1Jo 4:18 | RWP | e4.org | Fear ( φοβος ). Like a bond-slave ( ), not the reverence of a son ( ευλαβεια , .) or the obedience to a father ( εν φοβω , ). This kind of dread is the opposite of παρρησια (boldness). Perfect love ( η τελεια αγαπη ). There is such a thing, perfect because it has been perfected (verses , ). Cf. . Casteth out fear ( εξω βαλλε τον φοβον ). "Drives fear out" so that it does not exist in real love. See εκβαλλω εξω in ; .; ; to turn out-of-doors, a powerful metaphor. Perfect love harbours no suspicion and no dread ( ). Hath punishment ( κολασιν εχε ). Old word, in N.T. only here and . Τιμωρια has only the idea of penalty, κολασις has also that of discipline, while παιδεια has that of chastisement ( ). The one who still dreads ( φοβουμενος ) has not been made perfect in love ( ου τετελειωτα ). Bengel graphically describes different types of men: "sine timore et amore; cum timore sine amore; cum timore et amore; sine timore cum amore."

‏ 1 John 4:18

Fear ( φοβος ). Like a bond-slave (Ro 8:15), not the reverence of a son ( ευλαβεια, Heb 5:7f.) or the obedience to a father ( εν φοβω, 1Pe 1:17). This kind of dread is the opposite of παρρησια (boldness).

Perfect love ( η τελεια αγαπη ). There is such a thing, perfect because it has been perfected (verses 12, 17). Cf. Jas 1:4.

Casteth out fear ( εξω βαλλε τον φοβον ). "Drives fear out" so that it does not exist in real love. See εκβαλλω εξω in Joh 6:37; 9:34f.; 12:31; 15:6 to turn out-of-doors, a powerful metaphor. Perfect love harbours no suspicion and no dread (1Co 13).

Hath punishment ( κολασιν εχε ). Old word, in N.T. only here and Mt 25:46. Τιμωρια has only the idea of penalty, κολασις has also that of discipline, while παιδεια has that of chastisement (Heb 12:7). The one who still dreads ( φοβουμενος ) has not been made perfect in love ( ου τετελειωτα ). Bengel graphically describes different types of men: "sine timore et amore; cum timore sine amore; cum timore et amore; sine timore cum amore."