For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

1 JOHN 5:3KJV
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1 John 5:3 (KJV)

What does 1 John 5:3 mean?

1 John 5:3 says that loving God means keeping His commandments, and that these commandments are not a heavy burden. The verse connects love for God directly to following what He asks, while also reassuring that what God asks is not meant to be harsh or overwhelming.

The apostle John is writing to early Christian believers, encouraging them to see obedience to God as a natural expression of genuine love. In the context of this letter, John is emphasizing that faith and love go hand in hand, and that God’s instructions are given for their good, not to weigh them down.

The Greek behind 1 John 5:3

  • The word for "commandments" is ἐντολαί (entolai), which refers to specific instructions or orders. John is not talking about vague ideals, but about concrete things God has asked His people to do.
  • The word translated "grievous" is βαρύς (barus), meaning heavy or burdensome. John is making it clear that God’s commands are not meant to crush or exhaust those who follow Him, but are reasonable and possible to keep.

Why 1 John 5:3 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that loving God is just a feeling; John ties love to practical action, specifically obedience.
  • By saying God’s commandments are not burdensome, John reassures believers who might feel overwhelmed, showing that God’s expectations are not meant to be oppressive.
  • The verse fits into John’s larger message that faith, love, and obedience are all connected in the Christian life, and none of them stand alone.

Where else these words appear

“grievous” Greek G926 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
  • Acts 25:7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
  • Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

“keep” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
  • 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

“love” Greek G26 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.
  • 1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.