1 John 3:17 bbe — But if a man has this world's goods, and sees that his brother is in need, and keeps his heart shut against his brother…

Bible in Basic English

"But if a man has this world's goods, and sees that his brother is in need, and keeps his heart shut against his brother, how is it possible for the love of God to be in him?"

— 1 John 3:17, Bible in Basic English

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1 John 3:17 in Other Translations

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KJV
“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?”
King James Version · Read this chapter in KJV

1 John 3 — Context

We are conscious that we have come out of death into life because of our love for the brothers. He who has no love is still in death.

Anyone who has hate for his brother is a taker of life, and you may be certain that no taker of life has eternal life in him.

In this we see what love is, because he gave his life for us; and it is right for us to give our lives for the brothers.

But if a man has this world's goods, and sees that his brother is in need, and keeps his heart shut against his brother, how is it possible for the love of God to be in him?

My little children, do not let our love be in word and in tongue, but let it be in act and in good faith.

In this way we may be certain that we are true, and may give our heart comfort before him,

When our heart says that we have done wrong; because God is greater than our heart, and has knowledge of all things.

1 John 3:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions

What does 1 John 3:17 say?

1 John 3:17 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “But if a man has this world's goods, and sees that his brother is in need, and keeps his heart shut against his brother, how is it possible for the love of God to be in him?”

Where is 1 John 3:17 in the Bible?

1 John 3:17 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 John, chapter 3, verse 17.

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 3:17.

What translation should I read 1 John 3:17 in?

1 John 3:17 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 3:17?

1 John 3:17 reads (BBE): “But if a man has this world's goods, and sees that his brother is in need, and keeps his heart shut against his brother, how is it possible for the love of God to be in him?” 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.

1 John 3:17 bbe — But if a man has this world's goods, and sees that his brother is in need, and keeps his heart shut against his brother…

Read in Another Translation

1 John 3:17 in Other Translations

1 John 3 — Context

1 John 3:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

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