1Cor 8:3 | JFB | STEP | 3. love God-- the source of love to our neighbor ( , 12, 20; ). the same-- literally, "this man"; he who loves, not he who "thinks that he knows," not having "charity" or love ( , ). is known of him-- is known with the knowledge of approval and is acknowledged by God as His ( ; ; ). Contrast, "I never knew you" ( ). To love God is to know God; and he who thus knows God has been first known by God (compare ; ).

‏ 1 Corinthians 8:3

3. love God--the source of love to our neighbor (1Jo 4:11, 12, 20; 5:2).

the same--literally, "this man"; he who loves, not he who "thinks that he knows," not having "charity" or love (1Co 8:1, 2).

is known of him--is known with the knowledge of approval and is acknowledged by God as His (Psa 1:6; Ga 4:9; 2Ti 2:19). Contrast, "I never knew you" (Mt 7:23). To love God is to know God; and he who thus knows God has been first known by God (compare 1Co 13:12; 1Pe 1:2).