1 John 4:21

KJV

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} this {G5026} commandment {G1785} have we {G2192} from {G575} him {G846}, That {G2443} he who loveth {G25} God {G2316} love {G25} his {G846} brother {G80} also {G2532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, this is the command we have from him: whoever loves God must love his brother too.

Berean Standard Bible

And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.

American Standard Version

And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse serves as the capstone of John's discourse on divine love, articulating a non-negotiable truth: the love for God is inextricably linked to and evidenced by the love for one's fellow believer. This verse presents a direct commandment, flowing from the very character of God as love, asserting that genuine faith manifests not only in vertical devotion but also in horizontal compassion and practical care within the community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a profound and sustained argument throughout [1 John 4](/1_john/4 "1 John 4 - God Is Love"), where John meticulously builds the case for love as the supreme identifier of true Christianity. Having established that "God is love" ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")) and that His love was supremely demonstrated in the atoning sacrifice of His Son ([1 John 4:9-10](/1_john/4-9-10 "1 John 4:9-10 - God's Love Manifested")), John argues that those who have received this divine love must necessarily manifest it towards others. The immediate preceding verse, [1 John 4:20](/1_john/4-20 "1 John 4:20 - Loving the Unseen God vs. Seen Brother"), presents a stark rhetorical question, challenging the hypocrisy of claiming to love an invisible God while hating a visible brother. [1 John 4:21](/1_john/4-21 "1 John 4:21 - The Commandment to Love Brother") then provides the definitive, positive commandment that resolves this tension, making the love for one's brother a direct and inescapable consequence of loving God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was likely written towards the end of the first century, addressing Christian communities facing internal divisions and external pressures, particularly from proto-Gnostic teachings that denied the true humanity of Christ and often led to a devaluation of ethical conduct. In this environment, a purely intellectual or mystical understanding of faith, detached from practical love, was a significant danger. John emphasizes that genuine spiritual life is not merely about correct doctrine (though that is vital) but also about demonstrable love, which serves as a counter-witness to the divisive tendencies of false teachers. The concept of "brother" (ἀδελφός) in this context primarily refers to fellow members of the Christian community, highlighting the importance of unity and mutual care within the nascent church, a radical concept in a Roman world often characterized by social stratification and self-interest.

* **Key Themes:** [1 John 4:21](/1_john/4-21 "1 John 4:21 - The Commandment to Love Brother") powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout [1 John](/1_john/1 "The First Epistle of John"). Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Imperative of Love**, asserting that loving one another is not an optional suggestion but a direct mandate from God Himself, flowing from His very nature. This echoes Jesus' "new commandment" in [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment"). Secondly, it highlights the **Inseparable Nature of Love for God and Love for Neighbor**. John consistently argues that these two dimensions of love are intrinsically linked; one cannot genuinely possess the former without demonstrating the latter. This mirrors the summary of the Law and Prophets given by Jesus in [Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandments"). Finally, the verse emphasizes **Love as the Evidence of True Faith and Relationship with God**. The presence of active, sacrificial love for others becomes the tangible, observable proof of an internal transformation wrought by God's indwelling love, serving as a vital counterpoint to those who might claim spiritual knowledge without ethical fruit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commandment (Greek, _entolḗ_):** This word, derived from a verb meaning "to enjoin" or "to charge," signifies an authoritative prescription or injunction. It is not a mere suggestion or a piece of advice, but a divine mandate. In the context of [1 John](/1_john/1 "The First Epistle of John"), "commandment" often refers to the core ethical demands of the Christian life, particularly the command to love, which sums up all other moral obligations. This specific "commandment" is presented as a direct, non-negotiable directive from God.
* **Loveth/Love (Greek, _agapáō_):** This verb describes _agape_ love, which is distinct from other forms of love (like _phileo_ for affection or _eros_ for passionate desire). _Agape_ is a volitional, self-sacrificial, and benevolent love that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of their worthiness or the recipient's response. It is the very nature of God ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")) and the defining characteristic of His children. The repetition of this verb emphasizes its centrality and the active nature of this love.
* **Brother (Greek, _adelphós_):** Literally meaning "from the same womb," this term primarily refers to fellow members of the Christian community, emphasizing their shared spiritual birth and familial bond in Christ. While the principles of Christian love extend to all humanity, John's immediate focus is on the unity and mutual care within the body of believers. This term highlights the intimate and personal nature of the love commanded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this commandment have we from him":** This clause firmly establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the instruction. The "him" refers to God, from whom all true commandments flow, particularly the command to love, as God Himself is the ultimate source and embodiment of love. The phrase "have we" underscores that this is not a new or optional teaching, but a fundamental truth received by believers.
* **"That he who loveth God":** This introduces the first part of the inseparable couplet. John asserts that genuine love for God is the prerequisite and foundation for the subsequent action. It is a love that acknowledges God's character, His saving work, and His supreme worthiness of devotion. This love is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, heartfelt affection and commitment.
* **"love his brother also":** This is the direct, imperative consequence and tangible expression of the love for God. The "also" (καί) emphasizes the intrinsic link, indicating that these two loves are not separate options but two sides of the same coin. If one truly loves God, that love will inevitably overflow into active, benevolent love for fellow believers, making it the visible proof of an invisible devotion.

