1 John 5:3

KJV

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this {G3778} is {G2076} the love {G26} of God {G2316}, that {G2443} we keep {G5083} his {G846} commandments {G1785}: and {G2532} his {G846} commandments {G1785} are {G1526} not {G3756} grievous {G926}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For loving God means obeying his commands. Moreover, his commands are not burdensome,

Berean Standard Bible

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,

American Standard Version

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:3 encapsulates a foundational truth of Christian discipleship, articulating that genuine love for God is intrinsically demonstrated through obedience to His divine injunctions. Far from being burdensome, the Apostle John asserts that God's commandments are not grievous, implying that for those indwelt by the Spirit and born of God, living in accordance with His will is a joyful and liberating expression of a heart transformed by His grace. This verse serves as a crucial theological anchor, connecting the internal reality of love with the external manifestation of righteous living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within John's broader theological argument in his first epistle, particularly following his profound statements on the nature of God as love ([1_john/4-8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")) and the command to love one another ([1_john/4-7](/1_john/4-7 "1 John 4:7 - Love One Another")). Chapter 5 opens with the declaration that "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him" ([1_john/5-1](/1_john/5-1 "1 John 5:1 - Born of God Through Faith")). Thus, 1 John 5:3 naturally flows from the premise that those who are truly born of God will manifest this new life through love for both God and fellow believers, with obedience serving as the undeniable evidence and expression of that love. It solidifies the practical outworking of the spiritual rebirth John has been emphasizing.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was likely written towards the end of the first century, addressing a community facing emergent Gnostic tendencies that sought to separate spiritual knowledge (gnosis) from ethical conduct. These false teachers often devalued the physical world and, by extension, the importance of moral behavior, claiming a superior spiritual insight that transcended the need for adherence to divine commands. In this milieu, John's insistence that love for God is evidenced by keeping His commandments directly counters such antinomian perspectives. Furthermore, the concept of "commandments" would resonate with both Jewish converts, familiar with the Torah as God's divine instruction, and Gentile believers, who were learning the ethical demands of their new faith in Christ. John clarifies that Christian obedience is not a legalistic burden but a joyful response rooted in a transformed relationship.

* **Key Themes:** First John 5:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. It reinforces the **interconnectedness of love, faith, and obedience**, portraying them not as separate virtues but as inseparable facets of genuine Christian life. John consistently argues that true faith in Christ results in a life characterized by love for God and others, and that this love is concretely expressed through obedience. This echoes Jesus' own teaching in [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments"), "If ye love me, keep my commandments." The verse also highlights the **nature of God's commands**, presenting them not as oppressive rules but as liberating guidelines that flow from God's loving character and are designed for the believer's good. This contrasts sharply with a legalistic understanding of law and aligns with the liberating truth found in [Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke and Light Burden"), where Jesus declares, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _agápē'_):** From G26, this term signifies a selfless, unconditional, and benevolent affection. In 1 John 5:3, "the love of God" refers to the love that believers have *for* God, which is a responsive love, cultivated in response to God's prior and perfect love for humanity. It is not merely an emotion but an active, volitional commitment that expresses itself through action.
* **commandments (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** From G1785, this refers to divine injunctions or authoritative prescriptions. In the context of the New Testament, these are not merely the Mosaic Law but encompass the ethical and moral teachings of Christ and the apostles, reflecting God's revealed will for righteous living. They are the expressions of God's character and His desire for humanity's flourishing.
* **grievous (Greek, _barýs'_):** From G926, meaning "weighty," "burdensome," or "oppressive." John's assertion that God's commandments are "not grievous" directly counters the notion that adherence to God's will is a heavy, difficult, or crushing obligation. Instead, for those who truly love God, obedience is experienced as light, easy, and desirable, enabled by the indwelling Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this is the love of God":** The particle "For" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statements, particularly the interconnectedness of loving God and loving fellow believers (1 John 5:1-2). "This" (G3778, _hoûtos_) points forward to the subsequent clause, defining what constitutes genuine love for God. The phrase "the love of God" here refers to the love that believers direct *towards* God, rather than God's love *for* us, though the latter is the foundation and motivation for the former. It is the practical, demonstrable aspect of our devotion.
* **"that we keep his commandments":** This clause clarifies the nature and expression of our love for God. The Greek conjunction "that" (G2443, _hína_) indicates purpose or result, suggesting that keeping God's commandments is the very purpose or outcome of true love for Him. "Keep" (G5083, _tēréō_) implies not merely intellectual assent or occasional adherence, but a consistent, watchful, and intentional guarding or observing of God's precepts. This active obedience is the tangible evidence of our love.
* **"and his commandments are not grievous":** The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) introduces a crucial qualification or reassurance. John directly addresses a potential misconception that God's demands are oppressive or difficult to bear. The term "grievous" (G926, _barýs_) signifies something heavy or burdensome. John's assertion is that for those who are born of God and whose love for Him is genuine, His commandments are not a heavy yoke but a path of freedom and joy, made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit and a heart transformed by grace.

#### Literary Devices
John employs **Definition** and **Affirmation** within this verse to convey his theological point. He defines the concrete manifestation of "the love of God" not as an abstract sentiment, but as the active keeping of His commandments. This clear, concise definition provides a practical measure of spiritual authenticity. Following this, he uses **Affirmation** to reassure his readers, declaring with certainty that "his commandments are not grievous." This affirmation serves to counter any prevailing notion that God's will is oppressive, thereby encouraging joyful obedience rather than reluctant compliance. The structure of the verse itself, moving from definition to reassuring affirmation, creates a powerful and encouraging statement about the nature of Christian living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 5:3 profoundly intertwines the concepts of love, obedience, and the nature of God's law. It establishes that genuine love for God is not merely an emotional state but an active, obedient response to His character and will. This obedience, however, is not a legalistic burden but a joyful expression of a transformed heart, enabled by God's grace and the indwelling Holy Spirit. It highlights that God's commands are given for our good, leading to life and flourishing, rather than restriction. This perspective elevates obedience from a duty to a delight, revealing the liberating power of God's truth when embraced in love.

* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")
* [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")
* [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 5:3 offers a profound lens through which believers can examine the authenticity and motivation of their faith. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of love for God, urging us to consider whether our daily choices and actions genuinely reflect a desire to honor and obey Him. If our obedience feels like a heavy burden, this verse invites us to reassess our heart's posture: Is our obedience rooted in a deep, abiding love for God, or is it driven by fear, obligation, or a pursuit of self-righteousness? When love is the wellspring, keeping God's commandments transforms from a chore into a joy, a natural outflow of our relationship with Him. This perspective encourages us to embrace God's commands not as restrictive rules, but as loving guidance from a Father who desires our ultimate good and flourishing. It calls us to cultivate a heart so captivated by God's love that obedience becomes our delight and privilege.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the primary motivation for my obedience to God's commands? Is it love, fear, duty, or something else?**
* **Do I perceive God's commandments as burdensome or as liberating expressions of His love for me? Why?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper love for God that makes obedience a natural and joyful response rather than a struggle?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be resisting God's commands, and how might a renewed focus on His love transform my perspective?**

### FAQ

**What does "the love of God" mean in this verse? Is it God's love for us, or our love for God?**

Answer: While the phrase "the love of God" can refer to God's love for humanity (as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), in the context of 1 John 5:3, it primarily refers to our love *for* God. John states that "this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments." The "this" points forward, defining what our love for God looks like in practice. Our love for God is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through our active obedience to His will. This responsive love is, of course, a direct result of God's prior and initiating love for us, which transforms our hearts and empowers us to love Him in return.

**Why does John say God's commandments are "not grievous"? Aren't some of them difficult to keep?**

Answer: John's assertion that God's commandments are "not grievous" (meaning not heavy, burdensome, or oppressive) is a key theological point. He is not denying that obedience can require discipline or self-denial. Rather, he is emphasizing that for those who are "born of God" ([1_john/5-1](/1_john/5-1 "1 John 5:1 - Born of God")), and whose hearts are filled with genuine love for Him, the commands are no longer seen as an external, legalistic burden. Instead, they become a natural and even joyful expression of their new nature. This is because believers receive the Holy Spirit, who enables them to desire and perform God's will ([philippians/2-13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You")). Furthermore, God's commands are always for our ultimate good and flourishing, leading to true freedom and life ([psalms/119-45](/psalms/119-45 "Psalm 119:45 - Walking in Liberty")). Jesus Himself taught that His "yoke is easy, and [His] burden is light" ([matthew/11-30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 5:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of love expressed through obedience, declaring, "I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love" ([john/15-10](/john/15-10 "John 15:10 - Jesus Kept His Father's Commands")). Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it ([matthew/5-17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), demonstrating that God's commands are not grievous but lead to life when lived out in perfect love and dependence on God. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ frees us from the condemnation of the law, and through His resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to obey. The Spirit indwells believers, writing God's law on their hearts ([jeremiah/31-33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), enabling them to walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit, thereby fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law ([romans/8-3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us by the Spirit")). Thus, for the Christian, keeping God's commandments is not a burdensome legalistic endeavor, but a joyful, Spirit-empowered response of love to the One who first loved us and perfectly exemplified obedient love.

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

John 14:15

¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 15:10

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:24

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

2 John 1:6

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

1 John 2:3

¶ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.