1 John 1:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1437} we say {G2036} that {G3754} we have {G2192} fellowship {G2842} with {G3326} him {G846}, and {G2532} walk {G4043} in {G1722} darkness {G4655}, we lie {G5574}, and {G2532} do {G4160} not {G3756} the truth {G225}:

Complete Jewish Bible

If we claim to have fellowship with him while we are walking in the darkness, we are lying and not living out the truth.

Berean Standard Bible

If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 John 1:6 presents a stark challenge to those who claim to have an intimate relationship with God yet persist in a lifestyle characterized by sin and moral compromise. The apostle John asserts that such a contradiction between profession and practice reveals a fundamental dishonesty, indicating that their actions do not align with the divine truth they purport to embrace. This verse serves as a critical diagnostic for genuine spiritual fellowship, emphasizing that authentic communion with God is inextricably linked to a life lived in accordance with His holy nature, which is light.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening prologue of John's First Epistle, which establishes the epistle's foundational themes and theological framework. Immediately preceding [1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - The Test of True Fellowship"), John declares his eyewitness testimony to the incarnate Word of Life ([1 John 1:1-4](/1_john/1-1-4 "1 John 1:1-4 - The Word of Life")) and then introduces the core theological premise: "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light")). Verse 6 then immediately applies this theological truth to the practical reality of Christian living, setting up a series of "if...then" statements that test the authenticity of a believer's claim to fellowship with God. The subsequent verses continue this line of reasoning, contrasting the confession of sin with self-deception ([1 John 1:7-10](/1_john/1-7-10 "1 John 1:7-10 - Walking in the Light and Confessing Sin")), thereby creating a cohesive argument for the necessity of both moral integrity and humble confession in genuine fellowship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was likely written towards the end of the first century, addressing Christian communities facing internal challenges and external pressures. A significant internal threat was the rise of proto-Gnostic or docetic teachings. These false doctrines often posited a radical dualism between spirit and matter, leading some to believe that spiritual knowledge (gnosis) was paramount and that the actions of the physical body were irrelevant to one's spiritual state. Such beliefs could foster antinomianism, where moral laxity was excused on the basis of possessing superior spiritual insight or a special relationship with God. John's strong emphasis on ethical conduct and the integration of belief with behavior directly counters such dangerous tendencies, asserting that true fellowship with the God of light necessitates a life that reflects His character. The metaphor of "walking in darkness" would have been readily understood by both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences as a common idiom for living a life of sin, ignorance, or moral corruption, contrasting sharply with "walking in the light" as a life of truth, righteousness, and divine revelation.
* **Key Themes:** [1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - The Test of True Fellowship") is pivotal in developing several key themes found throughout the epistle. Foremost is the theme of **Fellowship with God**, which is presented not merely as a theological concept but as a lived reality demanding moral congruence. This verse highlights the theme of **God as Light**, a foundational attribute from [1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light"), underscoring that our relationship with Him must reflect His inherent purity and truth. It also introduces the crucial theme of **Truth vs. Deception**, arguing that a life of unrighteousness while claiming fellowship is a lie. This directly relates to John's recurring emphasis on **Authenticity and Hypocrisy**, challenging believers to ensure their outward profession matches their inward reality and outward conduct. The epistle consistently returns to these themes, providing tests for genuine faith, such as obedience to God's commandments ([1 John 2:3-6](/1_john/2-3-6 "1 John 2:3-6 - Knowing God Through Obedience")) and love for one another ([1 John 2:7-11](/1_john/2-7-11 "1 John 2:7-11 - The New Commandment of Love")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fellowship (Greek, _koinōnía'_):** From G2842. This term denotes partnership, participation, communion, or sharing. It implies a deep, mutual relationship where individuals share common interests, purposes, and experiences. In the context of [1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - The Test of True Fellowship"), it signifies an intimate spiritual bond with God, implying a shared nature and purpose. It's not merely an intellectual assent but a relational reality that should manifest in one's life.
* **walk (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** From G4043. Literally meaning "to tread all around" or "to walk at large," this verb is used figuratively in the New Testament to describe one's manner of life, conduct, or deportment. To "walk in darkness" or "walk in light" refers to the habitual pattern of one's moral and spiritual behavior. It emphasizes the ongoing, active nature of one's lifestyle rather than an isolated act.
* **darkness (Greek, _skótos'_):** From G4655. This term denotes obscurity, shadiness, or gloom, used both literally and figuratively. In a spiritual and moral sense, it represents sin, ignorance, evil, and separation from God's truth and holiness. It stands in direct opposition to "light," which symbolizes God's nature, truth, purity, and righteousness. To "walk in darkness" means to live a life characterized by these negative spiritual realities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If we say that we have fellowship with him":** This clause introduces a hypothetical claim or profession. The phrase "we say" (G2036, _épō_) indicates a verbal assertion, a declaration made by individuals. The claim is to possess "fellowship" (G2842, _koinōnía_) with God ("him," G846, _autós_), implying a deep, intimate, and shared relationship with the divine. This is the outward profession of faith or relationship.
* **"and walk in darkness":** This clause presents the contrasting reality or behavior. "Walk" (G4043, _peripatéō_) signifies one's habitual lifestyle or conduct. "In darkness" (G1722, _en_ G4655, _skótos_) metaphorically describes a life characterized by sin, moral depravity, spiritual ignorance, and opposition to God's revealed truth. This is the inward reality and outward practice.
* **"we lie":** This is John's blunt and unequivocal judgment on the contradiction. The verb "lie" (G5574, _pseúdomai_) means to utter an untruth or to deceive by falsehood. John asserts that such a claim of fellowship, when contradicted by a life of darkness, is not merely a mistake but a deliberate and fundamental falsehood. It reveals a deep inconsistency between one's words and one's reality.
* **"and do not the truth":** This final clause further elaborates on the nature of the falsehood. To "do not" (G4160, _poiéō_ G3756, _ou_) "the truth" (G225, _alḗtheia_) means that their actions and way of life do not align with the reality of God's nature or the implications of true fellowship. It's not just that they speak a lie, but their very existence and conduct are a living lie, failing to embody the truth of God's light. Their practice contradicts the very essence of truth.

