1 John 4:9

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

In {G1722} this {G5129} was manifested {G5319} the love {G26} of God {G2316} toward {G1722} us {G2254}, because {G3754} that God {G2316} sent {G649} his {G846} only begotten {G3439} Son {G5207} into {G1519} the world {G2889}, that {G2443} we might live {G2198} through {G1223} him {G846}.

Here is how God showed his love among us: God sent his only Son into the world, so that through him we might have life.

This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.

Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.

Commentary on 1 John 4:9 (KJV)

This verse is a powerful declaration of how God's love is made visible and tangible. It follows John's exhortation for believers to love one another, grounding that command in the ultimate example of God's own love for humanity.

Historical and Cultural Context

The letter of 1 John was written to a community of believers likely facing false teachings, possibly Gnostic ideas, which might have denied the true humanity of Jesus or minimized the importance of love and righteous living. John emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated by love for God and fellow believers, rooted in the reality of Jesus Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Manifestation of God's Love: God's love isn't theoretical; it was *manifested*, or clearly shown, in a specific, historical event.
  • The Sending of the Son: The ultimate proof and expression of God's love is His act of sending His "only begotten Son" into the world. This highlights the immense sacrifice and the unique relationship of Jesus to the Father.
  • Life Through Him: The purpose of Christ's coming was to provide a way for humanity to "live through him." This refers primarily to spiritual life, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life, which is received by faith in Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "only begotten" translates the Greek word monogenēs. While it can mean "only son" or "unique," it emphasizes the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father, distinct from any other being. God didn't send merely a prophet or an angel, but His one-of-a-kind Son.

Cross-references

This verse echoes the famous John 3:16, which also connects God's love, the sending of His Son, and the promise of life (eternal life) through belief in Him.

Practical Application

Understanding how God demonstrated His love should motivate believers. It provides the foundation and power for us to love God in return and to love others, not just in word, but in deed and in truth, reflecting the love we have received. Our spiritual life is entirely dependent on God's gracious act through Christ.

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.

  • John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

  • 1 John 5:11

    And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

  • Romans 8:32

    He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

  • John 6:57

    As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

  • 1 John 4:10

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

  • John 11:25

    Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

  • John 11:26

    And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
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