Devine Scripture

1 John 2:6

What does 1 John 2:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 2:6 means

To say we abide in Christ means we share in His life and remain in living fellowship with Him. Such a claim carries an ethical obligation: to walk as He walked. Jesus’ life becomes the believer’s pattern—humble obedience to the Father, truthfulness, purity, and self-giving love. This is not sinless perfection but a recognizable resemblance formed by abiding in Him. Union with Christ issues in imitation of Christ. The closer we remain to Him, the more our conduct reflects His ways. Thus profession and practice must meet. Abiding is not static; it shows itself in a daily path shaped by the Savior’s example.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He who says that he is living in him, will do as he did.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

He who is saying in him he doth remain, ought according as he walked also himself so to walk.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

He that says he abides in him ought, even as he walked, himself also [so] to walk.

Context

Verse 6 concludes the obedience test by setting Jesus Himself as the standard for those who claim communion with God. With the pattern established, John will now focus that obedience on the central command of love (verses 7–11). He will describe this command as both old and new, connect it to the dawning light of Christ, and contrast love with hatred as the decisive marker between walking in light or darkness.

v.5but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:

v.6This passage

v.7Beloved, no new commandment write I unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: the old commandment is the word which ye heard.

Cross references

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

  • 1 John 1:6

    If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

  • 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;

  • 1 John 3:6

    Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither knoweth him.

  • 1 John 2:28

    And now, my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

  • Matthew 11:29

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

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