Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Was manifested (efanerwqh). First aorist passive indicative of fanerow. The Incarnation as in I John 3:5. Subjective genitive as in I John 2:5.
In us (en hmin). In our case, not "among us" nor "to us." Cf. Galatians 1:16.
Hath sent (apestalken). Perfect active indicative of apostellw, as again in verse I John 4:14, the permanent mission of the Son, though in verse I John 4:10 the aorist apesteilen occurs for the single event. See John 3:16 for this great idea.
His only-begotten Son (ton uion autou ton monogenh). "His Son the only-begotten" as in John 3:16. John applies monogenhv to Jesus alone (John 1:14, John 1:18), but Luke (Luke 7:12; Luke 8:42; Luke 9:38) to others. Jesus alone completely reproduces the nature and character of God (Brooke).
That we might live through him (ina zhswmen di autou). Purpose clause with ina and the first aorist (ingressive, get life) active subjunctive of zaw. "Through him" is through Christ, who is the life (John 14:6). Christ also lives in us (Galatians 2:20). This life begins here and now.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing 1 John 4:9:
John 1:14
John 3:15
John 5:42
John 5:42
John 6:57
1 John 4:12
1 John 4:14
1 John 5:3
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