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52 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Bible Verses About Love

What does the Bible say about love?

The Bible says love comes from God, because God is love (1 John 4:8). He showed it by giving His Son (John 3:16). Jesus said the greatest commands are to love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39), and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 shows what that love looks like: patient, kind and never failing.

  1. Love is patient, love is kind: 1 Corinthians 13
  2. God's love for us
  3. Love one another

Bible verses about love: Love is patient, love is kind — 1 Corinthians 13

The best-known words on love in the Bible, often called the love chapter.

4 verses

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV
King James Version

4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Read at weddings as a picture of romantic and married love, and used as a checklist for being a patient, kind, loving person.

First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church at Corinth, which was split into parties and proud of its spiritual gifts. Chapter 12 is about the gifts in one body, and 13:1-3 says that tongues, prophecy, faith and even giving your body to be burned are worth nothing without love; 14:1 goes on: "Pursue love."

The early Christians: Clement of Rome, writing to the same Corinthian church about its split, says love joins us to God, covers sins and "allows no schisms." John Chrysostom reads "suffers long" as bearing with people who wrong us, and Clement of Alexandria calls this love the "more excellent way" that leads to salvation, by which even a sinner can, with repentance, fight back against his sins.

“Love unites us to God. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love bears all things, is long-suffering in all things. There is nothing base, nothing arrogant in love. Love allows no schisms; love gives rise to no seditions; love does all things in harmony.” Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians

“If anyone takes this into his soul — even if he was born in sins, even if he has done many forbidden things — he can, by increasing love and taking on a pure repentance, fight back against his trespasses.” Clement of Alexandria, Who Is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?

The difference: Today this passage is mostly read as a description of romance or marriage. The early Christians read it as the love church members owe each other and their enemies, love that keeps the church from splitting and, joined with repentance, is part of how we are saved.

1 Corinthians 13:13

KJV
King James Version

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.

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How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Read at weddings and used to rank the three virtues; evangelicals often teach that faith is what saves and love is the fruit that follows.

First spoken: Paul writes to a quarrelling church proud of its gifts. Chapter 13 says gifts, faith and sacrifice are nothing without love (13:1-3), that love never fails while prophecy and tongues pass away (13:8), and chapter 14 begins: pursue love.

The early Christians: Irenaeus quotes the verse and says that without love knowledge, faith and prophecy are empty, that love makes a man perfect, and that the commandments to love are ones without which salvation cannot be achieved. Chrysostom says that without love even miracles and dangers borne for the faith bring no profit.

“Similarly, Paul declares, "Love is the fulfillment of the law," and he states that when all other things are gone, "faith, hope, and love" will remain, and the greatest of these is love. He emphasizes that without the love of God, neither knowledge, the understanding of mysteries, faith, nor prophecy is beneficial, and without love, all are empty and meaningless. Moreover, love makes a person perfect, and he who loves God is perfect both in this world and in the one to come.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 4

“The precepts for a perfect life, being the same in both Testaments, reveal the same God, who has certainly given specific laws suited for each; yet the most important and greatest commandments, without which salvation cannot be achieved, He has urged us to follow in both.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 4

The difference: Today the verse is mostly a line about the three virtues, with faith as the part that saves. Irenaeus reads love as something salvation depends on: the commands to love God and neighbor cannot be skipped, and faith without love is empty.

1 Corinthians 13:8

KJV
King James Version

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed.

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1 Corinthians 13:1-3

KJV
King James Version

1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.

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Bible verses about love: God's love for us

Verses for anyone who wonders whether God really loves them.

12 verses

John 3:16

KJV
King James Version

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as the whole gospel in one verse: anyone who believes in Jesus receives eternal life as a free gift, by faith and not by works, and many teach that this life, once received, can never be lost.

First spoken: Jesus said this to Nicodemus, a Jewish teacher who came to Him at night (John 3:1-21). A few lines earlier Jesus told him, "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5), and in verse 21 He speaks of the one who "does the truth."

The early Christians: Chrysostom reads the verse as God's great love in giving His only Son for ungrateful sinners, which Protestants also teach. But he says believing is not enough without a right life, and Justin Martyr shows that those who believed also promised to live by Christ's teaching and were then baptized, the new birth of John 3:5, as Tertullian and Chrysostom also taught.

