1 Corinthians 8:3
What does 1 Corinthians 8:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 8:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 8:3 means
Here Paul places the accent on love for God as the mark of genuine spiritual understanding. The one who loves God is “known by” God—received, acknowledged, and held in a relationship initiated by God’s gracious knowledge of us. This does not downplay truth; it locates truth within a living communion. Love for God turns knowledge into service, patience, and restraint for the sake of others. To be known by God is the deepest assurance a believer can have, and it bears fruit in how we treat fellow Christians. In disputes about liberty, what counts most is not winning arguments but walking in Godward love that seeks others’ good.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but if any man loveth God, the same is known by him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but if any man loveth God, the same is known by him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if anyone has love for God, God has knowledge of him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if any one doth love God, this one hath been known by Him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if any man love God, the same is known by him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But if any one loveGod, he is known of him):
Context
Having warned against conceit in knowledge, Paul now shifts the focus from human boasting to divine approval. This prepares the reader to hear the right theology about idols without pride. Verses 4–6 will state that idols are nothing and that there is only one God and one Lord, Jesus Christ. Yet the emphasis here ensures that even correct doctrine must be stewarded in love. The following verses (7–13) will show how those known by God act toward brothers and sisters whose consciences are fragile.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:13
I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.
- Nahum 1:7
Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that take refuge in him.
- Revelation 2:9
I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
- 1 John 4:19
We love, because he first loved us.
- Revelation 3:8
I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name.
- Psalms 1:6
For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish.
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