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?

1 JOHN 3:17KJV
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1 John 3:17 (KJV)

What does 1 John 3:17 mean?

1 John 3:17 says that if someone has the means to help but ignores a fellow believer in need, it calls into question whether God’s love truly lives in that person. The verse challenges believers to show real compassion, not just claim to have love.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians, urging them to live out their faith in practical ways. The verse uses a strong image—“shutting up his bowels of compassion”—to describe withholding mercy or kindness. John’s point is that genuine love for God is seen in how believers treat others, especially those in need.

The Greek behind 1 John 3:17

  • "Bowels" (σπλάγχνα, splanchna): In Greek, this word refers to the inner organs, but it was often used to mean deep feelings or compassion. The phrase “shutteth up his bowels” means closing off one’s deepest feelings of mercy, not just ignoring with the mind but hardening the heart.
  • "World's good" (βίος, bios): This word means the resources or means needed for life—food, money, or possessions. The verse is talking about practical, everyday help, not just spiritual encouragement.
  • "Dwell" (μένω, menō): The word for “dwelleth” means to remain or abide. John is asking how God’s love can truly remain in someone who refuses to help a brother or sister in need.

Why 1 John 3:17 matters

  • 1 John 3:17 clarifies that love for God is not just a feeling or belief but is shown through concrete actions toward others, especially those in need.
  • The verse pushes back against the idea that faith can be separated from daily life; John insists that true faith is visible in how believers use their resources.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of 1 John, which emphasizes that love for others is a key sign of genuine relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“good” Greek G979 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
  • Luke 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
  • 1 Timothy 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

“bowels” Greek G4698 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
  • 2 Corinthians 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
  • Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

“up” Greek G2808 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

“need” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 19:34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
  • Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.