“Even if a person believes rightly about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, if he does not live rightly, his faith will be of no help toward his salvation. Therefore, when He says, "This is life eternal, that they may know You the only true God" in John 17:3, let us not think that the knowledge spoken of is enough for our salvation. Besides this, we also need a very careful life and conduct.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

“All who are convinced and believe that what we teach and say is true, and commit to living accordingly, are instructed to pray and ask God for the remission of their past sins with fasting, while we pray and fast with them. Then, they are brought by us to water and are regenerated in the same way we were.” Justin Martyr, First Apology

The difference: Both readings see God's huge love in giving His Son. But today "believes" is often taken to mean trusting Christ apart from works or baptism; the early Christians read it as a faith that is baptized ("born of water and the Spirit," John 3:5) and goes on living rightly, and Chrysostom says faith alone is not enough.

Romans 5:8

KJV
King James Version

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used to show that God loved us before we did anything good: while we were still sinners, Christ died in our place to pay for our sins.

First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Rome. Verse 5 says God's love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, and verses 9-10 go on: having been reconciled by His death, "we shall be saved by His life."

The early Christians: Chrysostom and the Epistle to Diognetus read this verse just as evangelicals do: Christ died for us while we were sinners and enemies, the holy One for the wicked, which shows God's great love. Diognetus goes on to say that whoever knows this love should love Him back and imitate His kindness, and Chrysostom says that forgiveness is given freely in baptism.

“If no one would quickly choose to die even for a righteous person, then think about your Master's love. He was crucified not for righteous people, but for sinners and enemies.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

“He Himself took on the burden of our iniquities, giving His own Son as a ransom for us—the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for those who are mortal.” Mathetes, Epistle to Diognetus

Where they agree: Both readings agree: God showed His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners and enemies, before we had done anything good. The Epistle to Diognetus even calls it a "sweet exchange," the holy One given as a ransom for the wicked.

Romans 8:38-39

KJV
King James Version

38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach eternal security ("once saved, always saved"): once a person is truly saved, nothing at all, not even their own later sins or choices, can separate them from God's love or take away their salvation.

First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Rome. Verses 35-37 list what he means: trouble, persecution, hunger, the sword, being "killed all day long" for Christ. The verse lists outside powers (death, life, angels, rulers, anything created) and says none of them can tear us away.

The early Christians: Chrysostom reads it as Paul's burning love for Christ that no outside power could break, and he says Paul still feared one thing: falling away from that love himself. Cyprian warns that even a confessor who suffered for Christ can trade his first faith for later unbelief, and Clement of Alexandria reads the verse as nothing outside us can defeat the faith of one who keeps choosing God.

“For he loved Christ not for the things of Christ, but for Christ's own sake; and because of Him he loved the things that were His. He looked to Him alone, and he feared one thing only: falling away from his love for Him. For this was in itself more dreadful than hell, just as remaining in that love was more desirable than the kingdom of heaven.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

“But if anyone afterward is blameworthy and guilty, if he has wasted his confession by evil conduct, if he has stained his life by shameful filth, if at last, leaving the Church in which he became a confessor and breaking the harmony of unity, he has exchanged his first faith for later unbelief, he must not flatter himself because of his confession as though he were chosen for the reward of glory, when by this very thing he has become more deserving of punishment.” Cyprian, On the Unity of the Church

The difference: Today this verse is used to teach that a saved person can never fall away. The early Christians read it as a promise that no outside power can tear us from Christ, but they taught that a believer can still fall away by his own choice, and Chrysostom says this was the one thing Paul feared.

1 John 4:9-10

KJV
King James Version

9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

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1 John 4:16

KJV
King James Version

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

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How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach that love is God's very nature, so He loves us not because of anything we are or do; in popular use it often becomes a promise that God loves and accepts me unconditionally, just as I am.

First spoken: John wrote to churches troubled by false teachers, giving tests of who truly knows God. Right after this verse he says that whoever says he loves God but hates his brother is a liar (4:20-21), and that the love of God is to keep His commandments (5:3).

The early Christians: Clement of Alexandria says "God is love" shows that God is kind and merciful and makes people righteous as the soul grows in love. Cyprian quotes the verse to say that "abiding in love" means keeping Christ's commands and the unity of the Church, and that those who break that unity cannot abide in God.

“But what unity does he keep, what love does he maintain or think about, who, made savage by the madness of discord, divides the Church, destroys the faith, disturbs the peace, scatters charity, and profanes the sacrament?” Cyprian, On the Unity of the Church

“There is need of righteousness, so that a person may be approved by God the Judge. We must obey His commands and warnings, so that our merits may receive their reward.” Cyprian, On the Unity of the Church

The difference: Today this verse is often used to say that God loves and accepts us unconditionally, just as we are. The early Christians agreed God is love and kind to all, but read "he who abides in love abides in God" as a test: Cyprian says those who break the Church's unity and do not keep Christ's commands do not abide in God.

1 John 3:1

KJV
King James Version

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.

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Jeremiah 31:3

KJV
King James Version

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.

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Ephesians 2:4-5

KJV
King James Version

4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!

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Zephaniah 3:17

KJV
King James Version

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”

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Deuteronomy 7:9

KJV
King James Version

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

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John 15:9

KJV
King James Version

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love.

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Galatians 2:20

KJV
King James Version

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

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Bible verses about love: Love one another

Jesus said people would know His disciples by their love for each other.

18 verses

John 13:34-35

KJV
King James Version

34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

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How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used to teach that love among believers is the mark of a disciple and a witness to the world.

First spoken: Said by Jesus to the eleven in the upper room on the night He was betrayed, right after Judas left. He then predicts Peter's denial and speaks of His going away.

The early Christians: John Chrysostom, in his Homilies on John, says Jesus gives them love to comfort them, and that the world is turned away from the gospel when Christians have no love. He says people are won by a good life more than by miracles, and notes that Christians are commanded to love even their enemies.

“Now He spoke this not only to them, but to all who would believe in Him. For even now, there is nothing else that causes the heathen to stumble except that there is no love.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

“And miracles do not attract the heathen so much as the way of life. And nothing causes a right life so much as love. For those who worked miracles they often even called deceivers. But they could have no hold upon a pure life. While then the message of the Gospel had not yet spread abroad, miracles were with good reason marveled at. But now men must become admired by their lives.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

Where they agree: Evangelicals and Chrysostom agree that love is the visible sign of a disciple. Chrysostom adds that this love must show in how we live, even toward enemies, and warns that Christians who do not live it will be punished.

1 Corinthians 16:14

KJV
King James Version

Let all your things be done with charity.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Do everything in love.

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How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used to teach that love should be the reason behind everything a Christian does, including correcting others, and that gifts and works are worth nothing without it.

First spoken: Paul ends the letter to the divided Corinthians with short orders: be alert, stand firm, act like men, be strong (16:13), and do all things in love (16:14).

The early Christians: Chrysostom says Paul aims this line at their quarrels and factions, calls love the bond of perfection, and says even rebuking, ruling and teaching must be done in love.

“"Let everything you do be done in love," as if they were divided by quarrels. And the first warning refers to the deceivers: "Watch, stand." The next refers to those who plot against us: "Act like men." The third refers to those who form factions and try to divide people: "Let everything you do be done in love." This love is the bond of perfection, and the root and fountain of all blessings.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Corinthians

“"Whether anyone rebukes," he says, "or rules or is ruled, or learns or teaches, let all be in love." For in fact, all the things that have been mentioned came from neglect of it. For if this had not been neglected, they would not have been puffed up. They would not have said, "I am of Paul," and, "I of Apollos." If this had existed, they would not have gone to law before heathens, or rather they would not have gone to law at all.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Corinthians

Where they agree: Both agree that love must be behind everything we do. Chrysostom adds the setting: Paul is correcting a church that was split by factions and lawsuits, so the verse is about unity as much as personal motive.

1 Peter 4:8

KJV
King James Version

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

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1 John 4:7-8

KJV
King James Version

7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

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How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach that God's nature is love and that He loves everyone without conditions, and that loving others shows you have been born again.

First spoken: John writes to churches shaken by teachers who left them (2:19). In verse 7 he tells believers to love one another, and in 3:17-18 he says that loving means helping a brother in need, in deed and truth. In 5:3 he adds that loving God means keeping His commands.

