1 John 4:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 4:10 profoundly encapsulates the essence of divine love, revealing it not as a human initiative or response, but as God's sovereign, unprovoked action. It declares that the true nature of love is found in God's unilateral decision to love humanity, supremely demonstrated by His sending of His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins, thereby addressing the barrier of sin and making reconciliation possible. This verse serves as the theological bedrock for understanding both the source and the character of authentic love within the Christian faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal section of 1 John (specifically [1 John 4:7-12](/1-john/4-7-12 "1 John 4:7-12 - God Is Love")) where the Apostle John meticulously expounds on the nature of God as love and the implications of this truth for Christian living. Following an exhortation to "love one another" because "love is of God" ([1 John 4:7](/1-john/4-7 "1 John 4:7 - Love Is From God")), verse 10 provides the foundational theological premise for this command. It clarifies that our capacity and command to love are entirely derivative of God's prior and perfect love for us. The subsequent verses, such as [1 John 4:11](/1-john/4-11 "1 John 4:11 - The Command to Love") and [1 John 4:19](/1-john/4-19 "1 John 4:19 - We Love Because He First Loved Us"), build directly upon this declaration, emphasizing that our love for God and for one another is a responsive act, empowered by His initiating love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The broader historical context of 1 John includes the nascent Christian communities grappling with various false teachings, particularly proto-Gnostic ideas that denied the full humanity of Christ or separated the divine Christ from the human Jesus. While [1 John 4:10](/1-john/4-10 "1 John 4:10 - God's Love and Propitiation") does not directly address these Christological heresies, its emphasis on God "sending His Son" affirms the incarnational reality and the specific, redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Culturally, the concept of "propitiation" would have resonated with both Jewish sacrificial traditions, which sought to atone for sin and appease divine wrath, and the broader Greco-Roman understanding of appeasing deities. However, John redefines this concept in a uniquely Christian way: it is God Himself who provides the means of propitiation, not humanity attempting to placate an angry deity.
* **Key Themes:** [First John 4:10](/1-john/4-10 "1 John 4:10 - The Source and Nature of God's Love") is rich with several key themes central to the book of 1 John and Christian theology. Foremost is the theme of **God's Initiating Love**, emphasizing that divine love is not a reaction to human merit but an inherent attribute of God, freely given. This contrasts sharply with human love, which is often conditional. Another crucial theme is the **Demonstration of God's Love through Christ's Sacrifice**, portraying the sending of the Son as the ultimate, tangible proof of God's affection and commitment to humanity, even in its sinful state. This leads directly to the theme of **Propitiation and Atonement**, highlighting Christ's work as the necessary act to satisfy divine justice and reconcile a holy God with sinful humanity, thereby removing the barrier of sin. This concept is foundational to understanding salvation as a gift of grace, as seen in passages like [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _agápē_):** (G26) This term signifies a distinct form of love, often translated as "charity" in older versions, emphasizing unconditional, benevolent, and self-sacrificial affection. Unlike _philia_ (brotherly love) or _eros_ (romantic love), _agápē_ is primarily a love of the will, a deliberate choice to seek the highest good of another, regardless of their worthiness. Here, it describes God's inherent nature and His active disposition towards humanity.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō_):** (G649) This verb means "to send out, especially on a mission." It implies a deliberate commission and authority. When applied to God sending His Son, it underscores the divine initiative and the specific, purposeful mission of Jesus Christ to accomplish salvation. It highlights the pre-existence of the Son and His obedient submission to the Father's will.
* **sins (Greek, _hamartía_):** (G266) This word refers to "a sin" or "sinfulness" in an abstract sense. It denotes missing the mark, a deviation from God's perfect standard, whether through commission or omission. In this context, "our sins" refers to the collective and individual transgressions of humanity that create a barrier between God and people, necessitating the propitiatory work of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Herein is love":** This opening phrase immediately directs the reader's attention to the specific demonstration of love that follows. "Herein" (ἐν τούτῳ) points to the subsequent explanation, emphasizing that the true definition and essence of love are found not in human sentiment or action, but in the divine act about to be described. It sets the stage for a profound theological statement, asserting that the ultimate revelation of love is not abstract but concretely manifested.
* **"not that we loved God":** This clause serves as a crucial contrast, dismantling any notion that human initiative or merit is the source or prerequisite for God's love. It explicitly denies that our affection, obedience, or spiritual striving is what moved God to act. This negates any works-based understanding of salvation or relationship with God, firmly rooting love's origin elsewhere.
* **"but that he loved us":** This is the counter-assertion, establishing God's love as the primary, independent, and initiating force. It highlights the astounding truth that God's love for humanity precedes and enables any human response. This love is unmerited, given to those who were alienated and undeserving, underscoring its unconditional nature and profound grace.
* **"and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins":** This climactic phrase reveals the supreme demonstration and practical outworking of God's love. The act of "sending His Son" signifies the Incarnation and the Son's mission. "Propitiation" (ἱλασμός, _hilasmós_) refers to an atoning sacrifice that appeases divine wrath, satisfies God's righteous demands against sin, and thereby makes reconciliation possible. It is 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 to sinful humanity. This act addresses the fundamental problem of human sin, bridging the chasm between a holy God and fallen humanity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, sharply distinguishing between human love for God and God's prior, initiating love for humanity ("not that we loved God, but that he loved us"). This rhetorical technique highlights the radical nature of divine grace. **Emphasis** is achieved through the direct, declarative statement "Herein is love," immediately drawing attention to the profound truth that follows. The phrase "sent his Son" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the act of sending the Son stands for the entirety of Christ's incarnate life, suffering, death, and resurrection, which collectively achieve propitiation. Furthermore, the concept of "propitiation" itself is a **Theological Metaphor**, drawing on the imagery of sacrifice and atonement from the Old Testament to explain how Christ's death satisfies divine justice and restores relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the profound truth that God's love is not merely an emotion but an active, redemptive force. It establishes that salvation is entirely a work of divine grace, initiated by God's own benevolent will, rather than earned by human effort. The concept of propitiation underscores the holiness and justice of God, which must be satisfied in the face of sin, while simultaneously revealing His boundless mercy and love in providing the means of satisfaction through His Son. This demonstrates the seamless unity within the divine attributes – God is both perfectly just and perfectly loving. This truth liberates believers from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and empowers them to love others as a response to the overwhelming love they have received.

* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")
* [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "God's Rich Mercy and Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of [1 John 4:10](/1-john/4-10 "1 John 4:10 - The Unconditional Love of God") offers immense spiritual nourishment and practical guidance for believers today. It provides an unshakeable foundation for our assurance, reminding us that God's love for us is not contingent upon our performance, obedience, or even our love for Him, but is rooted in His unchanging, gracious character. This frees us from the exhausting cycle of striving for acceptance and instead invites us into a relationship built on pure grace. Furthermore, this verse serves as the wellspring for our own capacity and motivation to love. Because God first loved us, and demonstrated it so sacrificially, we are both empowered and compelled to love Him in return, and to extend that same self-giving love to others, reflecting the divine nature within us. It calls us to embody a love that is active, sacrificial, and seeks the good of others, mirroring the love we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's initiating love, as described in this verse, impact your sense of security and worth in Christ?**
* **In what specific ways can you demonstrate God's unmerited love to others in your daily interactions, as a response to His love for you?**
* **How does the concept of "propitiation" deepen your appreciation for Christ's sacrifice and the cost of your salvation?**

### FAQ

**What is the meaning of "propitiation" in this verse, and why is it important?**

Answer: The term "propitiation" (Greek: _hilasmós_) refers to an atoning sacrifice that satisfies divine justice and turns away God's righteous wrath against sin. It's important because it clarifies that Christ's death was not merely a demonstration of love, but a necessary act to address the fundamental problem of sin, which creates a barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. Through Christ's sacrifice, the penalty for our sins was paid, God's just demands were met, and the way for reconciliation and forgiveness was opened. This concept is crucial for understanding the mechanics of salvation and the depth of God's commitment to redeem humanity, as further explained in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Christ as Propitiation").

**Does "not that we loved God, but that he loved us" imply that human love for God is unimportant?**

Answer: No, it does not imply that human love for God is unimportant. Rather, it establishes the correct order and source of love. The verse emphasizes that God's love is the *origin* and *foundation* of all true love, including our love for Him. Our love for God is a *response* to His prior, initiating love, not a prerequisite for it. As [1 John 4:19](/1-john/4-19 "We Love Because He First Loved Us") explicitly states, "We love him, because he first loved us." This truth provides both humility and profound motivation for our love and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[First John 4:10](/1-john/4-10 "1 John 4:10 - God's Love Manifested in Christ") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's initiating love, for it was "while we were still sinners" that "Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). The "sending of His Son" is the Incarnation itself, where the eternal Word became flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) to dwell among us, ultimately laying down His life. Jesus is not merely the one _through whom_ propitiation occurs, but He _is_ the propitiation—the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that fully satisfied God's righteous demands against sin. His cross is the intersection where divine justice and divine love perfectly meet, allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Justice and Justification")). Thus, in Christ, we see the complete and final demonstration of God's boundless love, securing our reconciliation and eternal life ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2-corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")).

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

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.