1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

There is {G2076} no {G3756} fear {G5401} in {G1722} love {G26}; but {G235} perfect {G5046} love {G26} casteth {G906} out {G1854} fear {G5401}: because {G3754} fear {G5401} hath {G2192} torment {G2851}.{G1161} He that feareth {G5399} is {G5048} not {G3756} made perfect {G5048} in {G1722} love {G26}.

There is no fear in love. On the contrary, love that has achieved its goal gets rid of fear, because fear has to do with punishment; the person who keeps fearing has not been brought to maturity in regard to love.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.

There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love.

The Apostle John, in 1 John 4:18, delivers a profound truth about the transformative power of God's love, asserting its absolute incompatibility with fear. This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christian security and the nature of divine relationship.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger discussion in 1 John chapter 4 about the nature of God as love, the importance of loving one another, and the assurance believers can have in their relationship with Him. John emphasizes that God initiated this love by sending His Son (1 John 4:9-10) and that our love for others is a reflection of His indwelling presence (1 John 4:12). The preceding verses speak of confidence before God, particularly in view of the Day of Judgment (1 John 4:17), making the absence of fear a crucial component of this assurance.

Key Themes

  • Love's Victory Over Fear: The central message is that genuine, divine love (agape) inherently drives out fear. This isn't merely the absence of fear, but an active expulsion. Where God's perfect love is present and fully embraced, paralyzing fear cannot reside.
  • "Perfect Love" Defined: The term "perfect love" (Greek: teleios agape) does not refer to human flawlessness, but rather to a love that is complete, mature, and fully realized in its source and object. It is the love that originates from God, is fully demonstrated by Him, and is fully received and understood by the believer. This mature love brings a sense of security and belonging.
  • Fear's Torment: John states that "fear hath torment." The Greek word for "torment" (kolasis) implies punishment, chastisement, or distressing anxiety. This refers to the dread of divine judgment or retribution. Such fear brings distress, anxiety, and a lack of peace, standing in direct opposition to the freedom and joy found in God's love.
  • Incomplete Love: The concluding phrase, "He that feareth is not made perfect in love," highlights that fear of judgment indicates an incomplete or immature understanding and experience of God's love. If one truly grasps the depth of God's unconditional love and grace, the dread of punishment dissipates.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Love" (agape): This is the most significant word, referring to God's unconditional, self-sacrificial, and benevolent love. It is not an emotion but a volitional act and commitment.
  • "Fear" (phobos): In this context, "fear" denotes dread, terror, or apprehension of punishment, distinct from reverential awe or respect for God's majesty.
  • "Perfect" (teleios): As noted, it means complete, mature, or brought to its intended end or purpose, rather than human sinless perfection.
  • "Torment" (kolasis): This term signifies punishment, correction, or the distress caused by the anticipation of such.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement for believers today. It challenges us to examine the source of our fears, particularly those related to God's judgment or disapproval. By focusing on God's spirit of adoption rather than a spirit of bondage to fear, we can grow in confidence. Understanding and embracing the completeness of God's love—His faithful provision, His forgiveness, and His desire for our good—is the ultimate antidote to anxiety and dread. As we allow His perfect love to fill our hearts, it displaces the torment of fear, leading to peace, assurance, and a deeper relationship with Him, enabling us to live boldly and serve joyfully.

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.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7

    For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

  • Romans 8:15

    For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

  • 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.

  • Luke 1:74

    That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

  • Luke 1:75

    In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

  • Hebrews 12:28

    Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

  • James 2:19

    Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

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