The early Christians: Chrysostom quotes 4:8 to say that a man who will not share his goods with the poor does not love and so does not know God. Clement of Alexandria says that God is love, and that love is shown by doing no harm to the neighbor and fulfilling the law.

“Do you fast every day? Those virgins did the same, but it helped them nothing. Do you pray? What of that? Prayer without almsgiving bears no fruit. Without it, all things are unclean and unprofitable. The better part of virtue is destroyed. “He that loves not his brother, it is said, knows not God.” 1 John 4:8 And how do you love him, when you do not even share with him these poor and worthless things?” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Second Timothy

“God, then, being good, is love, as it is said in 1 John 4:8, 16. His love does no harm to a neighbor, as Romans 13:10 says. It never injures and never takes revenge, but, in a word, does good to everyone according to the image of God. Love, then, is the fulfilling of the law, as Romans 13:10 says,” Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies)

The difference: Many today use the verse mostly for the comfort that God loves everyone, though they also say love for others shows new birth. The early Christians pressed the test hard: Chrysostom says a man who will not share with the poor does not know God, and that prayer and fasting without mercy bear no fruit; Clement says love fulfils the law and does good to everyone.

1 John 4:19

KJV
King James Version

We love him, because he first loved us.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

We love because He first loved us.

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How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used to teach that God's love always comes first and our love for Him is only a thankful answer to it, so a believer's love for God and for other Christians shows that he really belongs to Him.

First spoken: John writes to Christians that God is love (1 John 4:7-21). The very next verse says whoever claims to love God but hates his brother is a liar (4:20), and 4:21 says he who loves God must love his brother also.

The early Christians: Mathetes (Epistle to Diognetus) asks how you will love Him who first loved you, and says the answer is to imitate His kindness by carrying your neighbor's burdens. Chrysostom says Christ's love for ungrateful people should move us, yet we fail to feed and visit Him in the poor.

“Or, how will you love Him who has first so loved you? And if you love Him, you will be an imitator of His kindness.” Mathetes, Epistle to Diognetus

“Yet after such a display of love toward us, we hold back, and are not earnest in our love for Christ. He has sacrificed Himself for us. For Him we make no sacrifice. We neglect Him when He wants necessary food. Sick and naked, we do not visit Him.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Timothy

Where they agree: Both readings say God loved first and our love is the answer. The early Christians add that this answering love must show itself in deeds, such as sharing with the needy, and Chrysostom warns that failing to do so deserves wrath.

John 15:12-13

KJV
King James Version

12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

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Colossians 3:14

KJV
King James Version

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

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Romans 12:9-10

KJV
King James Version

9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

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Ephesians 4:2

KJV
King James Version

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

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1 John 4:11

KJV
King James Version

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

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1 John 4:18

KJV
King James Version

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.

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How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach that a believer who is secure in God's love has no fear of punishment or judgment, and to comfort anxious Christians that love drives out fear.

First spoken: John writes to Christians about loving one another and having confidence on the day of judgment (1 John 4:17-19). Elsewhere (1 John 3:16) he says we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

The early Christians: Tertullian, who quotes this verse three times, reads the fear as the fear that makes a Christian deny Christ under persecution, and the love as the courage to confess and suffer. Clement of Alexandria says only that love is the perfection of a believer. Tertullian says the 'punishment' of fear is hell for the one who denies; the one who is not afraid to suffer is perfect in love. Not a promise that fear of judgment is gone, but a call to love God more than life.

“What fear should we better understand here than the fear that gives rise to denial? What love does he call perfect except the love that puts fear to flight and gives courage to confess? And what penalty does he appoint as the punishment of fear except that which the one who denies is about to pay, who must be slain, body and soul, in hell?” Tertullian, Scorpiace

“He who fears to suffer cannot belong to Him who suffered. But the man who does not fear to suffer will be perfect in love—I mean, in the love of God—for perfect love casts out fear.” Tertullian, On Flight in Persecution

The difference: Today the verse is often read as a promise that a saved person need never fear judgment. Tertullian read it as John's call to love God so much that we will not deny Him even when it costs our lives, and warned that fear which leads to denial ends in hell.

1 John 3:18

KJV
King James Version

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

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1 John 4:20

KJV
King James Version

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

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Galatians 5:13

KJV
King James Version

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

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Proverbs 17:17

KJV
King James Version

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

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How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a promise that a true friend loves at every time, even in hard days, and many point to Jesus as the best friend who does this.

