1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

Herein {G1722}{G5129} is {G2076} love {G26}, not {G3754} that {G3756} we {G2249} loved {G25} God {G2316}, but {G235} that {G3754} he {G846} loved {G25} us {G2248}, and {G2532} sent {G649} his {G846} Son {G5207} to be the propitiation {G2434} for {G4012} our {G2257} sins {G266}.

Here is what love is: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the kapparah for our sins.

And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Context of 1 John 4:10

First John, Chapter 4, is a profound discourse on the nature of God and the essential characteristic of Christian living: love. The apostle John emphasizes that God is love, and that true love for one another stems directly from God's prior love for humanity. This verse, 1 John 4:10, serves as a foundational statement within this chapter, defining the very essence and origin of this divine love before urging believers to love each other (1 John 4:11).

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Initiating Love: The verse powerfully asserts that love originates with God, not with humanity. It is not our love for God that prompts His action, but His intrinsic, unprovoked love for us. This highlights the unconditional and sovereign nature of divine love, distinguishing it from human love which is often conditional or responsive.
  • The Ultimate Demonstration of Love: God's love is tangibly demonstrated through the sending of His Son. This act is the supreme proof of His affection and commitment to humanity, especially given the state of humanity's sinfulness.
  • Propitiation for Sins: The term "propitiation" is central to understanding the purpose of Christ's coming. It signifies an atoning sacrifice that satisfies divine justice and turns away wrath, thereby reconciling God and humanity. Christ's death on the cross was not merely a demonstration of love but a necessary act to address the barrier of sin between a holy God and sinful people. This act of Christ dying for us while we were still sinners underscores the depth of His commitment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "propitiation" is hilasmos (ἱλασμός). This term carries the meaning of an atoning sacrifice that appeases wrath and makes reconciliation possible. In the context of the New Testament, it refers specifically to Christ's work on the cross, which effectively deals with sin and its consequences, enabling righteous God to extend mercy to sinful humanity. It's not about changing God's character from wrathful to loving, but about providing the just means by which His holy wrath against sin can be satisfied, allowing His love and mercy to flow freely. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, which pointed forward to the perfect and final sacrifice of Christ.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound implications for believers today:

  • Assurance of God's Love: It provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding us that God's love is not based on our performance or merit, but on His unchanging character. This truth can free us from striving to earn His affection.
  • Foundation for Our Love: Because God first loved us, and demonstrated it so powerfully, we are empowered and compelled to love Him in return, and to love others. Our love for God and neighbor is a response to, rather than a prerequisite for, His love. As 1 John 4:19 states, "We love him, because he first loved us."
  • Understanding Salvation: It clarifies that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, made possible through the atoning work of Christ. It's a reminder that our forgiveness and reconciliation with God are gifts, received through faith in His Son, who bore the penalty for our sins. This mirrors the message of God so loving the world that He gave His only Son.
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.

  • Ephesians 2:4

    ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

  • Ephesians 2:5

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  • Romans 5:8

    But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

  • Romans 5:10

    For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

  • 1 John 2:2

    And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

  • 1 John 4:19

    We love him, because he first loved us.

  • John 15:16

    Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
← Back