1 John 4:20

KJV

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1437} a man {G5100} say {G2036},{G3754} I love {G25} God {G2316}, and {G2532} hateth {G3404} his {G846} brother {G80}, he is {G2076} a liar {G5583}: for {G1063} he that loveth {G25} not {G3361} his {G846} brother {G80} whom {G3739} he hath seen {G3708}, how {G4459} can {G1410} he love {G25} God {G2316} whom {G3739} he hath {G3708} not {G3756} seen {G3708}?

Complete Jewish Bible

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar. For if a person does not love his brother, whom he has seen, then he cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

American Standard Version

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 4:20 profoundly challenges the sincerity of one's profession of love for God by asserting that such love is inextricably linked to, and evidenced by, one's love for fellow human beings. The verse exposes the inherent contradiction and hypocrisy of claiming devotion to an unseen God while simultaneously harboring animosity or indifference toward a visible brother or sister, declaring such a claimant to be a liar and highlighting the practical, relational outworking of genuine faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a powerful culmination within a broader discourse in [1 John 4](/1_john/4 "1 John 4 - God Is Love"), which intensely focuses on the nature of God's love and its implications for believers. John begins by urging discernment of spirits ([1 John 4:1-6](/1_john/4-1-6 "1 John 4:1-6 - Testing the Spirits")), then transitions to the foundational truth that "God is love" ([1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God Is Love")). He emphasizes that God's love was supremely demonstrated by sending His Son as an atoning sacrifice ([1 John 4:9-10](/1_john/4-9-10 "1 John 4:9-10 - God's Love Demonstrated")), and that as recipients of this divine love, believers are commanded to "love one another" ([1 John 4:7](/1_john/4-7 "1 John 4:7 - Love One Another"), [1 John 4:11](/1_john/4-11 "1 John 4:11 - Love One Another")). The passage then reiterates the indwelling of God through mutual love ([1 John 4:12-16](/1_john/4-12-16 "1 John 4:12-16 - God Dwells in Us")), the perfection of love casting out fear ([1 John 4:17-19](/1_john/4-17-19 "1 John 4:17-19 - Perfect Love Casts Out Fear")), and finally, verse 20 serves as a stark warning and a critical test of authenticity for those who claim to live in this divine love. It directly precedes John's concluding exhortation that the one who loves God must also love his brother ([1 John 4:21](/1_john/4-21 "1 John 4:21 - The Command to Love")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First John was likely written in the late first century CE, addressing Christian communities, possibly in Ephesus, facing internal challenges from false teachers, often identified as proto-Gnostics. These individuals often emphasized spiritual knowledge (gnosis) or mystical experiences over ethical conduct and practical love. They might have claimed a superior, direct relationship with God while neglecting the tangible responsibilities of Christian community. John's epistle, therefore, served to reinforce foundational Christian truths, including the incarnation of Christ and the ethical demands of faith. In a society where community bonds were paramount, and where the early church was forming its distinct identity, the emphasis on brotherly love (philadelphia) was not merely an abstract ideal but a practical necessity for survival, witness, and internal cohesion. The "brother" (ἀδελφός, _adelphos'_) here refers primarily to fellow believers within the Christian community, though the principle extends to all humanity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within 1 John and the broader biblical canon. It underscores the **Authenticity of Love**, asserting that true love for God is not merely a verbal profession or an abstract theological concept, but is evidenced by concrete actions and attitudes towards others. If love for one's brother is absent, the claim of loving God is rendered false, exposing **Hypocrisy**. John's strong language, calling such a person a "liar," highlights the utter contradiction inherent in such a stance, emphasizing that genuine faith produces tangible fruit in relationships. The verse also presents a compelling logical argument regarding the **Visible vs. Invisible**: if one cannot love what is seen and tangible (a fellow human being), how can they genuinely love the unseen God? Love is inherently relational and must find its expression in the observable world. This concept echoes the [two greatest commandments](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandments") articulated by Jesus in [Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandments"): love God and love your neighbor. Finally, it powerfully demonstrates the **Interconnectedness of Love**, showing that vertical love (for God) and horizontal love (for neighbor) are inseparable; one cannot exist authentically without the other. Our relationship with God is intrinsically linked to our relationships with others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** (G25) This term refers to a self-sacrificial, benevolent love that wills the good of another, often involving active demonstration rather than mere affection or emotional fondness. It is the characteristic love of God, which believers are called to emulate. In this context, it signifies a commitment to the well-being of others that stems from a divine source.
* **hateth (Greek, _miséō'_):** (G3404) This word denotes not merely a dislike or indifference, but an active detestation, hostility, or persecution. It implies a profound antagonism or opposition to another person's welfare. John uses this strong contrast to highlight the absolute incompatibility between such an attitude and genuine love for God.
* **liar (Greek, _pseústēs'_):** (G5583) Derived from the Greek word for "to lie" (ψεύδομαι, _pseudomai'_), a "liar" is a falsifier, one who speaks untruth. In John's theology, this term carries significant weight, often associated with those who deny fundamental truths about Christ or God (e.g., [1 John 2:22](/1_john/2-22 "1 John 2:22 - Who is the Liar?")). Here, it signifies a fundamental dishonesty about one's spiritual state and relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If a man say, I love God,"**: This opening clause sets up a hypothetical scenario, addressing the verbal profession of faith. It acknowledges that it is easy for someone to articulate a claim of devotion to God, a claim that might sound pious or spiritually profound. The Greek word for "say" (ἔπω, _épō'_) indicates a straightforward declaration.
* **"and hateth his brother, he is a liar:"**: This is the stark and uncompromising counter-assertion. The conjunction "and" (καί, _kaí'_) links the profession of love for God directly to the contradictory action of hating one's brother. John's declaration that such a person "is a liar" (ψεύστης ἐστί, _pseústēs estí'_) is a definitive judgment, exposing the profound hypocrisy and insincerity of their spiritual claim. The present tense of "is" (ἐστί, _estí'_) indicates a settled reality, not a temporary state.
* **"for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"**: This final clause provides the logical and theological rationale for John's strong condemnation. The particle "for" (γάρ, _gár'_) introduces the explanation. It presents a rhetorical question that functions as an irrefutable argument: if love cannot be extended to a tangible, visible human being with whom one interacts directly, how can it genuinely be extended to the invisible, unseen God? The inability to love the visible demonstrates an incapacity or unwillingness to love, which fundamentally undermines any claim of loving the invisible.

#### Literary Devices
First John 4:20 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its critical message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, which creates a stark contrast between opposing ideas: "love God" versus "hateth his brother," and "whom he hath seen" versus "whom he hath not seen." This juxtaposition highlights the irreconcilable nature of these two states, forcing the reader to confront the contradiction. The verse also uses a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"). This question is not meant to be answered literally but to drive home the absurdity and impossibility of the stated claim, compelling the audience to acknowledge the logical flaw in professing love for God while hating a brother. Furthermore, John's direct declaration, "he is a **liar**," functions as a severe and uncompromising **Pronouncement** or **Condemnation**. While not strictly hyperbole, it is a strong, definitive statement that leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the spiritual state of such a person, underscoring the gravity of the spiritual hypocrisy being addressed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of 1 John 4:20 lies in its insistence that genuine love for God is not an ethereal, disembodied sentiment, but a practical, embodied reality that finds its primary expression in how we relate to others. This verse grounds the abstract concept of divine love in the concrete realities of human relationships, particularly within the community of faith. It teaches that our vertical relationship with God is inextricably linked to our horizontal relationships with our fellow human beings. To claim to love God while harboring hatred or indifference towards a brother is to fundamentally misunderstand the nature of God, who is love, and the very essence of the Christian faith. It reveals a disconnect between belief and behavior, indicating a spiritual state that is not truly transformed by divine love. This principle is foundational to Christian ethics and discipleship, asserting that the evidence of God's love residing in us is seen in our love for others.