#### Literary Devices
[1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - The Test of True Fellowship") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, specifically the pervasive use of "light" and "darkness" to represent spiritual and moral states. "Walking in darkness" is a powerful metaphor for living a life dominated by sin, moral corruption, and spiritual ignorance, contrasting sharply with the divine nature of God, who "is light." This imagery is deeply rooted in biblical tradition and immediately communicates the spiritual condition. Closely related is **Contrast**, as John sets up a clear dichotomy between the claim of "fellowship with him" (God, who is light) and the reality of "walking in darkness." This stark opposition highlights the irreconcilable nature of these two states. The verse also functions as a **Hypothetical Statement** ("If we say...then we lie"), using a conditional clause (G1437, _eán_) to present a scenario and then deliver a definitive judgment. This structure serves as a diagnostic tool, inviting readers to examine their own lives against the standard of God's light. Finally, the phrase "do not the truth" is an example of **Hebraism**, a Semitic idiom common in Johannine literature, meaning to fail to practice or embody truth in one's life, rather than merely to fail to speak it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of the nature of true faith and genuine relationship with God. It asserts that authentic fellowship with the holy God is not merely a verbal declaration or an intellectual assent to doctrine, but a transformative reality that manifests in one's ethical conduct. Since God is inherently light and truth, those who claim to be in communion with Him must necessarily walk in that light, reflecting His character in their daily lives. A persistent, unrepentant lifestyle of "darkness" (sin) fundamentally contradicts the very nature of God and thus invalidates any claim of fellowship. This theological truth underscores the inseparable link between orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxy (right practice), demonstrating that true spiritual life is holistic, encompassing both profession and performance.

* [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Love for Darkness or Light")
* [Ephesians 5:8-11](/ephesians/5-8-11 "Ephesians 5:8-11 - Walk as Children of Light")
* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - The Test of True Fellowship") serves as a timeless and piercing challenge to self-examination for every believer. It compels us to move beyond superficial claims of faith and to honestly assess whether our daily actions and lifestyle genuinely align with our profession of knowing God. True fellowship with the God who is light demands a commitment to walking in that light—pursuing holiness, truth, and righteousness, and actively turning away from sin. This doesn't imply sinless perfection, but rather a consistent direction of life, a trajectory of repentance and obedience driven by a transformed heart. When we genuinely walk in the light, our lives become a testament to the truth of God, fostering authentic communion with Him and with fellow believers. It is a call to integrity, reminding us that our spiritual reality is not just about what we say, but fundamentally about how we live.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my actions contradict my verbal profession of faith or fellowship with God?**
* **What does "walking in darkness" look like in contemporary terms, and how might I unwittingly be engaging in it?**
* **How can a deeper understanding of God as "light" motivate me to pursue greater holiness and integrity in my daily life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my "walk" more consistently reflects the "truth" of my fellowship with Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does "walking in darkness" mean committing any sin, or does it refer to a lifestyle?**

Answer: In [1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - The Test of True Fellowship"), "walking in darkness" refers to a habitual lifestyle or a persistent pattern of living characterized by sin and moral compromise, rather than an isolated act of sin. The Greek word for "walk" (G4043, _peripatéō_) often denotes one's general conduct or manner of life. John is addressing a fundamental contradiction: claiming to have fellowship with God, who is light and truth ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light")), while habitually living in a way that is contrary to His nature. It's about the direction and orientation of one's life, not about the occasional stumble. The epistle later clarifies that even believers will sin ([1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Confession of Sin")), but true fellowship involves confessing those sins and walking in the light, which implies a continuous turning away from darkness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - The Test of True Fellowship") finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's light and truth. The verse exposes the futility of claiming fellowship with God while living in darkness, a problem that humanity, in its fallen state, cannot overcome on its own. However, Jesus declares Himself to be "the light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), and "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). It is through faith in Him that we are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Our ability to "walk in the light" and "do the truth" is not achieved by our own moral effort but is a direct result of our union with Christ, who empowers us by His Spirit to live a life that reflects God's character. He is the one who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), enabling us to confess our sins and be cleansed ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")), thereby restoring and maintaining genuine fellowship with the Father. Thus, the truth that we are called to "do" is ultimately the truth revealed and embodied in Jesus Christ Himself.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 4:20

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

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.

John 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:21

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Proverbs 4:19

The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Proverbs 2:13

Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;