1 John 3:16 asv — Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

American Standard Version

"Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. "

— 1 John 3:16, American Standard Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 John 3:16 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 John 3 — Context

13

Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you.

14

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death.

15

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

16

Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17

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?

18

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

19

Hereby shall we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before him:

1 John 3:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 John 3:16 say?
1 John 3:16 in the American Standard Version reads: “Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ”
Where is 1 John 3:16 in the Bible?
1 John 3:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 John, chapter 3, verse 16.
Who wrote 1 John?
1 John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of 1 John about?
John writes to help believers know they have eternal life. Three tests run through the letter: do you walk in the light, love one another, and confess that Jesus is the Christ come in the flesh? Where these are present, assurance follows.
What are the major themes of 1 John?
1 John explores themes including Assurance, Love, Light, Truth vs. Error, Eternal Life. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 John 3:16.
What translation should I read 1 John 3:16 in?
1 John 3:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 John 3:16?
1 John 3:16 reads (ASV): “Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2