1 John 3:14

KJV

¶ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death.

KJV (with Strong's)

We know {G1492} that {G3754} we {G2249} have passed {G3327} from {G1537} death {G2288} unto {G1519} life {G2222}, because {G3754} we love {G25} the brethren {G80}. He that loveth {G25} not {G3361} his brother {G80} abideth {G3306} in {G1722} death {G2288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We, for our part, know that we have passed from death to life because we keep loving the brothers. The person who fails to keep on loving is still under the power of death.

Berean Standard Bible

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.

American Standard Version

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 3:14 presents a profound declaration of assurance for believers, asserting that genuine love for fellow Christians serves as undeniable evidence of having undergone a fundamental spiritual transformation from the realm of spiritual death to the vibrant reality of spiritual life. Conversely, the absence of such love indicates that one remains in a state of separation from God, still ensnared by spiritual death. This verse underscores that while salvation is by grace through faith, the fruit of that salvation is visibly manifested in the Christ-like love extended to the community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within John's broader argument in [1 John 3](/1_john/3 "1 John 3 - Children of God and the Devil"), which starkly contrasts the "children of God" with the "children of the devil." Following the assertion in [1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10") that "whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother," [1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14") immediately elaborates on love as the preeminent, tangible mark of true spiritual parentage. It serves as a practical test, moving from abstract theological truth to observable behavior, providing assurance to believers and exposing the false claims of those who deny the transforming power of Christ. The preceding verses ([1 John 3:11-13](/1_john/3-11-13 "1 John 3:11-13")) specifically highlight the command to love one another and contrast it with the murderous hatred exemplified by Cain, setting the stage for love as the antithesis of spiritual death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's first epistle was written to a community grappling with false teachers, often identified as proto-Gnostics, who denied the true humanity of Christ and promoted a form of spiritual elitism that often led to moral laxity and a lack of genuine love for others. These teachers might have claimed spiritual knowledge or enlightenment without demonstrating the ethical fruit of a transformed life. In this environment, John emphasizes practical, observable evidence of true faith. The early Christian community, though diverse, was called to be a distinct body, bound by a shared faith and love, often facing external hostility. Internal unity and mutual love were not just ideals but vital for their survival and witness. John's emphasis on "the brethren" (ἀδελφός, *adelphos*) highlights the importance of the Christian community as the primary sphere where this distinguishing love is to be demonstrated.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14") is **assurance of salvation** through the **evidence of love**. John is not suggesting that love *earns* salvation, but rather that it is an inevitable and observable fruit of a genuine spiritual rebirth. This ties into the broader Johannine theme of **new life in Christ**, a radical transformation from darkness to light, from spiritual death to spiritual vitality (cf. [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life")). The verse also reinforces the theme of **discipleship defined by love**, echoing Jesus' "new commandment" in [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment") that His followers would be known by their love for one another. Finally, it highlights the **contrast between light and darkness, life and death**, a recurring motif in John's writings, where love is squarely placed on the side of light and life, while its absence belongs to darkness and death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **agapáō (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb, translated "love" or "loveth," refers to *agape* love. Unlike *phileo* (brotherly affection) or *eros* (romantic desire), *agape* is a selfless, unconditional, volitional love that seeks the highest good of the other, often expressed through sacrificial action. It is a divine love, characteristic of God Himself ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")), and it is the kind of love believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to demonstrate. Its presence in the believer is a profound indicator of God's indwelling presence.
* **metabaínō (Greek, _metabaínō'_):** Translated "have passed," this verb signifies a change of place or state, a transition or removal. The perfect tense ("have passed") indicates a completed action with ongoing results. It's not a gradual process but a decisive, once-for-all movement from one spiritual condition to another. This emphasizes the radical and definitive nature of conversion – a complete shift out of the domain of death and into the domain of life.
* **thánatos (Greek, _thánatos'_):** Translated "death," this term refers to physical death but, in this context, primarily to spiritual death. It signifies separation from God, the source of all life, and a state of alienation, sin, and condemnation. The contrast with *zōḗ* (life, G2222), which denotes spiritual vitality, fellowship with God, and eternal existence, is crucial. To "pass from death unto life" is to move from a state of spiritual alienation to one of intimate communion with God through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We know that we have passed from death unto life":** This opening clause is a declarative statement of assurance, a confident assertion of spiritual reality. The "we know" (οἴδαμεν, *oidamen*) implies a certain, experiential knowledge, not mere speculation. The "passing from death unto life" describes the radical, decisive, and complete spiritual transformation that occurs at conversion, a movement from a state of spiritual alienation and condemnation (death) to one of spiritual vitality, fellowship with God, and eternal existence (life). This is a completed act with ongoing implications.
* **"because we love the brethren.":** This clause provides the evidence or proof for the preceding declaration. The love for "the brethren" (ἀδελφός, *adelphos*, fellow believers) is presented not as the *cause* of salvation, but as the *fruit* and *sign* of it. It is the observable, tangible manifestation that the spiritual transition has indeed taken place. This *agape* love is a supernatural love, empowered by God's Spirit, and it distinguishes those who truly belong to God's family.
* **"He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death.":** This is the stark, converse declaration, serving as a warning and a further clarification. The absence of *agape* love for fellow believers is presented as an indicator that one remains in a state of spiritual death. The verb "abideth" (μένει, *menei*, G3306) implies a continuing, settled state. It suggests that without this distinguishing mark of love, one has not experienced the spiritual transition from death to life, but rather persists in a state of separation from God, regardless of any outward profession of faith.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14") is **Contrast**. John starkly juxtaposes "death" and "life," and the presence of "love" versus its absence. This creates a clear dichotomy, emphasizing the absolute nature of the spiritual states he describes. There is no middle ground; one is either "in death" or has "passed from death unto life." This contrast is further highlighted by the **Parallelism** between the two main statements: the positive affirmation (love leads to life) and the negative warning (no love means abiding in death). The phrase "passed from death unto life" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual regeneration, likening a spiritual transformation to a physical journey from one domain to another. The verse also utilizes **Assurance** as a rhetorical strategy, offering a tangible means for believers to confirm their spiritual standing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14") is a foundational verse for understanding the practical outworking of Christian faith. It firmly establishes that genuine spiritual transformation is not merely an intellectual assent or an emotional experience, but a profound change that impacts one's relationships, particularly within the family of God. This love is not a human sentiment but a divine impartation, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live out the new nature they have received in Christ. It serves as a vital diagnostic tool for spiritual health, reminding us that authentic faith is always active and expressed through selfless concern for others, especially those united with us in Christ. The theological implication is clear: if God's love truly indwells us, it will inevitably flow out towards our brothers and sisters.

