That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

1 JOHN 1:3KJV
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1 John 1:3 (KJV)

What does 1 John 1:3 mean?

1 John 1:3 says that the writer and others are sharing what they have personally seen and heard about Jesus so that the readers can share in the same close relationship (“fellowship”) with them—a relationship that is truly with God the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. The verse emphasizes that this message is meant to bring people together in a shared spiritual connection.

The apostle John is writing to a community of believers, explaining that his testimony is based on firsthand experience. John wants his readers to know that the fellowship he offers is not just with himself or other believers, but is rooted in a real, living relationship with God and Jesus. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the letter, showing that Christian community is built on shared faith in what the apostles witnessed.

The Greek behind 1 John 1:3

  • κοινωνία (koinōnia, G2842): This word is translated as “fellowship” and carries the idea of close partnership, sharing, or participation. In this verse, it highlights that the relationship being offered is not just social, but a deep, spiritual sharing with both the apostles and with God.
  • ὃ (ho, G3739): Translated as “that which,” this word points back to the things John and others have “seen” (ἑωράκαμεν, G3708) and “heard” (ἀκηκόαμεν, G191). It stresses that the message is based on real experiences, not just ideas or rumors.
  • μετὰ (meta, G3326): This preposition means “with” and is used here to show the closeness of the fellowship—both among believers and with God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Why 1 John 1:3 matters

  • 1 John 1:3 clarifies that Christian faith is grounded in real events witnessed by the apostles, not just spiritual ideas or philosophy.
  • The verse emphasizes that true Christian community is based on a shared relationship with God and Jesus, not just human friendship or association.
  • This verse connects the readers directly to the apostolic witness, showing that anyone who believes their message is included in the same fellowship with God.

Where else these words appear

“our” Greek G2251 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
  • Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
  • 2 Timothy 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

“fellowship” Greek G2842 · used in 18 verses

  • Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
  • Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

“we” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

“seen” Greek G3708 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
  • Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.