Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

1 JOHN 4:17KJV
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1 John 4:17 (KJV)

What does 1 John 4:17 mean?

1 John 4:17 says that love reaches its full strength in believers, giving them confidence for the day when God judges everyone, because in this world, believers live in a way that reflects Jesus. The verse connects the idea of perfected love with boldness, showing that being like Jesus now prepares believers for the future.

The apostle John writes this letter to early Christians, encouraging them to recognize the reality of God’s love in their lives. In this verse, John explains that when love is “made perfect,” it gives believers a sense of assurance, especially when thinking about God’s final judgment. The verse’s focus is on the present reality—believers are already meant to live like Jesus in the world, which is the basis for their confidence.

The Greek behind 1 John 4:17

  • ἀγάπη (agapē, G26): This word for “love” points to a self-giving, committed kind of love, not just a feeling. The verse stresses that this kind of love, when completed or matured, is what gives confidence.
  • τελειόω (teleioō, G5048): Translated as “made perfect,” this verb means to bring something to its intended goal or full maturity. Here, it means that love reaches its full effect in the lives of believers.
  • παρρησία (parrēsia, G3954): The word for “boldness” or “confidence” often means open, fearless speech or assurance. In this context, it refers to the freedom from fear believers can have when facing God’s judgment.
  • καθὼς (kathōs, G2531): Translated as “as,” this word draws a direct comparison between Jesus (“he is”) and believers (“so are we”). The verse emphasizes that believers’ lives are meant to mirror Jesus’ character in the present world.

Why 1 John 4:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that confidence before God is not based on personal achievement, but on the maturing of God’s love in a person’s life.
  • It highlights that the “day of judgment” is not something believers need to fear if they are living out the kind of love Jesus showed.
  • The verse ties together the themes of love and Christlikeness, showing that the way believers live now—reflecting Jesus—matters for their future standing before God.

Where else these words appear

“perfect” Greek G5048 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
  • Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
  • Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

“boldness” Greek G3954 · used in 31 verses

  • Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
  • Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
  • Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

“judgment” Greek G2920 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Luke 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

“are” Greek G2070 · used in 51 verses

  • Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
  • Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
  • Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.