* [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment")
* [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God is Love")
* [Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14") serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination, inviting believers to honestly assess the presence and quality of love in their lives, particularly towards fellow Christians. It challenges us to move beyond mere sentimentality to a practical, sacrificial, and active love that reflects the very heart of God. If we truly have passed from death to life, then the divine life within us will manifest as a genuine concern for the well-being, spiritual growth, and unity of the body of Christ. This love is not a burden but a joyful outflow of our new nature, a tangible sign to ourselves and to the world that we belong to God. When we struggle to love, it should prompt us to draw closer to the source of love, Jesus Christ, and allow His Spirit to cultivate this essential fruit in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my love for other believers manifest itself practically in my daily life?**
* **Are there specific individuals or groups within the Christian community that I find difficult to love? What might this reveal about my own spiritual state or my need for God's transforming grace?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally cultivate a more selfless, *agape* love for my brothers and sisters in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does loving the brethren *cause* us to pass from death to life?**

Answer: No, loving the brethren does not *cause* the spiritual transition from death to life. Salvation, the passing from death to life, is a sovereign act of God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (as seen in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). [1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14") presents love for the brethren as the *evidence* or *proof* that this spiritual transformation has already occurred. It's a fruit of salvation, not the root. Just as a healthy tree produces good fruit, a genuinely saved person will demonstrate the love of God, which naturally extends to fellow believers.

**What kind of "love" is John referring to in this verse?**

Answer: John is referring to *agape* love (ἀγαπάω, *agapáō*), which is distinct from mere affection or human sentiment. *Agape* is a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that wills the good of the other, regardless of their worthiness or whether they reciprocate. It is the very nature of God Himself (as stated in [1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is Love")), and it is empowered by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. This love is not primarily an emotion but a commitment and an action, demonstrated through tangible acts of kindness, forgiveness, patience, and service towards fellow Christians.

**What if I struggle to love other Christians? Does that mean I am not saved?**

Answer: While [1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14") presents a stark contrast, struggling with love does not automatically mean one is unsaved. All believers are in a process of sanctification, growing in Christ-likeness. However, a *complete and persistent absence* of love, or an active hatred, is a serious indicator that one may not have truly "passed from death unto life." If you struggle, it's an invitation to examine your heart, confess any lack of love, and earnestly pray for God's Spirit to cultivate *agape* within you. The Christian life is a journey of growth, and God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun (as promised in [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom we "pass from death unto life," for His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection conquered sin and death, offering true spiritual life to all who believe (as beautifully articulated in [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly embodied the *agape* love that John commands; He loved His "brethren" (His disciples and all humanity) to the uttermost, laying down His life for them (as He Himself declared in [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). His "new commandment" to love one another ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment")) is not a mere ethical instruction but an invitation to participate in the very love that flows from the Father through the Son by the Spirit. Thus, our love for the brethren is not simply a human effort, but a supernatural outflow of the divine life of Christ within us, a tangible manifestation that we are truly His disciples and have been brought into His eternal life.

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 13:35

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

1 John 5:2

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

1 John 4:20

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1 John 4:21

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

1 Thessalonians 4:9

¶ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

John 5:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 15:12

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