First spoken: A saying of Solomon about loyalty: a real friend stays loyal in bad times, and a brother (a relative) shows his worth when trouble comes. It is wisdom for everyday life, not a doctrine.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No early writer in our library comments on this verse. It was first wisdom from Solomon to anyone, about friends staying loyal in trouble.

Proverbs 3:3

KJV
King James Version

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

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Galatians 5:22

KJV
King James Version

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

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Bible verses about love: The greatest commandment — love God and your neighbor

Love for God comes first, and love for others fulfils the law.

8 verses

Matthew 22:37-39

KJV
King James Version

37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

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Mark 12:30-31

KJV
King James Version

30And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

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Deuteronomy 6:5

KJV
King James Version

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

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Romans 13:8

KJV
King James Version

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

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Romans 13:10

KJV
King James Version

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

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Galatians 5:14

KJV
King James Version

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

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Leviticus 19:18

KJV
King James Version

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

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Bible verses about love: Love your enemies

The hardest command, and the one the first Christians were known for.

4 verses

Matthew 5:43-44

KJV
King James Version

43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

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Luke 6:27-28

KJV
King James Version

27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

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Luke 6:35

KJV
King James Version

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

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Romans 12:20-21

KJV
King James Version

20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Bible verses about love: Love in marriage

Verses often read at weddings and for husbands and wives.

6 verses

Ephesians 5:25

KJV
King James Version

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her

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Song of Solomon 8:6-7

KJV
King James Version

6Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all. Mighty waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, his offer would be utterly scorned.

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Genesis 2:24

KJV
King James Version

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

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Ephesians 5:33

KJV
King James Version

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

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Ecclesiastes 4:9

KJV
King James Version

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.

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Short Bible verses about love

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

8 verses

  • “Let all your things be done with charity.”

    1 Corinthians 16:14 KJV · 8 words

    Listen

  • “We love him, because he first loved us.”

    1 John 4:19 KJV · 8 words

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  • “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”

    Ephesians 4:2 KJV · 12 words

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  • “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

    1 John 4:11 KJV · 13 words

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  • “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

    Proverbs 17:17 KJV · 13 words

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  • “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”

    Proverbs 10:12 KJV · 9 words

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  • “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

    John 14:15 KJV · 7 words

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  • “Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”

    Colossians 3:19 KJV · 10 words

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What the first Christians said about love

Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.

“Love unites us to God. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love bears all things, is long-suffering in all things.”

Clement of Rome1 Clement
Read and listen to Clement of Rome

“Love is the bond of brotherhood, the foundation of peace, and the firm support and security of unity. It is greater than both hope and faith.”

Cyprian of CarthageOn the Advantage of Patience
Read and listen to Cyprian of Carthage

The Greek and Hebrew words for love

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about love in the Bible

What is the greatest Bible verse about love?

Many readers choose 1 Corinthians 13:13, which says that of faith, hope and love, the greatest is love. Others point to John 15:13: no one has greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. Which is greatest is a judgment call, but 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is the passage most chosen.

Listen: 1 Corinthians 13:13 · John 15:13

Where in the Bible does it say God is love?

Twice, both in the first letter of John: 1 John 4:8 and 1 John 4:16. John says that whoever does not love does not know God, and whoever lives in love lives in God.

Listen: 1 John 4:8 · 1 John 4:16

Is 1 Corinthians 13 about marriage?

Not first of all. Paul wrote it to a church to show how believers should treat one another. It still fits a wedding well, because the patient, kind, lasting love it describes is what every marriage needs.

Listen: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

What does agape mean in the Bible?

Agape is the main New Testament Greek word for love. It means self-giving love that seeks the good of the other person, the love God shows us in Christ. The King James Version sometimes translates it as charity, as in 1 Corinthians 13.

Listen: 1 John 4:9-10

What does love covers a multitude of sins mean?

Peter means that real love is quick to forgive and does not keep bringing up wrongs. Proverbs says the same: hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.

Listen: 1 Peter 4:8 · Proverbs 10:12

What does the Bible say about loving your enemies?

Jesus told His followers to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who mistreat them, so that they would be like their Father in heaven.

Listen: Matthew 5:44 · Luke 6:27-28