Whoever does not love
This phrase emphasizes the essential nature of love in the life of a believer. In the context of 1 John, the apostle John is addressing the early Christian community, emphasizing the importance of love as a defining characteristic of those who follow Christ. The Greek word for love used here is "agape," which refers to selfless, sacrificial love. This type of love is not based on emotions or feelings but is an act of will, reflecting God's love for humanity. The absence of such love indicates a lack of genuine relationship with God, as love is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

does not know God
Knowing God in this context goes beyond intellectual understanding; it implies an intimate, personal relationship with Him. The Greek word for "know" is "ginōskō," which often denotes experiential knowledge. In the biblical narrative, knowing God is associated with obedience and love (John 14:15, 21). The Old Testament also emphasizes knowing God as a covenantal relationship, as seen in Jeremiah 31:34, where God promises that all will know Him. The lack of love signifies a disconnect from this relationship, as true knowledge of God transforms one's life and actions.

because God is love
This profound statement encapsulates the essence of God's nature. It is not merely that God loves, but that He is love itself. This declaration is unique to the Christian understanding of God, distinguishing Him from other deities in ancient cultures, who were often capricious or indifferent. The concept of God as love is rooted in the Old Testament, where God's steadfast love (hesed) is a recurring theme (Exodus 34:6-7). In the New Testament, this is most clearly demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate expression of divine love (John 3:16, Romans 5:8). This love is both the motivation for and the model of Christian love, calling believers to reflect God's character in their relationships with others.

1. John the Apostle
The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love in his writings.

2. Early Christian Communities
The recipients of John's letter, likely facing challenges of false teachings and divisions, needing encouragement to remain in the truth and love of God.

3. God
The central figure in this verse, described as the very essence of love, which is foundational to understanding His nature and our relationship with Him.Understanding God's Nature
Recognize that love is not just an attribute of God but His very essence. This understanding should shape our view of God and His actions throughout history.

Love as Evidence of Knowing God
Our ability to love others is a reflection of our relationship with God. If we truly know God, His love will naturally flow through us to others.

The Call to Love
As believers, we are called to love others as God loves us. This is not optional but a command that reflects our identity in Christ.

Love in Action
True love is demonstrated through actions, not just words. We are to actively seek ways to show love to those around us, especially in challenging situations.

Overcoming False Teachings
In a world with many conflicting messages, grounding ourselves in the truth that God is love helps us discern and reject teachings that contradict His nature.Verse 8. - In giving the opposite, St. John again varies the thought, this time very remarkably. Instead of "love is of God" (verse 7), we have "God is Love" - a far deeper thought; and instead of "knoweth not God," we have "knew not God," or, as we should say in English, "hath not known" or "never knew God." The man's not loving his brother shows that in no real sense has he ever in the past known God: he is of the world (chapter 3:1), not of God. We must beware of watering down "God is Love" into "God is loving," or even "God of all beings is the most loving." Love is not a mere attribute of God; like light, it is his very nature. As "God is Light" sums up the Being of God intellectually considered, so "God is Love" sums up the same on the moral side. Only when this strong meaning is given to the statement does St. John's argument hold, that "he that loveth not knoweth not God." A man who has no idea of any one of the attributes of God, as order, or beauty, or power, or justice, has an imperfect knowledge of God. But he who has no idea of love has no knowledge of God, for love is himself. God alone loves in the fullest and highest sense of the word; for he alone loves with perfect disinterestedness. It is love which alone can explain creation. Why should a Being perfectly blessed in himself create other beings, but to bestow a blessing upon them?

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

does not love
ἀγαπῶν (agapōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 25: To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.

does not know
ἔγνω (egnō)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

God,
Θεόν (Theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

is
ἐστίν (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.

love.
ἀγάπη (agapē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.


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NT Letters: 1 John 4:8 He who doesn't love doesn't know God (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)