1 John 3:17

Translations

Modern

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?

Traditional

But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Literal

Now whoever may have the goods of the world, and may see his brother having need, and might shut his heart from him, how does the love of God remain in him?

Latin

Qui habuerit substantiam hujus mundi, et viderit fratrem suum necessitatem habere, et clauserit viscera sua ab eo: quomodo caritas Dei manet in eo?

Original

Greek

English

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?

Notes

1 John 3:16–18

Christ’s example shows that real love requires self-sacrifice. We follow his example when we care deeply about the needs of other people. This means giving our time, effort, prayers, and possessions to help them. In some cases, it may even mean giving our lives to meet their needs.

1 John 3:11–22

John now emphasizes that Christians need to love one another (see John 13:34).

Theme notes and profiles

Loving Others Social Justice

Related verses

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Isaiah 58:7–10
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
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.
Deuteronomy 15:7–11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.
Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
Luke 3:11
John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”
2 Corinthians 9:5–9
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.
James 2:15
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
2 Corinthians 8:14–15
At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality.
1 Timothy 6:17–18
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Proverbs 28:9
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.

1 John 3:17

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