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◄ 1 John 5:3►

New International Version
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

New Living Translation
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.

English Standard Version
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

Berean Standard Bible
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,

Berean Literal Bible
For this is the love of God, that we should keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

King James Bible
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

New King James Version
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

New American Standard Bible
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

NASB 1995
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

NASB 1977
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

Legacy Standard Bible
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

Amplified Bible
For the [true] love of God is this: that wehabitually keep His commandmentsand remain focused on His precepts. And His commandmentsand His precepts are not difficult [to obey].

Christian Standard Bible
For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden,

American Standard Version
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Contemporary English Version
We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow.

English Revised Version
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
To love God means that we obey his commandments. Obeying his commandments isn't difficult

Good News Translation
For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us,

International Standard Version
For this demonstrates our love for God: We keep his commandments, and his commandments are not difficult,

NET Bible
For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments do not weigh us down,

New Heart English Bible
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous.

Webster's Bible Translation
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.

Weymouth New Testament
Love for God means obedience to His commands; and His commands are not irksome.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,

World English Bible
For this is loving God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for this is the love of God, that we may keep His commands, and His commands are not burdensome;

Berean Literal Bible
For this is the love of God, that we should keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

Young's Literal Translation
for this is the love of God, that His commands we may keep, and His commands are not burdensome;

Smith's Literal Translation
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commands: and his commands are not heavy.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For this is the charity of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not heavy.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not heavy.

New American Bible
For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,

New Revised Standard Version
For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: And his commandments are not difficult.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For this is the love of God: to keep his commandments; and his commandments are not burdensome.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not burdensome.

Godbey New Testament
For this is the divine love of God, that we may keep his commandments: and his commandments are not heavy:

Haweis New Testament
For this is the love of God, that we should keep his commandments: and his commandments are not burdensome.

Mace New Testament
for our love of God consists in the observation of his precepts: precepts that are far from being grievous.

Weymouth New Testament
Love for God means obedience to His commands; and His commands are not irksome.

Worrell New Testament
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome;

Worsley New Testament
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Overcoming the World
…2By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments.3For this is the love of God,that we keep His commandments.And His commandments are not burdensome,4because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

John 14:15
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

John 15:10
If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.

Matthew 11:30
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Deuteronomy 30:11-14
For this commandment I give you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. / It is not in heaven, that you should need to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it for us and proclaim it, that we may obey it?’ / And it is not beyond the sea, that you should need to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it for us and proclaim it, that we may obey it?’ ...

Psalm 119:47-48
I delight in Your commandments because I love them. / I lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on Your statutes.

Psalm 119:127-128
Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold. / Therefore I admire all Your precepts and hate every false way.

Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

2 John 1:6
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.

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

Galatians 5:14
The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

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.’ ...

Deuteronomy 6:5-6
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. / These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.

Psalm 19:7-11
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ...

Psalm 112:1
Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.

Proverbs 3:1-2
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; / for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.

Treasury of Scripture

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

this.

Exodus 20:6
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 5:10
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, heis God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

and.

Psalm 19:7-11
The law of the LORDis perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORDis sure, making wise the simple…

Psalm 119:45,47,48,103,104,127,128,140
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts…

Proverbs 3:17
Her waysare ways of pleasantness, and all her pathsare peace.

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1 John 5

1.He who loves God loves his children, and keeps his commandments;
3.which to the faithful are not grievous.
9.Jesus is the Son of God;
14.and able to hear our prayers.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

For this is the love of God
This phrase emphasizes the nature of true love for God, which is not merely emotional or abstract but is demonstrated through action. In the biblical context, love is often tied to obedience and faithfulness. This aligns with the Shema inDeuteronomy 6:4-5, where love for God is expressed through wholehearted devotion. The love of God is also reflected in the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who stated that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).

that we keep His commandments
Keeping God's commandments is a central theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of obedience as a response to God's love and grace. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given the Law as a covenantal guide for living in relationship with God (Exodus 19:5-6). In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed the continuity of the moral law, emphasizing that love for Him is shown through obedience to His commands (John 14:15). This phrase underscores the belief that true faith is evidenced by a life that seeks to align with God's will.

And His commandments are not burdensome
This statement reflects the transformative power of God's grace, which enables believers to follow His commandments with joy rather than as a heavy obligation. In contrast to the Pharisaic legalism criticized by Jesus (Matthew 23:4), the commandments of God are designed for the well-being and flourishing of His people. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment inRomans 7:22, where he delights in God's law. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out God's commands, making them a source of freedom rather than a burden (Galatians 5:1).

Persons / Places / Events

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 and truth in his writings.

2.Early Christian Communities
The recipients of John's letter, likely composed of various house churches in Asia Minor, facing challenges such as false teachings and the need for assurance in their faith.

3.God
The central figure in this verse, whose love is expressed through the giving of commandments that are meant to guide believers in their walk with Him.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Love
God's love is not just an emotion but is demonstrated through His commandments, which are designed for our well-being and spiritual growth.

Obedience as an Expression of Love
True love for God is shown through our willingness to obey His commandments, reflecting a heart aligned with His will.

The Nature of God's Commandments
God's commandments are not meant to be a heavy burden but are given to lead us into a life of freedom and joy in Christ.

Empowerment through the Holy Spirit
Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out God's commandments, making obedience a joyful and possible endeavor.

Contrast with Legalism
Unlike legalistic adherence to rules, obedience to God's commandments is rooted in a loving relationship with Him, transforming duty into delight.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 1 John 5:3?

2.How can we demonstrate love for God by keeping His commandments daily?

3.Why are God's commandments described as "not burdensome" in 1 John 5:3?

4.How does 1 John 5:3 connect with Jesus' teachings in John 14:15?

5.What practical steps help us view God's commandments as a joy, not burden?

6.How can 1 John 5:3 guide us in loving others through obedience?

7.How does 1 John 5:3 define love for God in practical terms?

8.Why does 1 John 5:3 emphasize keeping commandments as an expression of love?

9.How can God's commandments be considered "not burdensome" according to 1 John 5:3?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 5?

11.How does 1 John 5:3's statement that God’s commands “are not burdensome” align with numerous strict Old Testament laws?

12.What does 1 John 5:3 mean about commandments?

13.How can we be certain the “elder” in 3 John 1 is truly the Apostle John given the lack of explicit identification?

14.How can we live fully in Christ's teachings?

What Does 1 John 5:3 Mean

For this is the love of God

John begins by defining love on God’s terms, not ours. Love toward God is concrete and measurable, not a vague feeling. It shows itself in action. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Throughout Scripture, love is consistently tied to obedience—seeDeuteronomy 6:4-5 followed by 6:6-9, and1 John 2:5 where “whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God has been perfected.” Genuine love for God never stops at sentiment; it moves the heart, mind, and will to align with Him.

that we keep His commandments

“Keep” is the language of watchful guarding and faithful practice. In daily life this means:

• Prioritizing God’s Word—letting passages likePsalm 119:11 shape decisions.

• Submitting every area (thoughts, relationships, finances, speech) to clear directives such asEphesians 4:29 andColossians 3:17.

• Persisting—even when culture pushes back (Acts 5:29).

Keeping commands is not optional for believers; it is the normal expression of the new birth (1 John 5:1-2). Far from legalism, it is life in fellowship with Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Father (John 15:10) and now empowers us by His Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25).

And His commandments are not burdensome

The same God who issues commands supplies grace to fulfill them. Jesus invites, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Why are they “not burdensome”?

• We have a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27) that desires righteousness.

• Obedience flows from love, and love delights in pleasing the beloved (Psalm 40:8).

• The Spirit enables what human strength cannot (Philippians 2:13).

• The commands lead to freedom, not restriction (James 1:25).

Any heaviness comes from fleshly resistance, not from the commands themselves. When we walk in step with God, obedience is the path of joy and rest.

summary

1 John 5:3 teaches that real love for God is demonstrated by ongoing, willing obedience to His Word, and such obedience is a joy rather than a weight because God’s Spirit and promises make it so.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - Reason for the preceding statement. "For the love of God consists in this (1 John 4:17), that we keep his commandments: and these are not grievous." These are the words, not merely of an inspired apostle, but of an aged man, with a wide experience of life and its difficulties. "Difficult" is a relative term, depending upon the relation between the thing to be done and the powers of the doer of it. The Christian, whose will is united with the will of God, will not find obedience to that will a task.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γάρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

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

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.

the
ἡ(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.

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

of God,
Θεοῦ(Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

that
ἵνα(hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

we keep
τηρῶμεν(tērōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5083:From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

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.

commandments.
ἐντολὰς(entolas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785:An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

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.

commandments
ἐντολαὶ(entolai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785:An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

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

not
οὐκ(ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

burdensome,
βαρεῖαι(bareiai)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 926:Heavy, weighty, burdensome, lit. and met; violent, oppressive. From the same as baros; weighty, i.e. burdensome, grave.

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NT Letters: 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)