1 John 3:11
New International Version
For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

New Living Translation
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

English Standard Version
For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Berean Standard Bible
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

Berean Literal Bible
For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

King James Bible
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

New King James Version
For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

New American Standard Bible
For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we are to love one another;

NASB 1995
For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;

NASB 1977
For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;

Legacy Standard Bible
For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;

Amplified Bible
For this is the message which you [believers] have heard from the beginning [of your relationship with Christ], that we should [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another;

Christian Standard Bible
For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another,

American Standard Version
For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:

Contemporary English Version
From the beginning you were told we must love each other.

English Revised Version
For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The message that you have heard from the beginning is to love each other.

Good News Translation
The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another.

International Standard Version
This is the message that you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

Majority Standard Bible
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

NET Bible
For this is the gospel message that you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another,

New Heart English Bible
For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;

Webster's Bible Translation
For this is the message that ye have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Weymouth New Testament
For this is the Message you have heard from the beginning--that we are to love one another.

World English Bible
For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another—
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we may love one another,

Berean Literal Bible
For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

Young's Literal Translation
because this is the message that ye did hear from the beginning, that we may love one another,

Smith's Literal Translation
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For this is the declaration, which you have heard from the beginning, that you should love one another.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this is the announcement that you heard from the beginning: that you should love one another.

New American Bible
For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another,

New Revised Standard Version
For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For this is the commandment that you have heard from the beginning, that you must love one another,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For this is the commandment that you have heard from the first: “You shall love one another”,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Godbey New Testament
Because this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we must love one another,

Haweis New Testament
For this is the commandment which ye have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Mace New Testament
for this is the doctrine that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Weymouth New Testament
For this is the Message you have heard from the beginning--that we are to love one another.

Worrell New Testament
because this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;

Worsley New Testament
for this is the injunction which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another: not as Cain who was of the evil one, and slew his brother;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Love One Another
10By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother. 11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.…

Cross References
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

John 15:12-17
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. / Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. ...

1 John 4:7-21
Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. / This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. ...

1 John 2:7-11
Beloved, I am not writing to you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had from the beginning. This commandment is the message you have heard. / Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining. / If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. ...

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ...

Romans 13:8-10
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Galatians 5:13-14
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. / The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

James 2:8
If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

1 Peter 1:22
Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.

1 Thessalonians 4:9
Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

2 John 1:5-6
And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. / And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.

Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 6:5
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.


Treasury of Scripture

For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

this.

1 John 1:5
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1 John 2:7,8
Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning…

message.

1 Timothy 1:5
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

that we.

1 John 4:7,21
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God…

John 13:34,35
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another…

John 15:12
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

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Beginning First Hear Heard Love Message Word
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Beginning First Hear Heard Love Message Word
1 John 3
1. He declares the singular love of God toward us, in making us his sons;
3. who therefore ought obediently to keep his commandments;
11. as also to love one another as brothers.














This is the message you have heard from the beginning:
The phrase "from the beginning" emphasizes the consistency and continuity of the Christian message. This message of love is not a new commandment but one that has been foundational since the inception of the Christian faith. It echoes the teachings of Jesus, particularly in John 13:34-35, where He commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. The use of "from the beginning" also connects to the prologue of 1 John, where the author speaks of what was from the beginning, highlighting the eternal nature of the Word of life. This phrase underscores the unchanging nature of God's command and the importance of adhering to the original teachings of Christ.

We should love one another:
This command to love one another is central to Christian ethics and is rooted in the teachings of Jesus. It reflects the second greatest commandment as stated in Matthew 22:39, "Love your neighbor as yourself." The love referred to here is agape love, which is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. This type of love is a hallmark of true Christian discipleship and is a reflection of God's love for humanity. The call to love one another is also a practical outworking of the faith, as seen in James 2:14-17, where faith without works is dead. The early Christian community was known for its love and care for one another, which served as a powerful witness to the surrounding culture. This command challenges believers to transcend cultural, social, and personal barriers to demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth.

2. Early Christian Communities
The recipients of John's letter, likely facing internal and external challenges, including false teachings and divisions.

3. Jesus Christ
Central to the message of love, as His life and teachings exemplify the love believers are called to emulate.

4. Cain and Abel
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are referenced in the surrounding context (1 John 3:12) as an example of the opposite of love.

5. The Beginning
Refers to the foundational teachings of Christianity, rooted in the life and message of Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
The Primacy of Love
Love is not just an emotion but a commandment that is central to the Christian faith. It is the message "from the beginning," underscoring its foundational role.

Love as Evidence of Faith
Our love for one another is a visible demonstration of our faith and relationship with God. It is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

Love in Action
True love is active and sacrificial, modeled after Christ's love for us. It involves putting others' needs before our own and seeking their well-being.

Overcoming Hatred
The contrast between love and hatred is stark. As believers, we are called to reject hatred and embrace love, even towards those who may wrong us.

Community and Unity
Love fosters unity within the Christian community. It is essential for maintaining harmony and building each other up in faith.Verse 11. - Because the message (ἀγγελία: see on 1 John 1:5) which ye heard from the beginning is this. Not merely in the beginning, but from the beginning; it was among the first announcements, and it had never ceased to be in force. Jerome, in his 'Commentary on Galatians' (Galatians 6:10), tells us that when St. John became too infirm to preach, he used often to say no more than this, "Little children, love one another." His hearers at last wearied of it, and said, "Master, why dost thou always say this?" "It is the Lord's command," he replied; "and if this alone is done, it is enough."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
This
αὕτη (hautē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

message
ἀγγελία (angelia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 31: A message. From aggelos; an announcement, i.e. precept.

you have heard
ἠκούσατε (ēkousate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[the] beginning:
ἀρχῆς (archēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 746: From archomai; a commencement, or chief.

We should love
ἀγαπῶμεν (agapōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 25: To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.

one another.
ἀλλήλους (allēlous)
Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 240: One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.


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NT Letters: 1 John 3:11 For this is the message which you (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)
1 John 3:10
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