1 John 4:5

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

Complete Jewish Bible:

They are from the world; therefore, they speak from the world’s viewpoint; and the world listens to them.

Berean Standard Bible:

They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them.

American Standard Version:

They are of the world: therefore speak they as of the world, and the world heareth them.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

They^{G846} are^{G1526} of^{G1537} the world^{G2889}: therefore^{{G1223}{G5124}} speak they^{G2980} of^{G1537} the world^{G2889}, and^{G2532} the world^{G2889} heareth^{G191} them^{G846}.

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Commentary for 1 John 4:5

1 John 4:5, within the broader context of 1 John, addresses the issue of false prophets and teachers who were influencing the early Christian community. The verse reads, "They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them." This statement is part of the Apostle John's discourse on discerning the spirit of truth from the spirit of error.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the late 1st century, a time when the early Church was grappling with internal divisions and external pressures. Various groups, including Gnostics and other heretical movements, were challenging the apostolic teachings. These groups were often characterized by beliefs and practices that were more aligned with contemporary Greek philosophy and Jewish mysticism than with the teachings of Christ as passed down by His apostles.

The themes of 1 John 4:5 include the contrast between worldly values and divine truth, the importance of apostolic teaching, and the need for discernment within the Christian community. John is emphasizing that those who belong to the world—that is, those who are aligned with its values, beliefs, and priorities—will naturally speak in ways that resonate with the world's desires. Consequently, the world listens to them, as their messages are in harmony with its own inclinations.

In this verse, John is warning believers to be cautious of such teachers and to test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1). The implication is that true followers of Christ should expect to be distinct from the world, both in their message and in their reception by the world. Their loyalty to Christ and His teachings may lead to opposition or indifference from the world, rather than the acceptance that worldly teachers might receive.

In summary, 1 John 4:5 serves as a cautionary reminder to early Christians, and by extension to all believers, to remain vigilant against false teachings that conform to worldly standards. It underscores the importance of adhering to apostolic doctrine and the gospel of Christ, even when such faithfulness results in a lack of worldly affirmation. The verse calls for a discerning spirit to recognize those who are truly speaking for God and those who are merely echoing the world's voice.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1526
   There are 146 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰσί
   Transliteration: eisí
   Pronunciation: i-see'
   Description: 3rd person plural present indicative of εἰμί; they are:--agree, are, be, dure, X is, were.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1537
   There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκ
   Transliteration: ek
   Pronunciation: ex
   Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2889
   There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κόσμος
   Transliteration: kósmos
   Pronunciation: kos'-mos
   Description: probably from the base of κομίζω; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally)):--adorning, world.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1223
   There are 580 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: διά
   Transliteration: diá
   Pronunciation: dee-ah'
   Description: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional):--after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.
   
6. Strong's Number: G5124
   There are 303 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τοῦτο
   Transliteration: toûto
   Pronunciation: too'-to
   Description: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of οὗτος; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
   
7. Strong's Number: G2980
   There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λαλέω
   Transliteration: laléō
   Pronunciation: lal-eh'-o
   Description: a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words:--preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. Compare λέγω.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
9. Strong's Number: G191
   There are 448 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀκούω
   Transliteration: akoúō
   Pronunciation: ak-oo'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.