1 John 2:29

KJV

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1437} ye know {G1492} that {G3754} he is {G2076} righteous {G1342}, ye know {G1097} that {G3754} every one {G3956} that doeth {G4160} righteousness {G1343} is born {G1080} of {G1537} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you know that he is righteous, you should also know that he is the Father of everyone who does what is right.

Berean Standard Bible

If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.

American Standard Version

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one also that doeth righteousness is begotten of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
"If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him." This verse from 1 John serves as a profound theological statement and a practical spiritual litmus test, asserting that a genuine understanding of God's inherent righteousness inevitably leads to the recognition that all who habitually practice righteousness are truly children of God. It firmly establishes a causal and evidential link between divine regeneration and ethical conduct, emphasizing that righteous living is not a means to salvation but an undeniable fruit of a new spiritual birth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section in John's epistle, following his exhortation for believers to "abide in him" [1 John 2:28](/1_john/2-28 "1 John 2:28 - Abide in Him") so they may have confidence at Christ's coming. John has just warned against "antichrists" and those who deny the Father and the Son [1 John 2:18-23](/1_john/2-18-23 "1 John 2:18-23 - Warning Against Antichrists"). He stresses the importance of holding fast to the "anointing" (the Holy Spirit) received from Christ, which teaches them all things and is true [1 John 2:27](/1_john/2-27 "1 John 2:27 - The Anointing"). Thus, [1 John 2:29](/1_john/2-29 "1 John 2:29 - Righteousness as Evidence of New Birth") acts as a summary criterion, offering a clear mark of true spiritual life in contrast to the deceptive claims of false teachers who often professed spiritual knowledge without moral transformation. It transitions into a deeper exploration of being children of God in [1 John 3](/1_john/3 "1 John 3 - Children of God").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John is writing to Christian communities likely in Asia Minor (Ephesus and surrounding areas) towards the end of the first century. These communities were grappling with nascent forms of Gnosticism, which promoted a dualistic worldview where spirit was good and matter was evil. This often led to two extremes: asceticism (denying the body) or libertinism (indulging the body, as physical actions were deemed irrelevant to spiritual purity). Many Gnostics claimed superior spiritual knowledge (gnosis) but often exhibited moral laxity, denying the true incarnation of Christ and the necessity of ethical living. John's emphasis on "doing righteousness" directly counters this antinomian tendency, asserting that true knowledge of God is inextricably linked to a transformed life, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament covenant theology.

* **Key Themes:** [1 John 2:29](/1_john/2-29 "1 John 2:29 - Righteousness as Evidence of New Birth") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes in John's epistle. Firstly, it highlights the **nature of God**, affirming His absolute righteousness as the unchanging standard. Secondly, it underscores the **nature of true faith**, asserting that genuine belief is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, transformative power that manifests in righteous living. This connects to John's consistent theme of **light versus darkness**, where walking in the light implies living righteously [1 John 1:5-7](/1_john/1-5-7 "1 John 1:5-7 - Walking in the Light"). Thirdly, it provides a crucial criterion for **assurance of salvation** and **discernment of true believers** from false teachers. The "new birth" or spiritual regeneration, a concept foundational to Christian theology as seen in [John 3:3-8](/john/3-3-8 "John 3:3-8 - The New Birth"), is presented here with its tangible, ethical implications.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** (G1097) This word signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual acquaintance. When applied to knowing God's righteousness, it implies a profound, transformative understanding that shapes one's worldview and conduct. In the context of "ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him," it suggests a recognition born of spiritual insight and observation.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** (G1343) Derived from `díkaios` (just/righteous), this term refers to conformity to God's divine standard of justice, holiness, and moral uprightness. It encompasses both a right standing before God (justification) and a right way of living (sanctification). In this verse, "doing righteousness" refers to the active, consistent practice of moral and ethical behavior that aligns with God's character and commands.
* **born (Greek, _gennáō'_):** (G1080) This verb means to procreate, beget, or bring forth. Figuratively, it denotes spiritual regeneration or new birth. The perfect tense (γέγεννηται, _gegennētai_) indicates a past completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing the permanent and transformative nature of being "born of him." This spiritual birth is the divine act that empowers and enables a life of righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If ye know that he is righteous,"**: This opening clause establishes the foundational premise. It refers to a deep, experiential knowledge of God's character – His inherent justice, holiness, and moral perfection. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but implies an understanding that shapes one's perception of reality and morality. God's righteousness is the ultimate standard against which all human conduct is measured.
* **"ye know that every one that doeth righteousness"**: This is the logical consequence and the practical application of the initial premise. Because God is righteous, it follows that those who are truly His children will reflect His character. "Doing righteousness" implies a consistent, habitual practice of living in accordance with God's will and moral standards, not just isolated acts of goodness. It is a lifestyle characterized by obedience, integrity, and love.
* **"is born of him."**: This concluding clause reveals the source and nature of such righteous living. The ability and inclination to "do righteousness" are not inherent human capacities but are direct evidence of a divine spiritual birth. To be "born of him" signifies a supernatural regeneration by God, a new spiritual life imparted by the Holy Spirit, which fundamentally transforms one's nature and empowers them to live righteously.

#### Literary Devices
John employs a clear **Conditional Statement** ("If... then...") to link two truths: the knowledge of God's righteousness and the evidence of spiritual birth. This structure creates a logical and compelling argument. The verse also functions as a **Criterion** or **Litmus Test**, providing a tangible and observable standard by which the authenticity of one's spiritual relationship with God can be assessed, contrasting true believers with those who merely profess faith. There is an implied **Cause and Effect**: being born of God (the cause) leads to the doing of righteousness (the effect). Furthermore, John uses **Repetition** of the word "know" (Greek: `eídō` and `ginṓskō`) and the root "righteous/righteousness" (Greek: `díkaios` and `dikaiosýnē`) to emphasize the certainty of the spiritual truth and the central importance of righteousness as a defining characteristic of God and His children.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Johannine theology, powerfully articulating the inseparable link between genuine spiritual regeneration and ethical conduct. It refutes any notion of a disembodied faith that lacks moral fruit, asserting that the very nature of being "born of God" inherently produces a life characterized by the practice of righteousness. This is not salvation by works, but rather works as the inevitable, organic outflow of salvation. It underscores that God's character (righteousness) is imprinted upon His children, making their lives a visible testament to their divine parentage. The verse provides both a challenge for self-examination and a profound source of assurance for those who genuinely strive to live in conformity with God's will.

* [Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - You Will Know Them by Their Fruits")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 John 2:29 calls believers to a profound introspection, urging us to examine the authenticity of our faith not merely by our declarations but by the tangible evidence of our daily lives. If we truly "know" God as righteous, then our lives should increasingly reflect that divine character. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive assent to active obedience, recognizing that a life marked by the pursuit of righteousness is the natural and expected outcome of being spiritually reborn. It offers both a sobering mirror and a comforting assurance: if we find ourselves genuinely striving to live righteously, confessing our sins when we fall, and returning to God's path, it is a powerful indicator that the Spirit of God is indeed at work within us, confirming our spiritual adoption. This pursuit of righteousness is not burdensome legalism but a joyful response to the new nature gifted by God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of God's righteousness impact my daily decisions and actions?**
* **In what specific ways does my life demonstrate "doing righteousness," and where might I need to grow?**
* **How does the concept of being "born of him" empower and motivate me to pursue a righteous life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more consistent practice of righteousness in my life?**

### FAQ
**Does "doing righteousness" mean we earn our salvation?**

Answer: No, "doing righteousness" does not mean we earn our salvation. The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). [1 John 2:29](/1_john/2-29 "1 John 2:29 - Righteousness as Evidence of New Birth") presents righteous living not as the cause of salvation, but as the *evidence* or *fruit* of it. If a person is truly "born of him" (regenerated by God), their nature is changed, and they are empowered and inclined to live righteously. Just as a healthy tree produces good fruit, a genuinely born-again believer will produce the fruit of righteousness in their life, not perfectly, but as a consistent pattern and desire [Matthew 7:17-18](/matthew/7-17-18 "Matthew 7:17-18 - Good Tree, Good Fruit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 John 2:29 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly "righteous" one, the living embodiment of God's character, who "committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth" [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness"). He is not only righteous in Himself but also the source of all righteousness for those who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became "our righteousness" [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption"), imputing His perfect righteousness to us. Furthermore, it is through Him that we are "born of him." Jesus Himself declared the necessity of being "born again" [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - You Must Be Born Again"), and it is by the power of His Spirit that believers are regenerated and enabled to "do righteousness." Thus, Christ is both the standard of righteousness we are called to reflect and the divine power who makes such a life possible, transforming us into His likeness so that our lives bear witness to our new identity as children of God [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son").

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

John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

1 John 3:7

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

John 1:13

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

1 John 4:7

¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 3:9

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.