1 John 3:11

¶ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

For {G3754} this {G3778} is {G2076} the message {G31} that {G3739} ye heard {G191} from {G575} the beginning {G746}, that {G2443} we should love {G25} one another {G240}.

For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning: that we should love each other

This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:

1 John 3:11 serves as a foundational declaration within John's first epistle, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of love among believers. It succinctly states the core message that Christians have received and are expected to embody.

Context

The Apostle John, often called the "apostle of love," writes this epistle to assure believers of their salvation and to guide them in walking in the light of truth. In chapter 3, John contrasts the children of God with the children of the devil, highlighting righteousness versus sin. Verse 11 introduces love as a primary identifying mark of those who are truly born of God. It sets the stage for the stark example of Cain's hatred in the following verses, thereby underscoring the vital importance of brotherly love as opposed to animosity.

Key Themes

  • The Enduring Message of Love: John states that this command to "love one another" is not a new concept but "the message that ye heard from the beginning." This refers to the initial teachings of Christ and the apostles, foundational to Christian faith. It echoes Jesus's "new commandment" given to His disciples.
  • A Defining Mark of Discipleship: For John, love is not merely an option but a critical indicator of genuine faith. It is the practical outworking of being in right relationship with God and others, distinguishing true believers from those who walk in darkness. This theme is further developed throughout John's letters, such as in 1 John 4:7 where he states, "Every one that loveth is born of God."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "love" here is agapao (ἀγαπάω), the verb form of agape. This is not merely an emotional or sentimental affection, but a deep, selfless, and intentional love that seeks the highest good of the other, even at personal cost. It is the divine love that God demonstrates towards humanity and calls His followers to emulate. The phrase "from the beginning" (Greek: ap' arches, ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς) emphasizes the timeless and fundamental nature of this command, dating back to the earliest proclamation of the Gospel.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 John 3:11 serves as a powerful reminder that love is central to Christian identity and practice. It challenges us to move beyond mere religious observance to active, sacrificial love for fellow Christians and, by extension, for all humanity. This verse calls us to examine our relationships and ensure that our actions and attitudes reflect the transforming power of God's love within us, fostering unity and bearing witness to the world.

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 15:12

    This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

  • 2 John 1:5

    ¶ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

  • 1 John 4:7

    ¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

  • 1 John 4:21

    And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

  • John 13:34

    A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

  • John 13:35

    By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

  • Ephesians 5:2

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

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