* [1 John 4:7](/1_john/4-7 "1 John 4:7 - Love Is from God")
* [Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandments")
* [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 4:20 serves as a profound and inescapable challenge for self-examination for every believer. It compels us to honestly assess whether our actions and attitudes towards others truly align with our profession of faith in God. This verse demands more than mere theological assent; it calls for a lived theology where the love we claim to have for God is tangibly expressed in compassion, forgiveness, and active benevolence towards those around us, especially within the Christian community. If "hatred"—whether active hostility, bitter resentment, or profound indifference—exists in our hearts towards a brother or sister, this verse calls for urgent repentance and a diligent pursuit of reconciliation, reflecting the very nature of God's love that we profess to embrace. It reminds us that our spiritual health and the authenticity of our devotion are not measured solely by private piety, but by the quality of our relationships and our willingness to embody God's love in the visible world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do my actions and attitudes towards others, particularly those I find challenging, reflect or contradict my claim to love God?**
* **Are there any individuals in my life towards whom I harbor resentment, bitterness, or indifference, and what steps can I take to seek reconciliation or cultivate genuine love as a demonstration of my love for God?**
* **How might my community of faith be strengthened if every member truly lived out the interconnectedness of loving God and loving one another, as described in this verse?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally demonstrate Christ-like love to someone I "see" (i.e., interact with regularly), thereby affirming my love for the God I cannot see?**

### FAQ
**Why does John use such strong language, calling someone who claims to love God but hates their brother a "liar"?**

Answer: John's use of the term "liar" (G5583, _pseústēs'_) is not merely an insult but a profound theological indictment. In John's writings, a "liar" is someone who denies fundamental truth, particularly about God or Christ (e.g., [1 John 2:22](/1_john/2-22 "1 John 2:22 - Who is the Liar?")). Here, the lie is not just a verbal falsehood but a contradiction of one's very being and professed relationship with God. If "God is love" ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")) and His love has been poured into believers, then to hate a brother is to fundamentally misrepresent God's nature and to deny the transforming power of His love in one's own life. It signifies a profound spiritual dishonesty, revealing that the person's claim to love God is empty because the very essence of God's character (love) is absent in their visible relationships. John uses such strong language to underscore the absolute incompatibility of these two states and to emphasize the vital importance of practical love as the undeniable evidence of true faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 4:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly loved God the Father and perfectly loved His "brother" (humanity). Jesus did not merely profess love for God; His entire life was an act of obedience and devotion to the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross ([John 14:31](/john/14-31 "John 14:31 - Jesus' Love for the Father")). Simultaneously, Jesus demonstrated unparalleled love for humanity, His brothers and sisters, even those who hated Him. He loved the visible, the tangible, the broken, the outcast, and the sinner, laying down His life for them ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")).

His command, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment")), directly connects love for God with love for neighbor, making His own self-sacrificial love the standard. Jesus' life is the living answer to the rhetorical question in [1 John 4:20](/1_john/4-20 "1 John 4:20 - Love for God and Neighbor"): He loved the unseen Father by perfectly loving the seen humanity. His ministry was characterized by compassion for the sick, fellowship with the marginalized, and forgiveness for His enemies. The very act of the incarnation—God becoming visible in human flesh—was the ultimate demonstration of love for the unseen God made manifest through love for humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Therefore, for the believer, to truly love God is to be conformed to the image of Christ, whose life perfectly harmonized vertical devotion with horizontal compassion, making genuine love for one's visible brother the undeniable fruit of an authentic relationship with the unseen 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 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1 John 2:9

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

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.

1 John 2:4

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 2:11

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

1 Peter 1:8

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1 John 1:6

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: