1 John 3:17

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?

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The apostle John addresses believers to confront the disconnect between professed faith and practical care. He writes to establish that genuine divine love must manifest in tangible provision for fellow believers.

The words — The Greek ἔχῃ τὸν βίον τοῦ κόσμου (echē ton bion tou kosmou) literally means "may have the goods of the world." This genitive construction specifies the source and nature of the material resources in question.

The thread — The text links material sharing to divine approval in Hebrews 13:16 and Isaiah 58:7, while echoing Deuteronomy 15:7’s prohibition against hardening one’s heart to a brother’s poverty.

Why it lands — The verse demands that readers evaluate their actual provision for needy believers as the proof of indwelling divine love. It requires immediate, practical action rather than mere verbal sympathy.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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?

Cross-references

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 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?
Deuteronomy 15:7 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.