If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
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}:
If we claim to have fellowship with him while we are walking in the darkness, we are lying and not living out the truth.
If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
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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;
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:
Commentary
This verse is part of John's opening message emphasizing the nature of God as light and the implications for those who claim to be in relationship with Him. John is likely addressing early believers, possibly countering emerging false teachings (like Gnosticism) that might separate spiritual knowledge or claims from ethical behavior.
The core message is a stark contrast between profession and practice. To "have fellowship with him" means to be in a close, intimate relationship with God, who is explicitly described as "light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). To "walk in darkness" is a biblical metaphor for living a life characterized by sin, unrighteousness, and separation from God's truth and holiness.
John declares that claiming a relationship with God ("say that we have fellowship") while habitually living a life of sin ("walk in darkness") is a contradiction. Such a claim is not merely mistaken; it is a deliberate falsehood ("we lie"). Furthermore, their actions ("do not the truth") contradict the very truth they claim to possess or represent. The Greek phrase translated "do not the truth" implies that their way of life is not aligned with the reality of God and fellowship with Him.
This verse serves as a crucial test of authenticity. Genuine fellowship with God is demonstrated by a life that increasingly reflects His nature, walking in the light, not in darkness. Our actions are the outward evidence of our inward relationship with God (Matthew 7:20).