King James Version

What Does 1 John 4:17 Mean?

1 John 4:17 in the King James Version says “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this w...” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. our love: Gr. love with us”

1 John 4:17 · KJV

Love

Context

15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

16

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. our love: Gr. love with us

18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19

We love him, because he first loved us.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. John connects perfected love with confident anticipation of judgment. "Herein is our love made perfect" (en toutō teteleiōtai hē agapē meth' hēmōn)—love reaches its goal or completion "with us" (variant readings have "in us" or "among us"). The perfect tense indicates completed action with continuing state. God's love achieves its purpose in believers when it produces confident assurance.

"That we may have boldness in the day of judgment" (hina parrēsian echōmen en tē hēmera tēs kriseōs). Parrēsia means confidence, boldness, or freedom of speech—the opposite of cowering fear. "The day of judgment" refers to Christ's return and final judgment when all accounts are settled. Believers can face this day with confidence, not terror, because of Christ's work and love's perfecting in them.

"Because as he is, so are we in this world" (hoti kathōs ekeinos estin kai hēmeis esmen en tō kosmō toutō). The comparison is startling—as Christ is (in His glorified, accepted state before the Father), so are we even now in this world. This refers to our legal standing (justified, accepted in Christ) and our identity (God's beloved children, sharing Christ's status). We are not yet what we shall be (3:2), but our position before God is secure because we're in Christ. This certainty produces boldness regarding judgment—we face it not in our own righteousness but in Christ's.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The "day of judgment" was central to Jewish and Christian eschatology. Old Testament prophets warned of the Day of the Lord when God would judge the nations and vindicate His people. Jesus taught extensively about final judgment (Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:28-29). This wasn't abstract theology but practical warning and comfort—warning to unbelievers to flee coming wrath, comfort to believers that they will be vindicated.

The Reformation recovery of justification by faith alone made sense of John's statement. If we're justified by works, judgment day brings terror—who has done enough? But if we're justified by faith in Christ, judgment brings vindication—Christ's righteousness covers us. Our status before God matches Christ's status ("as he is, so are we") because we're united to Him. This produces the boldness John describes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your current status before God (as Christ is, so are you) affect your anticipation of judgment day?
  2. What's the relationship between love being perfected in you and having boldness in judgment—why does one produce the other?
  3. Do you currently face the prospect of Christ's return and final judgment with boldness or fear, and why?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἐν1 of 26

“Herein”

G1722

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

τούτῳ2 of 26

“this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

τετελείωται3 of 26

“made perfect”

G5048

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)

ἡ4 of 26
G3588

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

ἀγάπη5 of 26

“love”

G26

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

μεθ'6 of 26

“is our”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἡμῶν7 of 26
G2257

of (or from) us

ἵνα8 of 26

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

παῤῥησίαν9 of 26

“boldness”

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

ἔχωμεν10 of 26

“we may have”

G2192

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

ἐν11 of 26

“Herein”

G1722

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

τῇ12 of 26
G3588

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

ἡμέρᾳ13 of 26

“the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τῆς14 of 26
G3588

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

κρίσεως15 of 26

“of judgment”

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

ὅτι16 of 26

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καθὼς17 of 26

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἐκεῖνός18 of 26

“he”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἐστιν19 of 26

“is”

G2076

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

καὶ20 of 26

“so”

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς21 of 26

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἐσμεν22 of 26

“are”

G2070

we are

ἐν23 of 26

“Herein”

G1722

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

τῷ24 of 26
G3588

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

κόσμῳ25 of 26

“world”

G2889

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

τούτῳ26 of 26

“this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:281 John 4:121 John 2:5Romans 8:291 John 3:3John 15:20

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1 John 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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