1 John 4:16

KJV

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} we {G2249} have known {G1097} and {G2532} believed {G4100} the love {G26} that {G3739} God {G2316} hath {G2192} to {G1722} us {G2254}. God {G2316} is {G2076} love {G26}; and {G2532} he that dwelleth {G3306} in {G1722} love {G26} dwelleth {G3306} in {G1722} God {G2316}, and {G2532} God {G2316} in {G1722} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also we have come to know and trust the love that God has for us. God is love; and those who remain in this love remain united with God, and God remains united with them.

Berean Standard Bible

And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

American Standard Version

And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 4:16 serves as a foundational declaration, asserting that believers have come to both comprehend and trust the profound love God possesses for humanity. It then unveils the very essence of the divine nature, proclaiming that "God is love," a statement that defines His character and actions. This truth culminates in the reciprocal indwelling, where those who abide in this divine love simultaneously abide in God, and God, in turn, abides in them, signifying an intimate and transformative communion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within John's First Epistle, which consistently emphasizes the nature of God, the necessity of love among believers, and the discernment of authentic faith from deceptive teachings prevalent in the early church. Immediately preceding this verse, John has established that "God is love" in [1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is Love"), and has highlighted God's supreme demonstration of this love by sending His Son as a propitiation for sins ([1 John 4:10](/1_john/4-10 "1 John 4:10 - God's Love in Christ's Sacrifice")). The preceding verses ([1 John 4:7-12](/1_john/4-7-12 "1 John 4:7-12 - Love One Another")) build a compelling argument for believers to love one another, asserting that such love is evidence of being born of God and knowing Him. Verse 16, therefore, solidifies the theological basis for this command, moving from the imperative to the indicative: because God *is* love, and we know and believe this, our dwelling in love naturally results in dwelling in God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The First Epistle of John was likely written in the late first century AD, addressing a community grappling with emerging Gnostic or proto-Gnostic heresies. These false teachings often denied the true humanity of Christ (docetism), diminished the importance of ethical living, and promoted a "knowledge" (gnosis) that was superior to faith and love. In this environment, John's emphatic declaration that "God is love" and his insistence on the practical outworking of this love in the lives of believers directly countered these erroneous views. The concept of "knowing" God was central to Gnostic thought, but John redefines this knowledge not as esoteric wisdom, but as an experiential and relational understanding of God's revealed love, leading to moral transformation and communal love, rather than intellectual elitism.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 John](/1_john "The First Epistle of John") is the nature of true Christian fellowship and the marks of genuine faith. This verse contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the **defining nature of God as love**, moving beyond merely an attribute to an intrinsic identity, paralleling the declaration that [God is light](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **epistemology of faith and experience**, highlighting that believers not only "know" (intellectually grasp) but also "believe" (trust and embrace experientially) this divine love. This dual emphasis counters any notion of a purely intellectual Christianity. Thirdly, and most profoundly, the verse introduces the theme of **mutual indwelling**, a mystical yet practical union between God and the believer. This indwelling, facilitated by love, signifies an intimate, continuous communion where God's presence is actively experienced and reflected in the believer's life, echoing similar themes of abiding found in [John 15:4-7](/john/15-4-7 "John 15:4-7 - Abiding in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it denotes an experiential, relational knowledge. It implies a deep, personal acquaintance and understanding gained through experience, rather than just factual information. In this context, it means believers have come to intimately understand and perceive the reality of God's love through their relationship with Him and His actions.
* **love (Greek, _agápē'_):** This is the highest form of love in the Greek lexicon, often translated as "charity" in older versions. It describes a self-sacrificing, benevolent, unconditional, and volitional love. Unlike _eros_ (romantic love) or _philia_ (brotherly love), _agápē_ is not based on emotion or attraction but on a deliberate choice of the will, seeking the highest good of the beloved. When applied to God, it defines His very essence and the nature of His actions towards humanity.
* **dwelleth (Greek, _ménō'_):** This verb means "to stay," "to abide," "to remain," or "to continue." It implies a permanent, settled, and continuous presence or state. In the context of 1 John 4:16, it describes a profound, reciprocal, and ongoing spiritual union: those who continually live within the sphere of God's love are continuously present in God, and God is continuously present in them. This is not a transient visit but a settled, intimate communion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us."**: This opening clause establishes the foundation of the believer's relationship with God: an experiential understanding and faithful acceptance of God's profound, personal love. The perfect tense verbs "have known" and "believed" suggest a settled, ongoing state of recognition and trust that has been established and continues. It's a personal testimony of the community.
* **"God is love;"**: This is the central, declarative statement of the verse and one of the most profound theological truths in the Bible. It is not merely that God *has* love or *shows* love, but that love is inherent to His very being and character. Love is not just an attribute among others; it defines His essence, shaping all His actions and intentions. This statement is absolute and foundational.
* **"and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."**: This clause unpacks the practical implications of God's nature. It describes a mutual, reciprocal indwelling. To "dwell in love" means to live in accordance with, to be characterized by, and to continually participate in the self-giving, benevolent love that God Himself embodies. When a person lives in this way, they are in intimate communion with God, and God, in turn, establishes His presence within them. This is the spiritual reality of a life transformed by divine love.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Declarative Statement** is prominently used in "God is love," which functions as an absolute, foundational truth, leaving no room for ambiguity about God's intrinsic nature. **Repetition** of the word "love" (agápē) and the verb "dwelleth" (ménō) emphasizes their critical importance and creates a rhythmic, reinforcing effect, solidifying the connection between divine love and human communion. The concept of "dwelling in love" and "dwelling in God" functions as a **Metaphor** or an extended **Analogy**, portraying love not just as an emotion or action, but as a spiritual sphere or a dwelling place where intimate communion with God occurs. This reciprocal indwelling ("dwelleth in God, and God in him") also exhibits a form of **Parallelism** or **Chiasm** (A-B-B'-A' structure, where A is "dwelleth in love," B is "dwelleth in God," B' is "God," and A' is "in him"), highlighting the profound mutuality and intimacy of the relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration that "God is love" serves as the theological bedrock for understanding all of God's character and actions, particularly His redemptive work. This love is not merely an emotion but an active, self-giving commitment, supremely demonstrated in the sending of His Son. The mutual indwelling described in the latter part of the verse reveals the ultimate goal of salvation: intimate, continuous communion with God. It underscores that living a life characterized by divine love is not just a moral imperative but the very pathway to experiencing God's presence and participating in His divine nature. This love is the essence of true fellowship, both with God and with fellow believers.

* [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - Love is from God")
* [John 15:9-10](/john/15-9-10 "John 15:9-10 - Abide in My Love")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that "God is love" is not just a theological concept to be intellectually grasped, but a transformative truth to be experientially lived. This verse calls believers to a profound assurance in God's benevolent nature, knowing that His intentions towards us are always rooted in perfect love. Consequently, it challenges us to allow this divine love to permeate every aspect of our lives, shaping our character and actions. If we truly dwell in love, then our lives will increasingly reflect the self-sacrificing, unconditional love of God towards others, becoming tangible expressions of His presence in the world. This active participation in love—both receiving God's love and extending it—is the very means by which our communion with God deepens, making His indwelling presence a vibrant and dynamic reality in our daily existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has your understanding of "God is love" personally shaped your perception of God's character and actions in your life?**
* **In what practical ways can you "dwell in love" more consistently in your relationships and daily interactions?**
* **What does it mean for you, experientially, to have God "dwell in him" (you)? How do you cultivate this sense of His presence?**

### FAQ
**What does "God is love" truly mean, beyond a simple statement?**

Answer: The statement "God is love" (Greek: _agápē_) is one of the most profound theological declarations in the Bible. It means that love is not merely an attribute that God possesses or an action that God performs, but it is the very essence of His being and character. His nature is inherently and perfectly self-giving, benevolent, and unconditional. Every aspect of His character—His holiness, justice, mercy, and wrath—is expressed through the lens of His perfect love. This love is not dependent on our worthiness but flows from His intrinsic nature, as supremely demonstrated in the sacrifice of [Jesus Christ on the cross](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated"). It means that God's motivations and actions are always rooted in His perfect, selfless love.

**How can we "know and believe" God's love? Is it just intellectual assent?**

Answer: To "know and believe" God's love, as stated in [1 John 4:16](/1_john/4-16 "1 John 4:16 - God is Love"), involves more than just intellectual assent. The Greek word for "known" (_ginṓskō_) implies an experiential, relational knowledge, a deep personal acquaintance. "Believed" (_pisteúō_) signifies trust and reliance. Therefore, it means we come to understand God's love not just by hearing about it, but by experiencing it personally through His actions in our lives, His forgiveness, His provision, and especially through the work of [Jesus Christ](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). It's a knowledge that transforms our trust and shapes our entire worldview, leading to a confident reliance on His benevolent nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth that "God is love" finds its ultimate and most tangible fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the express image of the invisible God, embodying divine love in every aspect of His earthly ministry. The sending of Jesus into the world, His life of perfect obedience, and supremely His atoning death on the cross, are the definitive demonstrations of God's _agápē_ love for humanity, as [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - For God So Loved the World") so powerfully declares. Through Christ, we not only "know and believe" this love, but we are also enabled to "dwell in love" ourselves. Jesus's sacrifice removes the barrier of sin, allowing us to enter into a reconciled relationship with God. Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Christ, God's love is "poured into our hearts" ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - The Love of God Poured Out")), empowering us to live lives characterized by _agápē_. Thus, when we "dwell in love," we are dwelling in Christ and He in us, fulfilling His prayer for unity and mutual indwelling found in [John 17:23](/john/17-23 "John 17:23 - That They May Be One"). Christ is the means, the model, and the very essence of the love in which we are called to abide, thereby experiencing the mutual indwelling with God.

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

1 John 3:24

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Psalms 36:7

How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Psalms 36:9

For with thee [is] the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

1 John 3:1

¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Psalms 18:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

Psalms 18:3

I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

1 John 4:12

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.