#### Literary Devices
[1 John 4:21](/1_john/4-21 "1 John 4:21 - The Commandment to Love Brother") employs a **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of John's epistle, directly instructing the reader on a fundamental truth of Christian living. The verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, bringing to a definitive close John's extended argument in [1 John 4](/1_john/4 "1 John 4 - God Is Love") regarding the nature and necessity of love. It utilizes **Juxtaposition** by implicitly contrasting the love for the invisible God with the love for the visible brother, a theme explicitly stated in the preceding verse ([1 John 4:20](/1_john/4-20 "1 John 4:20 - Loving the Unseen God vs. Seen Brother")). The structure of the verse itself presents a clear **Conditional Imperative** (implied: "If one loves God, then he must love his brother"), though stated as a direct command, emphasizing the non-negotiable link between the two. The repetition of the concept of "love" (ἀγαπάω) serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the singular importance of this virtue in the Christian life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This commandment from God reveals the holistic nature of true faith: it is never solely vertical (God-ward) but always extends horizontally (man-ward). The love for God, which is a response to His prior love for us ([1 John 4:19](/1_john/4-19 "1 John 4:19 - We Love Because He First Loved Us")), inherently transforms our relationships with others. It's a theological truth that God's character of _agape_ love, once received, compels and enables believers to reflect that same self-giving love to their spiritual family. To claim devotion to the invisible God while neglecting or despising the visible image-bearer of God, especially a fellow believer, is a contradiction in terms, demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding or absence of genuine divine love.

* [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 - The New Commandment")
* [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 4:21](/1_john/4-21 "1 John 4:21 - The Commandment to Love Brother") stands as a profound challenge and a guiding light for every believer. It calls us beyond mere theological assent to a vibrant, active demonstration of God's love in our daily lives. This means cultivating a heart that seeks the well-being of others, particularly those within the family of faith. It compels us to move past superficial interactions to genuine empathy, forgiveness, patience, and sacrificial service. In a world often characterized by division, self-interest, and animosity, the church is called to be a counter-cultural community where love for God is tangibly expressed through love for one another, becoming a powerful witness to the transforming power of the Gospel. Our love for God is not truly tested or proven in isolation, but in the crucible of our relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily interaction with fellow believers reflect my professed love for God?**
* **Are there specific relationships where my love for God is being hindered by a lack of love for my brother or sister?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate _agape_ love to someone in my spiritual community?**

### FAQ
**Why does John emphasize loving our "brother" so strongly, rather than just loving God?**

Answer: John emphasizes loving our "brother" (fellow believer) so strongly because it serves as the tangible, verifiable evidence of our invisible love for God. As [1 John 4:20](/1_john/4-20 "1 John 4:20 - Loving the Unseen God vs. Seen Brother") powerfully states, "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?" Our ability to love God is demonstrated by our obedience to His command to love those we can see and interact with. It's the practical outworking of our faith and the primary way the world recognizes true discipleship, as Jesus taught in [John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - By This All Will Know").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 4:21](/1_john/4-21 "1 John 4:21 - The Commandment to Love Brother") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not only the source of this commandment but also its perfect embodiment. Christ Himself is the ultimate demonstration of God's love, having loved us "while we were yet sinners" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners")) and laying down His life for us ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One")). His entire ministry was characterized by selfless love for humanity, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and ultimately offering Himself as the propitiation for our sins. The "commandment" that believers "have from him" is not an arbitrary rule, but a call to participate in the very nature of God, revealed and empowered by Christ. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who pours God's love into our hearts ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "God's Love Poured Out")), believers are enabled to love as Christ loved, making the love for one another the undeniable mark of those who follow the Lamb of God. Thus, this verse is a call to Christ-likeness, reflecting His love to the world through our relationships.

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

Matthew 22:37

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Matthew 22:39

And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.

1 John 3:11

¶ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1 Thessalonians 4:9

¶ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35

By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.