King James Version

What Does 1 John 3:11 Mean?

1 John 3:11 in the King James Version says “For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. message: or, commandment” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. message: or, commandment”

1 John 3:11 · KJV

Love

Context

9

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

10

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

11

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

12

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

13

Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

Read 1 John 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. John appeals to apostolic teaching as the foundation for brotherly love. "The message that ye heard from the beginning" (hē aggelia hēn ēkousate ap' archēs) refers to the gospel and Jesus's foundational commands delivered from Christianity's inception. "From the beginning" echoes 1:1 and 2:7—this isn't novel teaching but original apostolic doctrine.

"That we should love one another" (hina agapōmen allēlous) uses agapaō, the self-sacrificial love demonstrated supremely in Christ. This isn't sentimental affection but costly commitment to others' good. The present subjunctive indicates continuous action—ongoing, habitual love. "One another" (allēlous) is reciprocal—mutual love within the Christian community.

This command wasn't peripheral but central to Christian identity. Jesus called it His new commandment (John 13:34-35) and the mark by which the world would recognize His disciples. Paul echoed this (Romans 13:8-10, Galatians 5:14). Love fulfills the law and evidences the Spirit's work. John's insistence that this message was heard "from the beginning" counters false teachers who promoted novel doctrines divorced from apostolic teaching and who separated theology from ethics, knowledge from love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus gave the "new commandment" to love one another on the night before His crucifixion (John 13:34). Though loving neighbors was commanded in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18), Jesus's command was new in its foundation ("as I have loved you"), its community (the church), and its standard (Christ's sacrificial death). The apostles consistently taught this from Christianity's earliest days.

First-century Greco-Roman culture valued honor, status, and patron-client relationships. Christian agape love was revolutionary—loving equals, not seeking advantage, sacrificing for others' good without expecting return. This radical ethic distinguished Christians from surrounding culture and authenticated their message. When Gnostic teachers promoted esoteric knowledge over practical love, John recalled believers to foundational apostolic teaching.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing love for other Christians as a command 'from the beginning' (not optional extra) change your priorities?
  2. What's the difference between sentimental feelings and the biblical love (agape) commanded here?
  3. How can you tell whether you're loving fellow believers according to this command or merely maintaining superficial friendliness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὃτι1 of 12

“For”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

αὕτη2 of 12

“this”

G3778

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

ἐστὶν3 of 12

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ4 of 12
G3588

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

ἀγγελία5 of 12

“the message”

G31

an announcement, i.e., (by implication) precept

ἣν6 of 12

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἠκούσατε7 of 12

“ye heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἀπ'8 of 12

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἀρχῆς9 of 12

“the beginning”

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

ἵνα10 of 12

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀγαπῶμεν11 of 12

“we should love”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἀλλήλους12 of 12

“one another”

G240

one another

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

1 John 3:11 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 John 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:122 John 1:51 John 4:71 John 4:21John 13:34-351 Peter 3:8

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 John 3 with CommentaryAll 1 John ChaptersComplete 1 John QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes