4:9a

This: (Pronoun Reference) The word This refers forward to 4:9b, God’s sending his Son into the world.

among us: (Alternative Interpretations) There are two interpretations of the meaning of the Greek phrase used here:

(1) It probably indicates to whom God revealed his love, so the clause means, “God revealed/demonstrated to us his love (for people).” (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), New English Bible, Revised Standard Version)

(2) Some think it indicates who God loves. So the clause would then mean, “God showed that he loves us.” (Good News Translation, The Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, Living Bible)

4:9b

one and only: (Alternative Interpretations) There are two opinions about the meaning of the Greek word used here:

(1) Almost certainly it means “unique, the only one who exists.” (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, The Jerusalem Bible, New English Bible, Revised Standard Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English, Living Bible)

(2) A few people think it means “the only one who was born.” (New International Version (2011 Revision) margin, King James Version)

4:9c

we might live through Him: (Meaning) John means that Christ has caused us to be truly alive, he has given us eternal life.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.