New International VersionThis is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
New Living TranslationGod showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.
English Standard VersionIn this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
Berean Standard BibleThis 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.
Berean Literal BibleIn this the love of God has been revealed among us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.
King James BibleIn this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
New King James VersionIn this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
New American Standard BibleBy this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him.
NASB 1995By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
NASB 1977By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
Legacy Standard BibleBy this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
Amplified BibleBy this the love of God was displayed in us, in that God has sent His [One and] only begotten Son [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind] into the world so that we might live through Him.
Christian Standard BibleGod’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleGod’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
American Standard VersionHerein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.
Contemporary English VersionGod showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life.
English Revised VersionHerein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationGod has shown us his love by sending his only Son into the world so that we could have life through him.
Good News TranslationAnd God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him.
International Standard VersionThis is how God's love was revealed among us: God sent his unique Son into the world so that we might live through him.
NET BibleBy this the love of God is revealed in us: that God has sent his one and only Son into the world so that we may live through him.
New Heart English BibleBy this God's love was revealed in us, that God has sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
Webster's Bible TranslationIn this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Weymouth New TestamentGod's love for us has been manifested in that He has sent His only Son into the world so that we may have Life through Him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis 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.
World English BibleBy this God’s love was revealed in us, that God has sent his only born Son into the world that we might live through him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIn this was revealed the love of God in us, because God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we may live through Him;
Berean Literal BibleIn this the love of God has been revealed among us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.
Young's Literal Translation In this was manifested the love of God in us, because His Son -- the only begotten -- hath God sent to the world, that we may live through him;
Smith's Literal TranslationIn this was the love of God manifested in us, that God has sent his only born Son into the world, that we might live by him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBy this hath the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe love of God was made apparent to us in this way: that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
New American BibleIn this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.
New Revised Standard VersionGod’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBy this was the love of God toward us made known, for God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishIn this the love of God is known to us: for God sent his only Son to the world so that it shall live by him. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentIn this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Godbey New TestamentIn this the divine love of God has been made manifest in us, because God has sent his only begotten Son into the world that we may live through him.
Haweis New TestamentBy this was the love of God manifested to us, that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might have life by him.
Mace New Testamentby this was the love of God displayed towards us, in that God sent his only begotten son into the world, that we might live thro' him.
Weymouth New TestamentGod's love for us has been manifested in that He has sent His only Son into the world so that we may have Life through Him.
Worrell New TestamentIn this was manifested the love of God in us, that God hath sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we may live through Him.
Worsley New TestamentIn this was the love of God manifested towards us, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Love Comes from God… 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is howGod’slovewas revealedamongus:GodsentHisone and onlySonintotheworld,so thatwe might livethroughHim.10And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.…
Cross References John 3:16For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 1:14The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Galatians 4:4-5But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, / to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.
John 1:18No 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 3:16By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
John 17:3Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
Romans 8:32He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?
John 10:10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.
Ephesians 2:4-5But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!
Titus 3:4-5But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, / He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 1:1-2On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.
1 Peter 1:20-21He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake. / Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God.
Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 53:10Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
Treasury of Scripture In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. was. 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the loveof God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay downour lives for the brethren. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Romans 5:8-10 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us… God sent. 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Sonto be the propitiation for our sins. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lordis upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, John 5:23 That allmen should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. only. Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thouart my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Mark 12:6 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. John 1:14-18 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth… we. 1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. John 6:51,57 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world… John 10:10,28-30 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might haveit more abundantly… Jump to Previous BegottenClearGod'sHereinLoveManifestManifestedRevealedShowedTowardsWorldJump to Next BegottenClearGod'sHereinLoveManifestManifestedRevealedShowedTowardsWorld1 John 4 1.He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit;7.and exhorts to brotherly love.This is how God’s love was revealed among us:The revelation of God's love is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the tangible and personal nature of divine love. In the context of 1 John, the apostle John addresses a community facing false teachings, reminding them of the foundational truth of God's love. The phrase "revealed among us" underscores the incarnation, where God's love is made manifest in a way that is visible and experiential. This revelation is not abstract but is demonstrated in the historical event of Jesus Christ's coming. The concept of revelation is also seen in other scriptures, such as John 1:14, where the Word becomes flesh, and in Romans 5:8, where God's love is demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. God sent His one and only Son into the world,
The sending of the "one and only Son" highlights the uniqueness and divinity of Jesus Christ. The term "one and only" (often translated as "only begotten") signifies the special relationship between the Father and the Son, affirming the pre-existence and deity of Christ. This act of sending is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such asIsaiah 9:6, which speaks of a child born to us, andMicah 5:2, which predicts the ruler from Bethlehem. The phrase "into the world" indicates the mission of Jesus, who enters a fallen world to bring redemption. This mission is echoed inJohn 3:16, where God's love is expressed through the giving of His Son for the salvation of humanity. so that we might live through Him.
The purpose of Christ's coming is life-giving, offering eternal life to those who believe. This life is not merely biological but spiritual and eternal, a theme prevalent in John's writings (John 10:10,John 11:25-26). The phrase "live through Him" suggests a union with Christ, where believers participate in His life, death, and resurrection. This concept is further explored in Paul's epistles, such asGalatians 2:20, where Paul speaks of being crucified with Christ and living by faith in Him. The life offered through Christ is a fulfillment of the promise of abundant life and is a stark contrast to the death brought by sin, as outlined inRomans 6:23. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe sovereign Creator who demonstrates His love by sending His Son. 2. Jesus ChristReferred to as God's "one and only Son," sent into the world to provide life. 3. The WorldThe realm into which Jesus was sent, representing humanity in need of salvation. 4. John the ApostleThe author of the epistle, providing insight into the nature of God's love. 5. BelieversThe recipients of the letter, encouraged to understand and live out the love of God. Teaching Points Understanding God's LoveGod's love is not abstract but demonstrated through action—sending His Son. Reflect on the depth of love that involves sacrifice and purpose. The Purpose of Christ's ComingJesus was sent so that we might have life, indicating a transformation from spiritual death to life. Consider how this purpose affects our daily living and priorities. Living Through ChristOur life in Christ is not just about existence but thriving in a relationship with God. Evaluate how living through Christ changes our interactions and decisions. The Unique Sonship of ChristJesus is described as the "one and only Son," emphasizing His unique role in salvation. Acknowledge the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ in God's redemptive plan. Manifestation of Love in CommunityAs recipients of God's love, we are called to manifest this love within our communities. Identify practical ways to demonstrate God's love to others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 John 4:9?
2.How does 1 John 4:9 demonstrate God's love through Jesus' incarnation?
3.What does "God sent His one and only Son" reveal about God's nature?
4.How can we reflect God's love in our daily interactions with others?
5.Connect 1 John 4:9 with John 3:16. How are these messages similar?
6.How can understanding God's love in 1 John 4:9 strengthen your faith?
7.How does 1 John 4:9 demonstrate God's love for humanity?
8.What is the significance of God sending His only begotten Son in 1 John 4:9?
9.How does 1 John 4:9 relate to the concept of salvation?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 4?
11.What does the Bible say about God versus Satan?
12.How does love differ from like?
13.What is the plot of "Lily of the Valley"?
14.Why was I chosen by God?What Does 1 John 4:9 Mean This is how God’s love was revealed among us- God’s love is not an abstract idea; it shows up “among us,” right in the middle of ordinary human life. -John 3:16 explains the same pattern: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” Love is revealed by giving. -Romans 5:8 adds, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God doesn’t wait until we clean ourselves up; He makes the first move. -1 John 3:1 invites us to “See what great love the Father has lavished on us,” underscoring that the love John describes is generous, overflowing, and observable.
God sent His one and only Son into the world- “Sent” shows purpose and mission. Jesus didn’t appear randomly; the Father deliberately commissioned Him (Galatians 4:4–5). - “One and only Son” highlights uniqueness. There is no substitute or second plan (John 1:14;John 17:3). - “Into the world” stresses real history. The eternal Son stepped into time, space, and human flesh (Philippians 2:6–8). Darkness didn’t keep Him away; instead He entered it to rescue us (John 1:5).
so that we might live through Him- God’s goal is life—true, abundant, eternal life (John 10:10). - “Through Him” means Jesus is both the source and the channel. Apart from Him, we remain spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:4–5), but in Him we are made alive. -1 John 5:11–12 echoes the thought: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life.” - Practical outflow: • New identity—no longer condemned but adopted (Romans 8:1, 15). • Ongoing dependence—daily abiding in Christ (John 15:5). • Visible transformation—love spilling over to others (1 John 4:11).
summary1 John 4:9 shows love in motion: the Father intentionally sent His unique Son into our broken world, making divine love tangible. The purpose wasn’t merely to demonstrate affection but to secure life for us—life that flows only “through Him.” Believe, receive, and live in that love today. Verse 9. - The verse is very similar to chapter 1 John 3:16, "in this" referring to what follows, and introducing a concrete and crucial example of love. Beware of the inadequate and misleading rendering "towards us" for ἐν ἡμῖν. It means in us, and belongs to "manifested," as John 9:3 plainly shows. We must not connect together "the love of God in us," still less "the love of God toward us," as one idea. "In us" means "in our case," and the whole may be paraphrased: "A transcendent manifestation of the love of God has been made in regard to us, in that he hath sent," etc. The verse might serve as a summary of St. John's Gospel. The word μονογενής as applied to Christ is peculiar to St. John; it and ζήσωμεν are the key-words of the passage. "This is love indeed; it is his only Son whom he has sent, and he has sent him to give us life." Note the double article - "his Son, yes, his Only Begotten."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek This is howἘν(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.God’sΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.loveἀγάπη(agapē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26:From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.was revealedἐφανερώθη(ephanerōthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5319:To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.amongἐν(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.GodΘεὸς(Theos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.sentἀπέσταλκεν(apestalken)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 649:From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.Hisαὐτοῦ(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.one and onlyμονογενῆ(monogenē)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3439:Only, only-begotten; unique. From monos and ginomai; only-born, i.e. Sole.SonΥἱὸν(Huion)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.intoεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative 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.world,κόσμον(kosmon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889:Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.we might liveζήσωμεν(zēsōmen)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2198:To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.throughδι’(di’)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.Him.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.
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NT Letters: 1 John 4:9 By this God's love was revealed (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) |
