1 John 4:18

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — John addresses believers regarding their standing before God, explaining how divine love shapes their response to judgment.

The words — φόβος (phobos) denotes fear, while ἀγάπῃ (agapē) denotes love; the text states that perfect love actively expels fear because fear inherently anticipates punishment.

The thread — The contrast between fear and love appears in 2 Timothy 1:7, where God gives a spirit of power, love, and self-control rather than fear, and in Romans 8:15, which notes believers received a Spirit of adoption rather than a spirit of slavery that leads to fear. This theme connects to 1 John 4:12 and 4:17, which link perfected love with confidence before God.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to examine whetherI have to answer now.

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

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.

Cross-references

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 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.
Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.
Psalms 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.
Psalms 88:15 From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair.