Devine Scripture

1 John 2:5

What does 1 John 2:5 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 2:5 means

Keeping God’s word does more than prove something to others; it shapes the believer within. In such a person, “the love of God” reaches its goal—God’s love, received and returned, matures through obedient response. This deepening love yields assurance: we know that we are “in him,” living in fellowship and union with God through Christ. Obedience is not bare rule-keeping but a loving, trustful alignment with God’s revealed will. As God’s word is guarded and treasured, His love forms the heart, and confidence grows that our knowledge of God is real and not merely claimed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But in every man who keeps his word, the love of God is made complete. By this we may be certain that we are in him:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and whoever may keep his word, truly in him the love of God hath been perfected; in this we know that in him we are.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he that keepeth his word, in him in very deed the charity of God is perfected. And by this we know that we are in him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but whoever keeps his word, in him verily the love ofGod is perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him.

Context

Following the warning of verse 4, verse 5 provides the positive picture: genuine obedience perfects (brings to maturity) the love of God in a person and confirms that we are in Him. This sets up verse 6, which gives the highest practical standard for those who profess to abide in Christ—imitation of His walk. Together, these verses transition toward the commandment of love (verses 7–11), where John will apply the light-versus-darkness theme to relationships among believers.

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

v.5This passage

v.6he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 28:7

    Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.

  • Romans 8:1

    There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

    Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

  • Proverbs 8:32

    Now therefore, mysons, hearken unto me; For blessed are they that keep my ways.

  • John 14:23

    Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

  • 1 John 4:12

    No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us:

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