King James Version

What Does 1 John 3:17 Mean?

1 John 3:17 in the King James Version says “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, ho... — study this verse from 1 John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

1 John 3:17 · KJV


Context

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?

18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

19

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. assure: Gr. persuade


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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? John provides a practical test of love's genuineness. "Whoso hath this world's good" (hos d' an echē ton bion tou kosmou)—bios (βίος) means life resources, material possessions necessary for living. This addresses those with means, not destitute believers unable to help others.

"And seeth his brother have need" (kai theōrē ton adelphon autou chreian echonta)—the present tense indicates awareness of ongoing need. "And shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him" (kai kleisē ta splagchna autou ap' autou)—splagchna (σπλάγχνα) literally means intestines or internal organs, metaphorically the seat of emotions and compassion. To shut one's bowels is to close one's heart, refusing to feel or act on compassion.

"How dwelleth the love of God in him?" (pōs hē agapē tou theou menei en autō)—the rhetorical question expects the answer "It doesn't." The phrase "love of God" could mean either love for God or God's love dwelling in the person; likely both are implied. One who refuses to help needy brothers demonstrates that neither love for God nor God's love abides within. This echoes James 2:15-16—faith without works is dead. Genuine love produces tangible actions, especially meeting fellow believers' physical needs.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church practiced radical generosity. Acts describes believers selling possessions to meet others' needs (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37). Paul organized collections from Gentile churches for impoverished Jerusalem believers (Romans 15:26, 2 Corinthians 8-9). This economic sharing demonstrated love's reality and the church's unity across ethnic and geographic boundaries.

The Greco-Roman world had patron-client relationships involving reciprocal obligations, but Christian charity was different—giving without expectation of return, motivated by God's grace, meeting needs regardless of recipients' status. This practical love authenticated the gospel and attracted converts. John's teaching here reflects this early Christian ethic—faith, love, and generosity are inseparable.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific needs of fellow believers are you currently aware of, and how are you responding with tangible help?
  2. How can you tell the difference between wise stewardship and shutting up your compassion toward needy brothers?
  3. If the genuineness of God's love in you is evidenced by practical generosity, what does your current giving pattern reveal?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ὃς1 of 30

whoso

G3739

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

δ'2 of 30

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν3 of 30
G302

whatsoever

ἔχοντα4 of 30

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὸν5 of 30
G3588

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

βίον6 of 30

good

G979

life, i.e., (literally) the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood

τοῦ7 of 30
G3588

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

κόσμου8 of 30

this world's

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

καὶ9 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θεωρῇ10 of 30

seeth

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

τὸν11 of 30
G3588

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

ἀδελφὸν12 of 30

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτῷ13 of 30

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

χρείαν14 of 30

need

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχοντα15 of 30

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ16 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κλείσῃ17 of 30

shutteth up

G2808

to close (literally or figuratively)

τὰ18 of 30
G3588

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

σπλάγχνα19 of 30

bowels

G4698

an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy

αὐτῷ20 of 30

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

ἀπ'21 of 30

of compassion from

G575

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

αὐτῷ22 of 30

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

πῶς23 of 30

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

24 of 30
G3588

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

ἀγάπη25 of 30

the love

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

τοῦ26 of 30
G3588

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

Θεοῦ27 of 30

of God

G2316

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

μένει28 of 30

dwelleth

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἐν29 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ30 of 30

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 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 John 3:17 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 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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