between divine love and worldly ignorance. The exclamation "Behold!" signals a transition to a deeper revelation of God's character and the believer's new identity, which then underpins the call to purity and righteous living in the remainder of chapter 3.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, adoption was a significant legal and social practice, often used to secure heirs, perpetuate family lines, or elevate individuals to a new status. While Roman adoption was primarily a legal act, John's use of "children of God" (τέκνα θεοῦ) emphasizes a familial, relational reality rather than a mere legal designation. This concept would have resonated with both Jewish and Gentile believers. For Jews, being "sons of God" was often associated with Israel as a nation or righteous individuals, but John's emphasis on a personal, spiritual birthright was revolutionary. For Gentiles, who often worshipped multiple deities, the idea of a singular, loving Father who adopts them into His family would have been a radical departure from their previous religious paradigms, highlighting the unique and personal nature of the Christian faith.

* **Key Themes:** [1 John 3:1](/1_john/3-1 "1 John 3:1 - Behold What Manner of Love") powerfully introduces or reinforces several critical themes found throughout John's epistle. The **immensity and nature of God's love** is paramount; it is an active, bestowed love that initiates the relationship. Closely linked is the theme of **divine adoption and new identity**, where believers are not merely servants but "children of God," sharing in His nature and family. This status is a gift, not earned, underscoring God's **grace**. Finally, the verse introduces the pervasive theme of **the world's opposition and spiritual blindness**. The "world" (κόσμος) in John's writings often refers to humanity in rebellion against God, characterized by darkness and ignorance. This opposition is a natural consequence of the world's rejection of Christ ([John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World Hates You")) and sets up the ethical implications for believers to live distinctly from the world ([1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15-17 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Love (Greek, _agápē'_):** From G26, this term denotes a distinct kind of love—divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial, and benevolent. Unlike human affection (eros or philia), `agápē` is not based on merit or emotion but on an act of the will, a commitment to the well-being of the beloved. In this context, it describes the Father's active, initiating love that seeks to bless and transform. The preceding "what manner of" (G4217, _potapós'_) emphasizes the extraordinary, unparalleled, and even foreign quality of this divine love, suggesting it is beyond human comprehension or expectation.
* **Sons (Greek, _téknon'_):** From G5043, this word literally means "a child (as produced)." John consistently uses `téknon` (children) rather than `huios` (sons) when referring to believers' relationship with God. While `huios` can denote legal standing or maturity, `téknon` emphasizes the intimate, familial relationship, the shared nature, and the spiritual birth that brings one into God's family. It highlights the profound reality of being born of God and sharing His divine life, rather than merely a legal adoption.
* **Knoweth (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** From G1097, this verb signifies an experiential, intimate, and relational knowledge, not merely intellectual acquaintance. When the world "knoweth us not" or "knew him not," it implies a lack of personal relationship, understanding, and recognition. The world, being spiritually blind and alienated from God, cannot experientially know Him, and therefore cannot truly understand or acknowledge those who are His children and bear His likeness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,"**: This opening phrase is an exclamation, calling the reader to pay close attention to an astounding truth. The term "behold" (ἰδε, _ide_) functions as an imperative, urging contemplation. The phrase "what manner of love" (ποταπὴν ἀγάπην, _potapēn agapēn_) expresses astonishment at the quality, origin, and nature of God's love. It is a love that is utterly unique, unmerited, and incomprehensible from a human perspective. The Father, as the divine source, is the one who "bestowed" (δέδωκεν, _dedōken_, perfect tense of G1325, _dídōmi_), indicating a completed action with ongoing results—a gift freely given and permanently possessed. The "us" refers to believers, those who have received this divine grace.
* **"that we should be called the sons of God:"**: This clause reveals the incredible purpose and outcome of the Father's bestowed love. The result of this love is not merely forgiveness or salvation, but a radical change in identity and status: believers are "called the sons of God." The verb "called" (κληθῶμεν, _klēthōmen_, G2564, _kaléō_) implies not just a title, but a true designation of being. To be called something by God means to truly be that thing. This signifies adoption into God's family, a new spiritual birth, and an intimate, familial relationship with the Creator.
* **"therefore the world knoweth us not,"**: This introduces a direct consequence of the believer's new, divine identity. Because believers are now intimately connected to God and bear His nature, the "world" (κόσμος, _kosmos_), referring to humanity alienated from God and hostile to His ways, cannot "know" (γινώσκει, _ginōskei_, G1097, _ginṓskō_) or recognize them. This lack of knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential and relational; the world lacks the spiritual capacity to understand or accept those who belong to God.
* **"because it knew him not."**: This final clause provides the reason for the world's ignorance and rejection. The world's inability to recognize believers stems from its prior and foundational ignorance of God the Father Himself, and by extension, His Son, Jesus Christ. Since the world did not experientially "know" (ἔγνω, _egnō_, G1097, _ginṓskō_) Christ, it naturally cannot understand or accept those who are united with Him and reflect His character. This highlights the spiritual chasm between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world.

#### Literary Devices
John masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse. The opening "Behold!" functions as an **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, serving to arrest the reader's attention and emphasize the extraordinary nature of the truth being presented. The phrase "what manner of love" is a form of **Rhetorical Question** or **Exclamatory Phrase**, designed not to elicit an answer but to express profound wonder and astonishment at the quality and magnitude of God's love. The verse also relies heavily on **Contrast**, setting the divine, bestowed love and the believer's new identity as "sons of God" against the world's ignorance and rejection. This contrast underscores the distinct nature of the spiritual realm versus the fallen world. Furthermore, the concept of being "called the sons of God" is a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual adoption and rebirth, conveying a profound change in relationship and essence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 3:1 encapsulates a foundational truth of Christian theology: the radical nature of God's love expressed in the adoption of believers into His family. This is not a mere change of status but a transformation of identity, rooting our worth and belonging in the Father's unmerited affection. This divine act of love and adoption is the wellspring of all Christian ethics and assurance, as it establishes an unbreakable bond with God. The world's rejection, therefore, is not a personal affront to the believer but a spiritual indicator of its alienation from God, affirming the distinctiveness of the Christian life. This verse sets the stage for understanding the believer's call to purity and righteousness in light of their new, exalted identity.

* [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Children of God")
* [Romans 8:14-17](/romans/8-14-17 "Romans 8:14-17 - Spirit of Adoption")
* [Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Sons of God Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse beckons us to pause and truly "behold" the incomprehensible depth of God's love. In a world constantly seeking identity through achievement, recognition, or social status, [1 John 3:1](/1_john/3-1 "1 John 3:1 - Behold What Manner of Love") reorients our perspective. Our most profound identity is not what we do, but whose we are: children of the Most High God. This truth should fill our hearts with immense gratitude, security, and humility. It means we are eternally loved, fully accepted, and intimately connected to the Creator of the universe. When we face misunderstanding, ridicule, or rejection from the world because of our faith, this verse provides crucial perspective: the world's ignorance of us is simply a reflection of its ignorance of God. This understanding empowers us to endure, knowing that our true belonging is not with the world, but with our heavenly Father, and our ultimate recognition comes from Him. It calls us to live lives worthy of this high calling, reflecting the purity and love of our Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "manner of love" transform your perception of your own worth and identity?**
* **In what specific ways does the world's rejection of believers manifest today, and how can the truth of this verse strengthen you in such moments?**
* **What practical implications does being "called the sons of God" have for your daily choices and relationships?**

### FAQ
**What does "what manner of love" truly imply?**
Answer: The phrase "what manner of love" (Greek: _potapēn agapēn_) conveys a sense of profound astonishment and wonder at the quality and origin of God's love. It suggests a love that is utterly unique, foreign to human experience, and beyond our ability to fully comprehend or earn. It emphasizes its extraordinary nature—unmerited, sacrificial, and transformative—which is freely given by the Father to those who were once alienated from Him. It's a love that defies human expectation and reveals the boundless grace of God.

**Why does the world not "know" believers, and what does "know" mean here?**
Answer: The world does not "know" believers because, fundamentally, it did not "know" Christ Himself. The Greek word for "know" (_ginṓskō_) here refers to an intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge, not merely intellectual acquaintance. Since the fallen world system is spiritually blind and alienated from God, it lacks the capacity to truly understand or recognize God's nature, His purposes, or those who bear His likeness. Believers, having been adopted into God's family and sharing in His divine nature, are therefore incomprehensible to a world that rejects their Father. This spiritual disconnect leads to misunderstanding, opposition, and a lack of recognition for the true identity and values of God's children, as seen in passages like [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World Hates You").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 3:1](/1_john/3-1 "1 John 3:1 - Behold What Manner of Love") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. It is through His atoning work that the Father's astonishing love could be "bestowed upon us," enabling us to be "called the sons of God." Christ, as the [only begotten Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), perfectly revealed the Father's nature and love. He came into a world that "knew him not" ([John 1:10](/john/1-10 "John 1:10 - He Was in the World")), enduring rejection and misunderstanding precisely because the world was spiritually blind to God. His experience of being unknown by the world foreshadows and explains the experience of His followers. Furthermore, it is by believing in His name that we receive the "right to become children of God" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Children of God")), receiving the Spirit of adoption through whom we cry, "Abba, Father!" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Thus, our identity as God's children is entirely grounded in Christ's sonship, His revelation of the Father, and His redemptive work that reconciles us to God, making us co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 4:5

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Galatians 4:6

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

2 Corinthians 6:18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

John 17:25

O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.