Devine Scripture

1 John 2:3

What does 1 John 2:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 2:3 means

Assurance that we truly know God does not rest in hidden experiences but in observable obedience. To “know” Him is relational—entering fellowship with the living God through Jesus Christ. The evidence of this relationship is that we keep His commandments. Obedience does not earn salvation; it demonstrates that we have come to know Him who saves. When God’s grace takes hold, His words matter to us, and our lives begin to align with His will. This test guards against empty profession and offers honest assurance to the humble who desire to follow Christ’s teaching in daily practice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And by this we may be certain that we have knowledge of him, if we keep his laws.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in this we know that we have known him, if his commands we may keep;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And by this we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Context

After affirming Christ’s atonement, John presents a first test of genuine fellowship: obedience. Verses 3–6 contrast true knowledge of God with false claims. Verse 3 states the positive principle; verse 4 exposes hypocritical claims, while verse 5 shows the maturing effect of obedience, and verse 6 points to Jesus as the model. This section prepares the way for the next test—love for fellow believers—as John distinguishes light from darkness in the Christian life.

v.2and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

v.3This passage

v.4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 22:14

    Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.

  • 1 John 4:13

    hereby we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

  • Psalms 119:6

    Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.

  • John 15:14

    Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.

  • 1 John 2:4

    He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

  • Isaiah 53:11

    He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities.

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