But the one who loves God
This phrase emphasizes the importance of love for God as a defining characteristic of a believer. In the context of 1 Corinthians 8, Paul addresses the issue of eating food offered to idols, highlighting that knowledge alone can lead to pride, but love builds up the community. Loving God is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38) and is foundational to Christian life. It reflects the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:5, which calls for wholehearted devotion to God. This love is not merely emotional but involves obedience and commitment (John 14:15).

is known by God
Being "known by God" signifies a deep, personal relationship with the Creator. This knowledge is not just intellectual but relational, indicating God's intimate awareness and acknowledgment of those who love Him. In biblical terms, to be known by God is to be chosen and cherished (Galatians 4:9). This echoes the covenant relationship seen throughout Scripture, where God knows His people and they are His (Jeremiah 1:5). It also reflects the assurance of salvation and eternal life, as seen in Jesus' words in John 10:14, where He describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diverse culture and significant moral challenges.

2. The Corinthian Church
A community of believers in Corinth, struggling with issues of idolatry, immorality, and divisions within the church.

3. God
The central figure in this verse, emphasizing the relationship between God and those who love Him.

4. Believers
Those who love God and are known by Him, highlighting the personal relationship between God and His followers.The Importance of Love for God
Loving God is not just an emotional response but a commitment that reflects our relationship with Him. It is the foundation of being known by God.

Being Known by God
To be known by God is a profound truth that signifies acceptance and intimacy. It is not merely about intellectual knowledge but a deep, personal relationship.

The Transformative Power of Love
Love for God transforms our lives, guiding our actions and decisions. It aligns our hearts with His will and purposes.

The Assurance of Relationship
This verse assures believers of their secure relationship with God. It is a reminder that our identity is rooted in being known by Him.

Living Out Our Love for God
Our love for God should be evident in our daily lives, influencing how we interact with others and how we prioritize our time and resources.(3) If any man love God.--This explains the nature of the love which edifies. Love to God, and therefore love to man, builds up the whole Christian communion. The man gets outside the mere selfish thought of his own indulgence in his liberty. There is the under-thought in these words ("the same is known of Him") of the identity between knowing God and being known of Him. The latter is the source of the former. Like water rising to its own level, the love and the knowledge rise as high as their source.

Verse 3. - If any man love God, the same is known of him. We should have expected the sentence to end "the same knows him." St. Paul purposely alters the symmetry of the phrase. He did not wish to use any terms which would foster the already overgrown conceit of knowledge which was inflating the minds of his Corinthian converts. Further than this, he felt that "God knoweth them that are his" (2 Timothy 3:19), but that, since we are finite and God is infinite, we cannot measure the arm of God by the finger of man. Hence, although it is quite true that "Every one that loveth is begotten of God and knoweth God" (1 John 4:7), yet in writing to those whose love was very imperfect, St. Paul deliberately chooses the passive form of expression as in Galatians 4:9, "Now that ye have known God or are rather known of God."

Parallel Commentaries ...


But
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the one who
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

loves
ἀγαπᾷ (agapa)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 25: To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.

God
Θεόν (Theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

is known
ἔγνωσται (egnōstai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

by
ὑπ’ (hyp’)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

[God].
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 8:3 But if anyone loves God the same (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)