1 John 4:18

Modern

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.

Traditional

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Literal

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment; and the one fearing has not been perfected in love.

Latin

Timor non est in caritate: sed perfecta caritas foras mittit timorem, quoniam timor pœnam habet: qui autem timet, non est perfectus in caritate.

Greek

English

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.

Perfect love drives out fear: As we live with Christ and grow more mature and complete in God’s love, we have confidence in facing the day of judgment. This day will be terrifying for those who do not know God (Acts 24:25; Romans 2:16).
Based on a sense of guilt, people fear the punishment they know they deserve. This fear produces dread, and that dread is like a small experience of the coming punishment. Christ died to set us free from this dread (Hebrews 2:14–15).

John explains where a Christian’s love comes from and how it is shown in daily life.

Theme notes and profiles

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.
Luke 1:74–75
…deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear,
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
James 2:19
You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
Psalm 119:120
My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.
Psalm 73:19
How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
Job 15:21
Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.
Psalm 88:15–16
From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair.