Literally, “concerning our sins” (see on ch. 2:2).
The propitiation.
Gr. hilasmos (see on ch. 2:2). There is no article in the Greek.
Sent his Son.
See on v. 9. The form of the Greek verb here used signifies the completed act of sending, in contrast with that employed in v. 9, which refers to the act and its continuing results.
He loved us.
The “he” is emphatic (see above under “not that we loved”). The marvel of divine love lies in the fact that God initiated the loving deed. There was no higher influence to persuade Him to love mankind: the urge came entirely from within Himself. Consideration of those on whom the love was bestowed makes the love all the more surprising, for the human race have nothing to recommend them to divine benevolence other than their dire need. Yet, from another point of view, God’s great act should cause no surprise, for John has already explained that God is love (v. 8), and one who knows God’s nature would expect Him to manifest His supreme quality in dealing with man’s rebelliousness (cf. on Rom. 5:8).
Not that we loved.
The pronoun is emphatic in the Greek, and stands in contrast with the word translated “he,” which is also emphatic. John is not denying that his readers ever loved God, but is stressing the inadequacy of human love to illustrate his high concept of love. The love of man for God need cause no wonder, for it is a natural response to the amazing affection that the Lord has poured upon the human race (see v. 19).
Love.
The loftiness of John’s concept of love can hardly be exaggerated. He sees love as the highest of all principles, he sees that God Himself is love (v. 8). Therefore when the apostle comes to give an example of love, by way of definition, he turns to the highest possible illustration, the immeasurable love of God for man.
Herein.
Literally, “in this” (see on v. 9). The phrase refers to what follows.