1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we. Literally, “in this we have known” (cf. on chs. 2:3; 3:10). Although a knowledge of the love of God comes with special force at conversion, the Christian’s understanding of that love continues to grow deeper with the passing years.

The love of God. Literally, “the love,” there being here no words for “of God” in the Greek. There is no need for further description of “the love,” since Christ’s sacrifice has revealed the divine source of all genuine love.

Laid down. See John 10:11, 17, 18.

Life. Greek psuchē (see on Matt. 10:28).

For us. He, the acknowledged King of the universe, on behalf of miserable sinners, laid down His own inestimably precious life. Through eternity God’s act of giving His son (John 3:16) will continue to teach us more and more of the depths of infinite love (MH 466).

We. The pronoun is emphatic in the Greek.

Ought. Greek opheilō (see on ch. 2:6). We who have been redeemed by the Saviour’s sacrifice have a moral obligation to be ready to follow His example even to laying down our lives.

For the brethren. Or, “on behalf of the brethren.” John is encouraging his readers to foster love that will make the supreme sacrifice when necessary (John 13:37; 15:13). Christ had gone much further: those for whom He died were not then “brethren,” but enemies (see on Rom. 5:8).