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◄ 1 John 4:12►

New International Version
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

New Living Translation
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.

English Standard Version
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

Berean Standard Bible
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.

Berean Literal Bible
No one has seen God at any time; if we should love one another, God abides in us, and His love is having been perfected in us.

King James Bible
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

New King James Version
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

New American Standard Bible
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.

NASB 1995
No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

NASB 1977
No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

Legacy Standard Bible
No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

Amplified Bible
No one has seen God at any time. But if we love one another [with unselfish concern], God abides in us, and His love [the love that is His essence abides in us and] is completedand perfected in us.

Christian Standard Bible
No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is made complete in us.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and His love is perfected in us.

American Standard Version
No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us:

Contemporary English Version
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is truly in our hearts.

English Revised Version
No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
No one has ever seen God. If we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Good News Translation
No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us.

International Standard Version
No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

NET Bible
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God resides in us, and his love is perfected in us.

New Heart English Bible
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us.

Webster's Bible Translation
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Weymouth New Testament
No one has ever yet seen God. If we love one another, God continues in union with us, and His love in all its perfection is in our hearts.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.

World English Bible
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
no one has ever seen God; if we may love one another, God remains in us, and His love is having been perfected in us;

Berean Literal Bible
No one has seen God at any time; if we should love one another, God abides in us, and His love is having been perfected in us.

Young's Literal Translation
God no one hath ever seen; if we may love one another, God in us doth remain, and His love is having been perfected in us;

Smith's Literal Translation
None has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is completed in us.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abideth in us, and his charity is perfected in us.

Catholic Public Domain Version
No one has ever seen God. But if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us.

New American Bible
No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.

New Revised Standard Version
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
No person has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is fulfilled in us.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Godbey New Testament
No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another with divine love, God abides in us, and his divine love has been made perfect in us.

Haweis New Testament
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Mace New Testament
no man hath ever seen God, if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and our love for him is then sincere.

Weymouth New Testament
No one has ever yet seen God. If we love one another, God continues in union with us, and His love in all its perfection is in our hearts.

Worrell New Testament
No one has ever beheld God. If we love one another, God abideth in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

Worsley New Testament
No one hath ever seen God:but if we love one another, God dwelleth in us and his love is perfected in us.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Love Comes from God
…11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12No one has ever seen God;but if we love one another,God remains in us,and His love is perfected in us.13By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

John 1:18
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.

1 John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

John 14:23
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

1 John 3:24
Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.

1 John 2:5
But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:

1 John 4:16
And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

1 John 2:4
If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:21
And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.

1 John 3:11
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 3:14
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.

1 John 3:23
And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us.

1 John 2:10
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.

1 John 4:9
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.

Treasury of Scripture

No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us.

seen.

1 John 4:20
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?

Genesis 32:30
And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Exodus 33:20
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

love one.

1 John 4:6
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

See on ch.

1 John 3:24
And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

and his.

1 John 4:17,18
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…

See on ch.

1 John 2:5
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of theseis charity.

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1 John 4

1.He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit;
7.and exhorts to brotherly love.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

No one has ever seen God;
This phrase emphasizes the invisibility and transcendence of God. In the Old Testament, God is described as dwelling in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16) and as a spirit (John 4:24). The statement underscores the idea that God, in His full essence, is beyond human perception. Moses, for instance, was only allowed to see God's back (Exodus 33:20-23), highlighting the divine holiness and the limitations of human understanding. This invisibility of God points to the necessity of faith and the revelation of God through Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).

but if we love one another,
The call to love one another is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. This love is agape, a selfless, sacrificial love that reflects God's own love for humanity. In the cultural context of the early church, this command was radical, as it transcended social, ethnic, and religious boundaries. The early Christian communities were known for their love and care for one another, which served as a powerful witness to the surrounding society (John 13:35). This love is not merely an emotion but an active choice to seek the good of others.

God remains in us,
The indwelling of God is a profound mystery and a promise of the New Covenant. In the Old Testament, God's presence was often associated with the temple or the tabernacle, but through Christ, believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This indwelling signifies a personal and communal relationship with God, made possible through the atoning work of Jesus. It is a fulfillment of the prophecy inEzekiel 36:27, where God promises to put His Spirit within His people. This presence empowers believers to live out the commandments of God, including the command to love.

and His love is perfected in us.
The perfection of God's love in believers indicates a process of maturation and completion. This does not imply flawlessness but rather the fulfillment of God's purpose in us. As believers grow in love, they reflect more of God's character and intentions for humanity. This process is akin to sanctification, where the Holy Spirit works within to conform believers to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). The perfecting of love is also a testimony to the world of God's transformative power, as seen in the unity and love within the body of Christ (John 17:23).

Persons / Places / Events

1.John the Apostle
The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his emphasis on love and truth.

2.God
The central figure in this verse, whose unseen nature is highlighted, yet whose presence is manifested through love.

3.Believers
The recipients of this letter, encouraged to love one another as evidence of God's presence.

4.The Early Church
The community to which John writes, facing challenges of false teachings and needing reassurance of God's love.

5.Jesus Christ
Though not mentioned directly in this verse, He is the ultimate revelation of God and the model of divine love.

Teaching Points

The Unseen God
Recognize that while God is invisible, His presence is made known through the love we show to one another.

Manifestation of God's Presence
Understand that loving others is a tangible way to experience and demonstrate God's abiding presence in our lives.

Perfection of Love
Reflect on how God's love is perfected in us through our actions and relationships, growing more complete as we love others.

Community of Believers
Emphasize the importance of the Christian community in revealing God's love, as we are called to love one another.

Practical Love
Encourage practical expressions of love in daily life as a testimony of God's work within us.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 1 John 4:12?

2.How can we demonstrate God's love if "no one has ever seen God"?

3.What does it mean for God to "abide in us" through love?

4.How does 1 John 4:12 connect with John 1:18 about seeing God?

5.In what ways can we perfect God's love in our daily lives?

6.How does loving others reflect God's presence within us according to 1 John 4:12?

7.How does 1 John 4:12 define the nature of God's presence among believers?

8.What does 1 John 4:12 imply about the visibility of God in the world?

9.How does loving one another fulfill the message of 1 John 4:12?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 4?

11.Can gay individuals enter heaven?

12.What defines being Christ-like?

13.What does 'perfect love casts out fear' mean?

14.Is something good because God commands it, or vice versa?

What Does 1 John 4:12 Mean

No one has ever seen God

“ No one has ever seen God ” (1 John 4:12).

• Scripture consistently affirms God’s invisibility and holiness: “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son… has made Him known” (John 1:18).

• Moses was only allowed a passing glimpse of God’s glory (Exodus 33:20–23).

• God’s hiddenness stirs humility; we approach Him by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

• The unseen God chooses to reveal His character tangibly through His people.

but if we love one another

“ …but if we love one another …”

• Love is the hallmark of true discipleship (John 13:34–35).

• Genuine, sacrificial love toward fellow believers provides visible evidence of the invisible God.

• Loving one another is not optional; it is the fruit of the new birth (1 John 3:14).

Practical heartbeat:

– Forgiving quickly (Ephesians 4:32)

– Bearing burdens (Galatians 6:2)

– Meeting needs generously (Acts 4:34–35)

God remains in us

“… God remains in us …”

• The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit fulfils Jesus’ promise: “We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23).

• This abiding is permanent for every believer (Romans 8:9).

• Because God lives within, believers become His living temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).

• Our everyday conduct should therefore reflect His nearness (Philippians 2:15).

and His love is perfected in us

“… and His love is perfected in us.”

• “Perfected” means brought to full maturity, accomplishing its intended goal.

• As we consistently love, God’s own love reaches its designed completion in our lives (1 John 2:5; 4:17).

• This maturing love:

– Drives out fear (1 John 4:18)

– Spurs obedient action (James 2:22)

– Displays Christ to the watching world (Matthew 5:16).

• God Himself guarantees this growth: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it” (Philippians 1:6).

summary

We cannot behold God with physical eyes, yet He makes Himself known through Spirit-empowered love among believers. When we actively love one another, we prove His abiding presence and become living demonstrations of divine love brought to maturity.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. -No one hath ever yet beheld God.Θεόν stands first for emphasis. and without the article, as meaning the Divine Being rather than the Father in particular: "With regard to God - no one hath ever yet beheld him"τεθεάται, stronger thanἑώρακεν. Why does St. John introduce this statement here? Not, of course, as implying that to love an invisible Being is impossible; but that the only security for genuine and lasting love in such a case is to love that which visibly represents him. Seeing that God is invisible, his abiding in us can be shown only by his essential characteristic being exhibited in us,i.e., by our showing similar self-sacrificing loveἩ ἀγάπη αὐτοῦ can scarcely mean God's love for us; for how can our loving one another make his love perfect? Nor yet vaguely, "the relation of love between us and God;" but, as in1 John 2:5, our love for him. Our love towards God is perfected and brought to maturity by the exercise of love towards our brethren in him.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

No one
οὐδεὶς(oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762:No one, none, nothing.

has ever seen
τεθέαται(tetheatai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2300:A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit.

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

[but] if
ἐὰν(ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

we 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.

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

remains
μένει(menei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3306:To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.

in
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

us,
ἡμῖν(hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

His
αὐτοῦ(autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

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

is
ἐστιν(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.

perfected
τετελειωμένη(teteleiōmenē)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5048:From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate.

in
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

us.
ἡμῖν(hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

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NT Letters: 1 John 4:12 No one has seen God at any (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)