1 John 5 3

1 John 5:3 kjv

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

1 John 5:3 nkjv

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

1 John 5:3 niv

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

1 John 5:3 esv

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

1 John 5:3 nlt

Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.

1 John 5 verses

1 John 5 3 Meaning

This verse clarifies and defines true love for God, stating that it is intrinsically demonstrated and realized by obeying His commandments. Far from being oppressive or difficult, God's commandments are presented as light and not burdensome for those who genuinely love Him, enabled by His Spirit.

1 John 5 3 Context

1 John 5:3 falls within the broader theological and ethical framework of 1 John, which strongly emphasizes the necessity of obedience and love as genuine proofs of fellowship with God. Chapters 4 and 5 focus on love and faith as intertwined expressions of being born of God. Specifically, 1 John 5:1-2 states that whoever believes Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and that true love for God naturally leads to love for fellow believers, which in turn involves keeping God's commandments. Verse 3 then serves as a direct expansion and definition, asserting that this very keeping of His commands is the expression of our love for God. This statement likely addresses potential misconceptions, perhaps influenced by proto-Gnostic tendencies, that might separate faith or spiritual insight from practical righteousness. John firmly establishes that true Christianity results in ethical living that adheres to God’s will, with an important note that such adherence is not burdensome due to God's nature and enablement.

1 John 5 3 Word analysis

• For this is: (Greek: kai hautē estin) This phrase links back to the preceding verse and idea (1 Jn 5:2) and acts as an emphatic declaration or definition. It points to what follows as the defining characteristic or nature of "the love of God."
• the love of God: (Greek: hē agapē tou theou) In this context, "the love of God" is best understood as an objective genitive, meaning our love for God. While God's love for us is a foundational theme in John's writings, here it describes how our love for Him is shown and characterized. It defines true devotion from the human perspective towards the Divine.
• that we keep: (Greek: hina tērōmen) The Greek word tērōmen implies an active, watchful, continuous observance. It's not just passive adherence or intellectual assent, but a conscious, careful guarding and following of commands as one would protect a treasure. The subjunctive mood indicates purpose or result – our love for God manifests in order that we might keep His commands.
• his commandments: (Greek: tas entolas autou) These are not the detailed ceremonial laws of the Old Testament in a legalistic sense, but rather the divine precepts and ethical injunctions revealed by God, particularly those given by Christ and through the apostles. These commands often center on love for God and neighbor, holiness, and righteous conduct (e.g., "love one another" is a frequent command in 1 John).
• and his commandments are not grievous: (Greek: kai hai entolai autou ou bareiai eisin)
  • are not: (Greek: ou) A strong negative, asserting a definite absence.
  • grievous: (Greek: bareiai) Literally meaning "heavy" or "burdensome," "oppressive," "hard to bear." This is a crucial statement distinguishing true, Spirit-empowered obedience from the heavy yoke of legalism or forced duty. The contrast implies that obedience done from love, empowered by God's Spirit, becomes light, bringing joy and freedom, rather than hardship. They are for our benefit and designed for human flourishing, not meant to crush the spirit.

1 John 5 3 Bonus section

The seemingly simple declaration that "his commandments are not grievous" implicitly speaks to several profound theological truths:

• Empowerment of the Holy Spirit: The reason God's commands are not grievous for believers is primarily due to the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables and empowers them to walk in obedience (Eze 36:27, Rom 8:4). This is the hallmark of the New Covenant where God's law is written on hearts.
• Christ's Atoning Work: The burden of sin, which makes all commandments appear grievous, is removed through Christ's work on the cross. True believers are freed from the condemnation and power of sin, making a willing and joyful obedience possible.
• God's Benevolent Nature: The commandments themselves reflect the character of God, who is love. Therefore, His commands are not arbitrary rules designed to restrict but loving guidelines designed for human flourishing, leading to true freedom and blessedness.
• Contrast with Legalism: This verse stands in stark contrast to the oppressive legalism often found in religious systems (cf. Mat 23:4), where man-made rules and interpretations become crushing burdens. John clarifies that God's own commands, lived out of love, are entirely different.
• Holistic Faith: The verse ties together love, faith (implied by previous verses), and obedience, underscoring that a genuine Christian walk is holistic, not compartmentalized. It's not enough to say one believes or loves; it must be manifested in one's actions, demonstrating integrity of faith.

1 John 5 3 Commentary

1 John 5:3 succinctly defines genuine love for God not as a mere sentiment or declaration, but as an active commitment demonstrated through obedience to His commands. This obedience is not presented as an optional addition or a difficult chore, but as the natural and logical expression of a heart that truly loves God. The declaration that "his commandments are not grievous" offers profound comfort and liberation. In contrast to burdensome legal systems or the oppressive weight of sin, God's divine instructions, when embraced by a heart transformed by His Spirit, are experienced as light and liberating. This is because His commands are given out of His love for us, designed for our good, and enabled by His empowering grace, making them a pathway to true life and joy rather than a heavy burden. It highlights that the life of obedience flows out of a transformed heart, where God's will is no longer an external obligation but an internal delight.

For instance, loving our neighbor (a commandment) when truly done from God's love within us, feels less like a burden and more like a joyful expression of our new nature in Christ, fostering peace and deeper connection rather than resentment.