Devine Scripture

1 John 5:3

What does 1 John 5:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 5:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 5:3 means

Love for God is not primarily a feeling; it is expressed in keeping His commandments. Yet John adds that God’s commandments are “not grievous.” They are not crushing weights for those born of God. In Christ, obedience becomes the desire of a renewed heart, not a hopeless struggle to earn favor. God’s commands still challenge our flesh, but they fit the new life He has given. They direct us into freedom, not bondage. The reason they are not burdensome appears in what follows: the new birth grants a victory that breaks the world’s grip, so that faith in the Son enables practical, joyful obedience.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For loving God is keeping his laws: and his laws are not hard.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For this is the charity of God: That we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not heavy.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For this is the love ofGod, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.

Context

Verse 3 completes John’s definition from verse 2: love for God equals obedience. He also anticipates the next point by insisting God’s commands are not oppressive. Verses 4–5 explain why this is so: the one begotten of God overcomes the world, and this victory comes through faith in Jesus as the Son of God. Thus the discussion moves from the character of love and obedience to the power that makes obedience possible. Immediately after, in verses 6–8, John will ground faith’s object—Jesus’ identity—in God’s threefold testimony, countering false teachings about Christ.

v.2Hereby we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do his commandments.

v.3This passage

v.4For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 15:10

    If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

  • Psalms 119:47

    And I will delight myself in thy commandments, Which I have loved.

  • John 14:21

    He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.

  • Psalms 119:103

    How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

  • Psalms 119:140

    Thy word is very pure; Therefore thy servant loveth it.

  • 1 John 2:3

    And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 John 5

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 John 5.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 John 5:3.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary