1 John 3:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

1 John 3:1 (KJV) is a powerful declaration of the profound love God has shown humanity, granting believers an astonishing identity as His children. It also addresses the consequence of this divine relationship: being misunderstood and rejected by a world that does not know God.

Context

The Apostle John writes this letter to encourage believers in their faith and assure them of their salvation. He contrasts the ways of God with the ways of the world, emphasizing themes like light versus darkness, truth versus lies, and especially love versus hate. Leading into chapter 3, John has been discussing living righteously and walking in fellowship with God, which is characterized by love for one another. This verse serves as an exclamation, highlighting the source and nature of the privilege they possess before delving further into the implications of being God's children.

Key Themes

  • The Immensity of God's Love: The phrase "what manner of love" (see John 3:16) expresses astonishment at the quality and origin of God's love. It's a love that is foreign, unexpected, and utterly gracious, bestowed upon those who were formerly alienated from Him.
  • Identity as Sons of God: The most significant bestowal of this love is the privilege of being "called the sons of God" (or children of God). This is not merely a title but a profound change in relationship and status, indicating adoption into God's family and sharing in His nature (compare John 1:12, Romans 8:14).
  • The World's Rejection: A direct consequence of belonging to God is the world's lack of recognition and acceptance. The world, which did not know Jesus ("knew him not"), likewise does not understand or accept those who belong to Him. This highlights the spiritual divide between believers and the fallen world system (see John 15:18).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "manner" (potapen) implies "of what country" or "of what kind," suggesting a love that is alien or foreign to human experience or expectation. It emphasizes how truly extraordinary God's love is. "Sons of God" translates tekna theou, which means "children of God," emphasizing the familial relationship and shared nature rather than legal standing (which might be implied by huios). The word "knoweth" (ginosko) refers to experiential knowledge, meaning the world has no personal relationship with God and therefore cannot truly understand His children.

Reflection

This verse calls believers to pause and consider the incredible gift they have received in Christ. Our identity is not rooted in worldly status or recognition but in being loved and adopted by God Himself. Understanding that the world's rejection is ultimately a rejection of God can provide perspective and strength when facing opposition or misunderstanding for one's faith. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the divine love that has transformed us and given us a place in God's eternal family.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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