Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? New Living Translation If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? English Standard Version But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Berean Standard Bible 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? Berean Literal Bible 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? King James Bible 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? New King James Version But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? New American Standard Bible But whoever has worldly goods and sees his brother or sister in need, and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God remain in him? NASB 1995 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? NASB 1977 But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Legacy Standard Bible But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Amplified Bible But whoever has the world’s goods (adequate resources), and sees his brother in need, but has no compassion for him, how does the love of God live in him? Berean Annotated Bible If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love {agapē} of God {Theou} abide in him? Christian Standard Bible If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s love reside in him? Holman Christian Standard Bible If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need—how can God’s love reside in him? American Standard Version But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? Contemporary English Version If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God. English Revised Version But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? GOD'S WORD® Translation Now, suppose a person has enough to live on and notices another believer in need. How can God's love be in that person if he doesn't bother to help the other believer? Good News Translation If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? International Standard Version Whoever has earthly possessions and notices a brother in need and yet withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God be present in him? NET Bible But whoever has the world's possessions and sees his fellow Christian in need and shuts off his compassion against him, how can the love of God reside in such a person? New Heart English Bible But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him? Webster's Bible Translation But he who 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? Weymouth New Testament But if any one has this world's wealth and sees that his brother man is in need, and yet hardens his heart against him--how can such a one continue to love God? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? World English Bible But whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, then closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him? Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand whoever may have the goods of the world, and may view his brother having need, and may shut up his yearnings from him—how does the love of God remain in him? Berean Literal Bible 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? Young's Literal Translation and whoever may have the goods of the world, and may view his brother having need, and may shut up his bowels from him -- how doth the love of God remain in him? Smith's Literal Translation And whoever has the life of the world, and sees his brother having need, and should shut up his bowels from him, how remains the love of God in him? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that hath the substance of this world, and shall see his brother in need, and shall shut up his bowels from him: how doth the charity of God abide in him? Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever possesses the goods of this world, and sees his brother to be in need, and yet closes his heart to him: in what way does the love of God abide in him? New American Bible If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? New Revised Standard Version How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhoever has worldly goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts his mercy from him, how can the love of God dwell in him? Aramaic Bible in Plain English Whoever has worldly possessions and sees his brother who has a need and withholds his compassion from him, how is the love of God in him? NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother have need, and shuts his heart against him, how dwells the love of God in him? Godbey New Testament Whosoever may have the sustenance of the world, and see his brother having need, and shut up his sympathies from him, how dwells the divine love of God in him? Haweis New Testament But whosoever hath worldly abundance, and seeth his brother under necessity, and shutteth his bowels of compassion against him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? Mace New Testament he that possesses the enjoyments of life, and seeing his brother in want, has no compassion for him, how can he be said to have any divine love? Weymouth New Testament But if any one has this world's wealth and sees that his brother man is in need, and yet hardens his heart against him--how can such a one continue to love God? Worrell New Testament But whosoever possesses the goods of the world, and beholds his brother having need, and shuts up his compassion from him, how does the love of God abide in him? Worsley New Testament But if any one, who hath the good things of the world, seeth his brother in want, and shutteth up his bowels from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Love One Another…16By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 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? 18Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.… Cross References If anyone with earthly possessions 1 Timothy 6:17-19 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. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. James 5:1-3 Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. sees his brother in need, James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? Deuteronomy 15:7-8 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. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. but withholds his compassion from him, Deuteronomy 15:9-11 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. / Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. / For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land. Proverbs 21:13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. Proverbs 28:27 Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. how can the love of God abide in him? 1 John 4:11-12 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. / No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:20-21 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. / And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well. 1 Corinthians 13:3 If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? … Luke 3:11 John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.” Proverbs 19:17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. Treasury of Scripture But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? whoso. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: … Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Isaiah 58:7-10 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? … shutteth. Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. how. 1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. Jump to Previous Abide Beholdeth Bowels Closes Compassion Dwelleth God's Good Goods Hardens Heart Keeps Love Material Need Possessions Shutteth Wealth World'sJump to Next Abide Beholdeth Bowels Closes Compassion Dwelleth God's Good Goods Hardens Heart Keeps Love Material Need Possessions Shutteth Wealth World's1 John 3 1. He declares the singular love of God toward us, in making us his sons;3. who therefore ought obediently to keep his commandments; 11. as also to love one another as brothers. If anyone with earthly possessions This phrase highlights the concept of material wealth and resources. In the biblical context, earthly possessions refer to tangible assets such as money, property, and goods. The Bible often addresses the responsibility that comes with wealth, emphasizing stewardship and generosity. In the Old Testament, the Law provided for the care of the poor through practices like gleaning (Leviticus 19:9-10) and the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25). Jesus also taught about the dangers of wealth, warning that it can become an idol (Matthew 6:24) and urging His followers to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). sees his brother in need but withholds his compassion from him how can the love of God abide in him? Persons / Places / Events 1. John the ApostleThe author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth in his writings. 2. Early Christian Community The audience of John's letter, likely composed of believers facing challenges in living out their faith in a tangible way amidst societal pressures. 3. Brother in Need Represents fellow believers or anyone within the community who is experiencing material or emotional lack. Teaching Points The Test of Genuine LoveTrue Christian love is demonstrated through action, not just words. If we claim to have God's love, it should manifest in our willingness to help those in need. The Role of Earthly Possessions Earthly possessions are tools given by God to be used for His glory and the benefit of others. We are stewards, not owners, of what we have. Compassion as a Reflection of God's Love Withholding compassion from those in need questions the authenticity of God's love in us. Our compassion should mirror the selfless love of Christ. The Community of Believers The early church was characterized by sharing and meeting each other's needs. This model serves as a blueprint for how modern believers should care for one another. The Heart of Generosity Generosity is not just about the act of giving but the heart behind it. A heart transformed by God's love will naturally overflow with generosity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 John 3:17?2. How does 1 John 3:17 challenge us to show love through actions? 3. What does "sees his brother in need" imply about Christian responsibility? 4. How can we ensure God's love "abides in" us, according to 1 John 3:17? 5. How does 1 John 3:17 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 25:35-40? 6. What practical steps can we take to help those in need around us? 7. How does 1 John 3:17 challenge our understanding of Christian love and generosity? 8. What does 1 John 3:17 reveal about the relationship between faith and material possessions? 9. How does 1 John 3:17 address the issue of wealth inequality among believers? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 3? 11. Is the love of the Father absent in him? 12. How should we treat the poor among us? 13. How can we show compassion to others daily? 14. To whom should I donate? What Does 1 John 3:17 Mean If anyone with earthly possessions• John begins by addressing believers who actually possess material goods—homes, clothing, savings, tools, time, skills. This is not hypothetical; it speaks to anyone who has “earthly possessions” right now (cf. 1 Timothy 6:17-18, Proverbs 3:9). • Scripture never condemns ownership itself, yet it always ties ownership to stewardship. The God who “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17) also commands us to “be ready to share.” Acts 4:34-35 shows early Christians doing exactly that. • The phrase reminds us that every resource in our hands ultimately belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1). Holding those goods loosely is a sign that we know we are merely managers, not masters. sees his brother in need • The verb “sees” highlights personal awareness. Need is not abstract—it becomes our responsibility when we notice it (Luke 10:33-34). • “Brother” first points to fellow believers (Galatians 6:10), though love naturally spills over to all people. John assumes a covenant family where members recognize and respond to one another’s burdens (Acts 2:44-45). • “Need” covers food, shelter, medical costs, unpaid bills, even emotional support (Matthew 25:35-40). Seeing a need obligates us to consider how the Lord would have us meet it. but withholds his compassion from him • Compassion is more than sentiment. It is love moving the will to act, as when Jesus “was moved with compassion” and fed the crowd (Mark 8:2-3). • To “withhold” is to shut the door on mercy, the very opposite of God’s heart (Isaiah 58:6-7). James 2:15-16 warns against dismissing needs with mere words. • Excuses can sound pious—“I’m praying for you” or “Someone else will help”—yet Proverbs 28:27 states plainly, “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” how can the love of God abide in him? • John’s question expects a negative answer. Genuine love for God inevitably produces love for people (1 John 4:20-21). If tangible mercy is absent, the profession of faith rings hollow. • Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). That love is not theoretical; it mirrors Christ, who “though He was rich…became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). • The issue is not earning salvation but evidencing it. When the Holy Spirit indwells a heart, generosity follows as proof that “the love of God has been poured out within our hearts” (Romans 5:5). summary 1 John 3:17 measures love by action. Possessions are God-given trusts; seeing a brother’s need is a call to stewardship; withholding compassion exposes a disconnect between profession and practice. Where the love of God truly abides, open eyes, open hearts, and open hands naturally flow. Verse 17. - "But δέ if a man not only fails to do this, but even steadily contemplates θεωρῇ another's distress, and forthwith (aorist, κλείσῃ closes his heart against him, although he has the means of relieving him, how can he have any love for God?" The meaning is not, "How can God love him?" as is plain from 1 John 4:20. But possibly "love such as God has shown towards us" may be meant (1 John 4:10). "The world's goods" τὸν βίον τοῦ κόσμου is literally "the world's means of life" (see on 1 John 2:16, and Trench on 'New Testament Synonyms,' for the difference between βίος and ζώη. (For τὰ σπλάγχνα as the seat of the affections, comp. Luke 1:78; 2 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 7:15; Philippians 1:8; Philippians 2:1; Philemon 1:7, 12.) The ἀπ αὐτοῦ is graphic; closes his heart and turns away from him (1 John 2:28).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Ifἂν (an) Particle Strong's 302: A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty. anyone ὃς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. with ἔχῃ (echē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. earthly κόσμου (kosmou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). possessions βίον (bion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 979: A primary word; life, i.e. the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood. sees θεωρῇ (theōrē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2334: From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge). his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. brother ἀδελφὸν (adelphon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. [in] ἔχοντα (echonta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. need, χρείαν (chreian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5532: From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution. [but] καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. withholds κλείσῃ (kleisē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2808: To shut, shut up. A primary verb; to close. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. compassion σπλάγχνα (splanchna) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 4698: Probably strengthened from splen; an intestine; figuratively, pity or sympathy. from ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. him, αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. how πῶς (pōs) Adverb Strong's 4459: Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much! {can} the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. love ἀγάπη (agapē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. of God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. abide μένει (menei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. him? αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Links 1 John 3:17 NIV1 John 3:17 NLT 1 John 3:17 ESV 1 John 3:17 NASB 1 John 3:17 KJV 1 John 3:17 BibleApps.com 1 John 3:17 Biblia Paralela 1 John 3:17 Chinese Bible 1 John 3:17 French Bible 1 John 3:17 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world's goods (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) |
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