King James Version
What Does 1 John 3:13 Mean?
“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.”
Context
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.
14
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
15
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**12. There is one lawgiver--**The best authorities read in addition, "and judge." Translate, "There is One (alone) who is (at once) Lawgiver and Judge, (namely) He who is able to save and destroy." Implying, God alone is Lawgiver and therefore Judge, since it is He alone who can execute His judgments; our inability in this respect shows our presumption in trying to act as judges, as though we were God.
**who art thou, &c.--**The order in the Greek is emphatic, "But (inserted in oldest manuscripts) thou, who art thou that judgest another?" How rashly arrogant in judging thy fellows, and wresting from God the office which belongs to Him over thee and THEM alike!
**another--**The oldest authorities read, "thy neighbor."
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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 3:13 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 3:13
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge