King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 8:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 8:3 in the King James Version says “But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.”

1 Corinthians 8:3 · KJV

Love

Context

1

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3

But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if any man love God, the same is known of him (ἔγνωσται ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, egnostai hyp' autou, "has been known by Him")—Paul reverses the equation: what matters isn't our knowledge of God, but God's knowledge of us. The perfect tense egnostai indicates completed action with ongoing results—God's electing knowledge establishes and sustains the believer.

This echoes Galatians 4:9 ("to be known by God") and anticipates 1 Corinthians 13:12 ("then shall I know even as also I am known"). Biblical "knowing" (ginosko in Greek, yada in Hebrew) signifies intimate, covenant relationship—God's choosing love precedes and enables our response. The one who loves God proves thereby that God first loved and chose him (1 John 4:19). Love, not intellectual achievement, marks true knowledge of God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology emphasized God's election and covenant knowledge—God "knew" Abraham (Genesis 18:19), Israel (Amos 3:2), and Jeremiah before birth (Jeremiah 1:5). This covenantal knowing meant choosing, protecting, and claiming as His own. Paul corrects Greek philosophical notions of knowledge as intellectual attainment by anchoring it in divine initiative and relationship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does shifting focus from "I know God" to "God knows me" change your spiritual security and humility?
  2. What evidence in your life demonstrates that you love God—not just know about Him?
  3. How does God's electing knowledge (choosing you first) fuel love for Him and others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
εἰ1 of 10
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δέ2 of 10

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 10
G5100

some or any person or object

ἀγαπᾷ4 of 10

“love”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν5 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεόν6 of 10

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὗτος7 of 10

“the same”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἔγνωσται8 of 10

“is known”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὑπ'9 of 10

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

αὐτοῦ10 of 10

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 8:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 8:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 3:8-9Exodus 33:17Nahum 1:72 Timothy 2:191 Corinthians 2:9Galatians 4:9

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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