1 John 5:18
What does 1 John 5:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 John 5:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 John 5:18 means
“We know” marks assurance. Whoever is begotten of God does not continue in sin as a settled pattern. New birth breaks sin’s dominion. “He that was begotten of God keepeth himself” points to the believer’s Spirit-enabled vigilance; he guards his life, resisting sin’s pull. As a result, “the evil one toucheth him not”—Satan cannot lay hold in a way that rules or destroys. This is not sinless perfection, but decisive deliverance from sin’s mastery and the devil’s claim. God’s life within produces both protection and perseverance, so believers can walk in holiness with confidence rather than fear.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949We are certain that one who is a child of God will do no sin, but the Son of God keeps him so that he is not touched by the Evil One.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862We have known that every one who hath been begotten of God doth not sin, but he who was begotten of God doth keep himself, and the evil one doth not touch him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not: but the generation of God preserveth him and the wicked one toucheth him not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890We know that every one begotten ofGod does not sin, but he that has been begotten ofGod keeps himself, and the wicked [one] does not touch him.
Context
Verse 18 begins the closing triad of certainties following the discussion of sin and prayer in verses 16–17. It reassures readers about the normal pattern of those begotten of God and their protection from the evil one. Verse 19 will widen the lens to contrast the church’s identity with the world’s bondage. Verse 20 will culminate in knowledge of the true God through His Son Jesus Christ, calling Jesus “the true God, and eternal life.” The final verse (21) then urges practical fidelity: keep yourselves from idols.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 17:4
As for the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent.
- John 15:9
Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love.
- John 14:30
I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me;
- Jude 1:21
keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
- Acts 11:23
who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord:
- 1 John 4:6
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he who is not of God heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
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