King James Version

What Does 1 John 4:21 Mean?

1 John 4:21 in the King James Version says “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

1 John 4:21 · KJV

Love

Context

19

We love him, because he first loved us.

20

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Read 1 John 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. John concludes the chapter by affirming that loving God and loving brothers are inseparably commanded together. "And this commandment have we from him" (kai tautēn tēn entolēn echomen ap' autou)—this command comes from God Himself (likely referring to Christ's teaching recorded in the gospels). It's not human invention or optional suggestion but divine commandment requiring obedience.

"That he who loveth God love his brother also" (hina ho agapōn ton theon agapā kai ton adelphon autou). The present tenses indicate habitual action—the one who characteristically loves God also characteristically loves his brother. The "also" (kai) emphasizes the inseparability—both loves must coexist. We cannot truly do one without the other. Love for God and love for fellow believers are two sides of the same coin, inseparably linked.

This commandment summarizes the chapter's teaching and Jesus's own instruction (John 13:34-35, 15:12, 17). The greatest commandments are loving God and loving neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40); John applies this specifically to loving fellow believers. This isn't suggesting we don't love unbelievers (Jesus commanded loving enemies, Matthew 5:44), but that love for Christian brothers specifically evidences genuine love for God. The family of God should be characterized by mutual love reflecting the God who is love. When Christians fulfill this command, they authenticate the gospel and glorify God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's "new commandment" to love one another (John 13:34) was new not in content (Leviticus 19:18 commanded loving neighbors) but in foundation ("as I have loved you"), standard (Christ's sacrificial love), and community (the church). The apostles consistently taught this (Romans 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Peter 1:22). Mutual love within the Christian community was Christianity's distinguishing mark in the ancient world.

This command challenged both Jewish exclusivism (loving only fellow Jews) and Greco-Roman class distinctions (preferring social equals). Christianity united Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, rich and poor in one family commanded to love one another. This radical social leveling based on shared identity in Christ was revolutionary. John's reiteration of this command addressed communities where social divisions threatened Christian unity and love. The command remains perpetually relevant wherever Christians fail to love fellow believers across racial, economic, or cultural lines.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inseparability of loving God and loving fellow believers challenge your current priorities and relationships?
  2. What specific actions toward fellow believers would demonstrate that you're obeying this command to love your brother?
  3. If this is God's explicit command (not optional suggestion), what areas of disobedience regarding love for fellow Christians must you repent of?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ταύτην2 of 17
G3778

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

τὴν3 of 17
G3588

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

ἐντολὴν4 of 17

“commandment”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

ἔχομεν5 of 17

“have we”

G2192

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

ἀπ'6 of 17

“from”

G575

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

αὐτοῦ7 of 17

“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

ἵνα8 of 17

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὁ9 of 17
G3588

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

ἀγαπᾷ10 of 17

“he who loveth”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν11 of 17
G3588

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

θεὸν12 of 17

“God”

G2316

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

ἀγαπᾷ13 of 17

“he who loveth”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

καὶ14 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

τὸν15 of 17
G3588

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

ἀδελφὸν16 of 17

“brother”

G80

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

αὐτοῦ17 of 17

“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 4:21 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 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 22:37-39Leviticus 19:181 John 3:11Galatians 5:141 Thessalonians 4:91 Peter 3:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 John 4 with CommentaryAll 1 John ChaptersComplete 1 John QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes