1 John 3:18 kjv

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:18 nkjv

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:18 niv

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18 esv

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:18 nlt

Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

1 John 3 verses

1 John 3 18 Meaning

The verse 1 John 3:18 serves as a clear and imperative call for genuine, active love among believers. It challenges the superficial expression of love through mere words or speech, asserting that true, God-like love must be demonstrated through tangible actions and with sincerity. It highlights that Christian love is not a passive sentiment or verbal affirmation but an energetic and practical commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the truth of one's inner disposition.

1 John 3 18 Context

This verse (1 Jn 3:18) is situated within 1 John's larger discussion about the true marks of Christian faith and genuine discipleship, contrasting true believers with those who only profess faith without demonstrating it. The surrounding verses, particularly 1 John 3:10-17, set the stage: they distinguish between the children of God and the children of the devil by their actions, specifically concerning love for one another (3:10-11). The supreme example of love, which motivates the command in 3:18, is Jesus Christ laying down His life for believers (3:16). Directly preceding our verse, 1 John 3:17 confronts those with material possessions who withhold aid from a needy brother, questioning the presence of God's love within them. Historically, John was addressing proto-Gnostic influences that downplayed the importance of physical actions and moral conduct, asserting that "spiritual knowledge" alone sufficed for salvation. This verse directly refutes such notions, emphasizing that true love, stemming from the divine nature (1 Jn 4:7), is inherently practical and visibly active in the world, serving as a testament to one's union with Christ.

1 John 3 18 Word analysis

• My little children (Greek: Teknia, τέκνια): An affectionate and intimate term of address used by the Apostle John. It conveys warmth, pastoral care, and spiritual authority, highlighting the deep personal concern John has for the believers as his spiritual offspring. It reinforces the familial nature of the Christian community.
• Let us not love (Greek: Agapōmen, ἀγαπῶμεν, with mē, μή): "Agapomen" is a verb for divine, sacrificial love, in the present active subjunctive, indicating a continuous or habitual action. The negation "mē" makes it a plea to cease or avoid the stated action. It's a gentle yet firm exhortation not to merely exist in a state of love expressed only by certain means.
• in word (Greek: Logō, λόγῳ): Refers to spoken words, mere rhetoric, verbal affirmations, or profession. It points to a superficial or hollow declaration of love that lacks depth or corresponding action.
• neither in tongue (Greek: Glōssē, γλώσσῃ): Reinforces the idea of "in word," often used synonymously with spoken language. This phrase emphasizes verbal expression that may be insincere, glib, or devoid of true emotion or commitment, possibly implying flattery or idle talk.
• but (Greek: Alla, ἀλλὰ): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast or opposition. It signifies a transition from what is inadequate or false to what is true and necessary.
• in deed (Greek: Ergō, ἔργῳ): Refers to action, work, tangible behavior, or concrete performance. This points to love being expressed through visible, practical efforts that benefit others. It contrasts directly with the passive nature of mere words.
• and in truth (Greek: Alētheia, ἀληθείᾳ): Implies sincerity, genuineness, and reality. Love demonstrated "in truth" is not deceptive or feigned but is an honest, authentic, and consistent expression of one's inner disposition. It aligns with God's own character and reality.

• "let us not love in word nor in tongue": This phrase warns against the danger of hypocritical or superficial expressions of love. It signifies that Christian love is far more than vocal profession; it transcends mere talk, empty promises, or flattery. It’s a rebuke against cheap or convenient charity that costs nothing.
• "but in deed and in truth": This contrasting phrase provides the affirmative instruction for how genuine love should be expressed. "In deed" emphasizes the practical, tangible aspect, aligning with the sacrificial example of Christ. "In truth" ensures that these actions are authentic, sincere, and free from ulterior motives, truly reflecting the inner conviction and the very nature of God's love, which is real and demonstrable.

1 John 3 18 Bonus section

This verse profoundly ties into the consistent New Testament theme that true faith is always a working faith, evident in tangible righteousness and acts of love. It counters any theology that separates inner spiritual experience from outward moral conduct. The combination of "deed" (ergon) and "truth" (alētheia) implies not just doing something helpful, but doing it genuinely, motivated by love for God and neighbor, aligning one's actions with God's nature. This emphasis was crucial in the early church's context, potentially grappling with nascent forms of Gnostic thought where intellectual assent or secret knowledge was valued over practical Christian living. John asserts that genuine transformation results in an active, loving life, a clear mark distinguishing the "children of God" from the "children of the devil."

1 John 3 18 Commentary

First John 3:18 serves as a pivotal ethical command, distilled from the essence of Christian belief. It is not enough to articulate love verbally; rather, the divine nature imparted to believers by God necessitates a demonstration of love through concrete, compassionate actions. This command flows directly from God's own example in sending Christ (1 Jn 3:16), making it clear that Christian love must be self-sacrificial and practical, addressing genuine needs as they arise (1 Jn 3:17). It exposes the futility of an intellectual or purely emotional claim to love that remains inactive. The sincerity of love is proved by what it does, not merely what it says, demanding integrity between one's profession and one's practice. Examples of practical love include providing for the needy, comforting the afflicted, visiting the lonely, offering forgiveness, and demonstrating patience, all flowing from a sincere heart, truly reflecting the God who first loved us in deed and in truth.