King James Version
What Does 1 John 3:15 Mean?
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
Context
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.
16
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**14. what--**literally, "of what nature" is your life? that is, how evanescent it is.
**It is even--**Some oldest authorities read, "For ye are." Bengel, with other old authorities, reads, "For it shall be," the future referring to the "morrow" (Jas 4:13-15). The former expresses, "Ye yourselves are transitory"; so everything of yours, even your life, must partake of the same transitoriness. Received text has no old authority.
**and then vanisheth away--**"afterwards vanishing as it came"; literally, "afterwards (as it appeared), so vanishing" [Alford].
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 3:15 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 3:15
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge