1 John 3:23

KJV

¶ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} this {G3778} is {G2076} his {G846} commandment {G1785}, That {G2443} we should believe {G4100} on the name {G3686} of his {G846} Son {G5207} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} love {G25} one another {G240}, as {G2531} he gave {G1325} us {G2254} commandment {G1785}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is his command: that we are to trust in the person and power of his Son Yeshua the Messiah and to keep loving one another, just as he commanded us.

Berean Standard Bible

And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us.

American Standard Version

And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he gave us commandment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 3:23 encapsulates the core of Christian obedience and relationship with God, presenting a singular divine "commandment" that is profoundly dual in nature. It mandates both a deep, abiding faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, God's Son, and a sacrificial, active love for fellow believers. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of what it means to live authentically as a child of God, emphasizing that genuine belief in Christ is inextricably linked to the practical demonstration of love within the community of faith, mirroring the very character and command of Christ Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears within the broader context of 1 John, an epistle deeply concerned with distinguishing true believers from false teachers and ensuring the assurance of salvation for its audience. Following sections that emphasize the believer's identity as a child of God ([1 John 3:1-3](/1-john/3-1-3 "1 John 3:1-3 - Children of God and Hope")), the call to righteous living ([1 John 3:4-10](/1-john/3-4-10 "1 John 3:4-10 - Righteousness and Sin")), and the imperative of brotherly love ([1 John 3:11-18](/1-john/3-11-18 "1 John 3:11-18 - Love One Another")), verse 23 acts as a powerful summation. It condenses the epistle's major themes—faith in Jesus and love for one another—into a singular divine directive, providing a clear test of genuine spiritual life and a foundation for the assurance that follows in [1 John 3:24](/1-john/3-24 "1 John 3:24 - Abiding in God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Apostle John likely wrote this epistle in the late first century from Ephesus, addressing Christian communities grappling with the emergence of proto-Gnostic heresies. These false teachings often denied the true humanity of Jesus Christ (docetism) and promoted a dualistic worldview that separated the spiritual from the material, leading to a devaluation of ethical conduct. In this environment, John's emphasis on the necessity of believing in Jesus as the incarnate Son of God and the practical outworking of faith through love was crucial. The "commandment" to love was not new in the Jewish tradition, but Jesus' re-emphasis and expansion of it, particularly as a distinguishing mark of His disciples ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment")), made it central to early Christian identity.
* **Key Themes:** First John 3:23 powerfully articulates two of the epistle's most significant themes: the **nature of true faith** and the **supremacy of love**. John consistently argues that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came in the flesh ([1 John 4:2-3](/1-john/4-2-3 "1 John 4:2-3 - Spirit of Truth and Error")). This faith is the basis for eternal life and fellowship with God ([1 John 1:3](/1-john/1-3 "1 John 1:3 - Fellowship with God")). Simultaneously, John elevates **love for fellow believers** as the indispensable evidence of this faith and a reflection of God's own nature, for "God is love" ([1 John 4:8](/1-john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is Love")). The epistle repeatedly contrasts this active, self-sacrificial love with the hatred characteristic of the world and those who do not know God ([1 John 3:14-15](/1-john/3-14-15 "1 John 3:14-15 - Love for Brothers")). Thus, [1 John 3:23](/1-john/3-23 "1 John 3:23 - God's Commandment: Believe and Love") synthesizes these two pillars, presenting them not as separate options but as two interwoven aspects of God's singular expectation for His children.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** From G1785, this term signifies an authoritative prescription or injunction. John's repeated use of `entolḗ` throughout his epistle (e.g., [1 John 2:3-4](/1-john/2-3-4 "1 John 2:3-4 - Knowing God by Keeping His Commandments")) underscores that God's expectations are not suggestions but binding directives, reflecting His will and character. Here, it emphasizes the divine origin and mandatory nature of both belief and love.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, this verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." In this context, "believe on the name" implies a full, personal reliance and commitment to all that Jesus Christ is and represents—His divine identity, His redemptive work, and His authority. It is an active, ongoing trust, not merely intellectual assent.
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** From G25, this verb denotes a social or moral love, often characterized by self-sacrifice and benevolent action rather than mere emotion. It is the characteristic love of God, which is extended to humanity and is to be reciprocated among believers. In this verse, it refers to the active, demonstrative affection and care that believers are to show one another, serving as tangible evidence of their faith and their connection to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this is his commandment,"**: This introductory phrase immediately establishes the divine authority behind the subsequent directives. The "this" points forward to the two-fold nature of the commandment. It is not merely a human suggestion or a philosophical ideal, but a direct, singular injunction from God Himself, emphasizing its foundational importance for Christian life.
* **"That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ,"**: This is the first, foundational component of God's commandment. "Believe on the name" signifies a profound, active trust and reliance upon the entire person and authority of "his Son Jesus Christ." It encompasses acknowledging His divine identity, His saving work on the cross, His resurrection, and His Lordship. This belief is the entry point into a relationship with God and the source of salvation and eternal life.
* **"and love one another,"**: This is the second, equally vital, component of the commandment, joined by the coordinating conjunction "and," indicating its inseparable connection to belief. This refers to the active, self-sacrificial love (agape) that believers are to demonstrate towards their fellow Christians. It is not just an emotion but a tangible commitment to their well-being, reflecting God's own character and serving as a distinguishing mark of true discipleship.
* **"as he gave us commandment."**: This concluding phrase reinforces the divine origin and consistency of this dual command. The "he" refers to God, and specifically to Jesus Christ, who repeatedly commanded His disciples to love one another ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment")). This reiteration underscores that the two aspects—faith and love—are not arbitrary human ideals but are deeply rooted in the very nature and explicit instruction of God Himself, revealed through His Son.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Juxtaposition** and **Emphasis**. The juxtaposition of "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" and "love one another" highlights the two inseparable pillars of Christian life. By presenting them within a single "commandment," John emphasizes their inherent unity and mutual dependence; one cannot exist authentically without the other. The repetition of "commandment" (Greek: _entolḗ_) at the beginning and end of the verse serves as a powerful device of **Inclusio**, framing the entire statement and underscoring the divine authority and non-negotiable nature of these two directives. This repetition also creates a sense of **Emphasis**, ensuring the reader fully grasps the weight and centrality of what is being commanded. Furthermore, the phrase "on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" uses **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire person, character, authority, and saving work of Jesus, signifying a complete and holistic trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 3:23 stands as a theological cornerstone, asserting that the essence of God's command for humanity is a unified expression of faith and love. The command to "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" speaks to the foundational necessity of Christology and soteriology—that salvation and true relationship with God are exclusively through personal trust in Jesus' divine identity and His atoning work. This belief is not a mere intellectual assent but a transformative commitment that reorients one's entire life around Christ. Inseparably linked is the command to "love one another," which flows directly from this saving faith. This _agape_ love is the ethical and practical outworking of our spiritual regeneration, demonstrating the indwelling Spirit and reflecting God's own character. The verse thus teaches that true Christian obedience is holistic, encompassing both vertical devotion to God through Christ and horizontal devotion to fellow image-bearers within the community of faith. It is a profound statement on the nature of discipleship, where orthodoxy (right belief) must always lead to orthopraxy (right living, particularly in love).

* [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment")
* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love")
* [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 3:23 offers a profound and practical framework for evaluating the authenticity and vitality of our Christian walk. It strips away superficiality, directing us to the two non-negotiable pillars of faith and love. To truly believe "on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" means more than intellectual acknowledgment; it demands a daily, active reliance on His person, His finished work, and His ongoing Lordship in our lives. This belief should permeate our thoughts, decisions, and aspirations, shaping our identity and purpose. Concurrently, the command to "love one another" challenges us to move beyond mere sentimentality to tangible, sacrificial action within the body of Christ. Is our love for fellow believers evident in our forgiveness, our service, our generosity, and our willingness to bear burdens? This verse reminds us that these two commands are not optional add-ons but are the very essence of God's expectation for His children, serving as both a litmus test for genuine faith and a pathway to deeper fellowship with God and one another. Living out this dual commandment brings assurance, joy, and a powerful testimony to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my active belief "on the name of his Son Jesus Christ"?**
* **In what specific, tangible ways am I actively loving "one another" within my Christian community?**
* **Do I see belief and love as equally vital and interconnected in my spiritual journey, or do I prioritize one over the other?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more fully embody both faith in Christ and love for others?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ"?**

Answer: To "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" (G4100 _pisteúō_ on G3686 _ónoma_ of G5207 _huiós_ Jesus G2424 Christ G5547) signifies more than just intellectual assent to facts about Jesus. The "name" here represents the entire person, character, authority, and saving work of Jesus. Therefore, believing "on the name" means placing one's complete trust, reliance, and commitment _into_ Him—acknowledging His divine nature as God's Son, His atoning death and resurrection, and His Lordship. It implies a personal surrender and dependence on Him for salvation, forgiveness, and guidance, as articulated in passages like [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life") and [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name"). It is the foundational act of faith that initiates and sustains a relationship with God.

**Why are belief in Jesus and love for one another presented as a single "commandment"?**

Answer: John presents belief in Jesus and love for one another as a single "commandment" (G1785 _entolḗ_) because, from God's perspective, they are two inseparable dimensions of genuine Christian life. They are not independent options but two sides of the same coin, demonstrating that true faith is never merely theoretical but always expresses itself in practical action. As [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love") states, "faith works through love." One cannot truly claim to believe in God's Son without demonstrating love for His people, nor can one genuinely love in the way God commands without being rooted in faith in Christ. This unity reflects God's own character, who is both the object of our faith and the source of our love, and it was a core teaching of Jesus Himself, particularly in [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 3:23 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely as a command given by Christ, but as a command that is _enabled_ and _embodied_ by Christ. The mandate to "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" is fulfilled in Christ Himself, for He is the very object of that saving faith. His incarnation, sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection provide the complete and sufficient basis for humanity's reconciliation with God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). Belief in His "name" means trusting in His person and finished work, which alone grants access to God and eternal life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life")). Furthermore, the command to "love one another, as he gave us commandment" is fulfilled in Christ's perfect demonstration of self-sacrificial love. Jesus not only commanded love ([John 15:12](/john/15-12 "John 15:12 - Love One Another as I Have Loved You")) but supremely exemplified it by laying down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One")). His love is the pattern, the power, and the ultimate motivation for our love for one another. Thus, [1 John 3:23](/1-john/3-23 "1 John 3:23 - God's Commandment: Believe and Love") is not a burden, but a gracious invitation to participate in the reality of Christ's saving work and His indwelling Spirit, enabling believers to live out the very life and love of God that He Himself manifested ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")).

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 13:34

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

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

John 6:29

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

John 15:12

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

1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

1 John 3:11

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

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.