✦ The Hyperlinked Bible

1 John 3:2 to Psalm 17:15

NT Text: 1 John 3:2

OT Source(s):

  • Psalm 17:15 (beholding God's face in righteousness; satisfied with His likeness)

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Reference Type: Allusion

Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment

Significance: Both texts unite seeing God with transformation into His likeness. David declares: "As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness (תְּמוּנָה)." John echoes: "We will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." The Psalm connects righteousness, awakening (implying resurrection), beholding God's face, and being satisfied with His likeness — all themes John develops eschatologically. David's hope of beholding God's face, which the Sinai prohibition (Exod 33:20) seemed to preclude, finds its resolution in John's eschatological promise. The beatific vision is the fulfillment of the Psalmist's deepest longing.