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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 John 2:28–29.
From the blessing of the sacred unction the apostle proceeds in his advice and exhortation to constancy in and with Christ: And now, little children, abide in him, Jo1 2:28. The apostle repeats his kind appellation, little children, which I suppose does not so much denote their diminutiveness as his affection, and therefore, I judge, may be rendered dear children. He would persuade by love, and prevail by endearment as well as by reason. "Not only the love of Christ, but the love of you, constrains us to inculcate your perseverance, and that you would abide in him, in the truth relating to his person, and in your union with him and allegiance to him." Evangelical privileges are obligatory to evangelical duties; and those that are anointed by the Lord Jesus are highly obliged to abide with him in opposition to all adversaries whatever. This duty of perseverance and constancy in trying times is strongly urged by the two following considerations: - 1. From the consideration of his return at the great day of account: That when he shall appear we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming, Jo1 2:28. It is here taken for granted that the Lord Jesus will come again. This was part of that truth they had heart from the beginning. And, when he shall come again, he will publicly appear, be manifested to all. When he was here before, he came privately, in comparison. He proceeded from a womb, and was introduced into a stable: but, when he shall come again, he will come from the opened heavens, and every eye shall see him; and then those who have continued with him throughout all their temptations shall have confidence, assurance, and joy, in the sight of him. They shall lift up their heads with unspeakable triumph, as knowing that their complete redemption comes along with him. On the contrary, those that have deserted him shall be ashamed before him; they shall be ashamed of themselves, ashamed of their unbelief, their cowardice, ingratitude, temerity, and folly, in forsaking so glorious a Redeemer. They shall be ashamed of their hopes, expectations, and pretences, and ashamed of all the wages of unrighteousness, by which they were induced to desert him: That we may have confidence, and may not be ashamed. The apostle includes himself in the number. "Let not us be ashamed of you," as well as, "you will not be ashamed of yourselves." Or mē aischunthōmen ap' autou - that we be not ashamed (made ashamed, or put to shame) by him at his coming. At his public appearance he will shame all those who have abandoned him, he will disclaim all acquaintance with them, will cover them with shame and confusion, will abandon them to darkness, devils, and endless despair, by professing before men and angels that he is ashamed of them, Mar 8:38. To the same advice and exhortation he proceeds, 2. From the consideration of the dignity of those who still adhere to Christ and his religion: If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him, Jo1 2:29. The particle here rendered if seems not to be vox dubitantis, but concedentis; not so much a conditional particle, as a suppositional one, if I may call it so, a note of allowance or concession, and so seems to be of the same import with our English inasmuch, or whereas, or since. So the sense runs more clearly: Since you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. He that doeth righteousness may here be justly enough assumed as another name for him that abideth in Christ. For he that abideth in Christ abideth in the law and love of Christ, and consequently in his allegiance and obedience to him; and so must do, or work, or practise, righteousness, or the parts of gospel holiness. Now such a one must needs be born of him. He is renewed by the Spirit of Christ, after the image of Christ, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath fore-ordained that he should walk in them, Eph 2:10. "Since then you know that the Lord Christ is righteous (righteous in his quality and capacity, the Lord our righteousness, and the Lord our sanctifier or our sanctification, as Co1 1:30), you cannot but know thereupon" (or know you, it is for your consideration and regard) "that he who by the continued practice of Christianity abideth in him is born of him." The new spiritual nature is derived from the Lord Christ. He that is constant to the practice of religion in trying times gives good evidence that he is born from above, from the Lord Christ. The Lord Christ is an everlasting Father. It is a great privilege and dignity to be born of him. Those that are so are the children of God. To as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, Joh 1:12. And this introduces the context of the following chapter.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"Every one," he says, "who does righteousness is born of God;" being regenerated, that is, according to faith.
"If ye know that He is righteous, know ye that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him." The righteousness which at present is ours is of faith. Perfect righteousness is not, save only in the angels: and scarce in angels, if they be compared with God: yet if there be any perfect righteousness of souls and spirits which God hath created, it is in the angels, holy, just, good, by no lapse turned aside, by no pride falling, but remaining ever in the contemplation of the Word of God, and having nothing else sweet unto them save Him by whom they were created; in them is perfect righteousness: but in us it has begun to be, of faith, by the Spirit. Ye heard when the Psalm was read, "Begin to the Lord in confession." "Begin," saith it; the beginning of our righteousness is the confession of sins. Thou hast begun not to defend thy sin; now hast thou made a beginning of righteousness: but it shall be perfected in thee when to do nothing else shall delight thee, when "death shall be swallowed up in victory," when there shall be no itching of lust, when there shall be no struggling with flesh and blood, when there shall be the palm of victory, the triumph over the enemy; then shall there be perfect righteousness. At present we are still fighting: if we fight we are in the lists; we smite and are smitten; but who shall conquer, remains to be seen. And that man conquers, who even when he smites presumes not on his own strength, but relies upon God that cheers him on. The devil is alone when he fights against us. If we are with God, we overcome the devil: for if thou fight alone with the devil, thou wilt be overcome. He is a skillful enemy: how may palms has he won! Consider to what he has cast us down! That we are born mortal, comes of this, that he in the first place cast down from Paradise our very original. What then is to be done, seeing he is so well practised? Let the Almighty be invoked to thine aid against the devices of the devil. Let Him dwell in thee, who cannot be overcome, and thou shalt securely overcome him who is wont to overcome. But to overcome whom? Those in whom God dwelleth not.
If you know that he is righteous, know that our righteousness is now by faith. Perfect righteousness is found only in angels, and scarcely in angels if compared to God. However, if any perfect righteousness exists in the souls and spirits that God created among the angels and saints, the righteous and the good, who fell by no lapse, were not brought down by pride, but always remained in the contemplation of God's word and found nothing else sweet except the one from whom they were created, in them is perfect righteousness. But in us, it began to be according to the Spirit through faith. Whence the Psalmist says: Begin to the Lord in confession (Psalm 146). He says, begin. The beginning of our righteousness is the confession of sins. You have begun not to defend your sin; you have already started righteousness. It will be perfected in you when you will be pleased to do nothing else. When death is swallowed up in victory, when no desire will titillate, when there will be no struggle with flesh and blood, when there will be the crown of victory, and triumph over the enemy, then there will be perfect righteousness. Therefore, if you know that he is righteous, he says, know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of him; that is, of Christ. And because he has said, he is born of him, he encourages us now that we are born of him, so that we may be perfect. Listen of course to what follows.
And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
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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 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. 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. Thus, 1 John 2:29 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.
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 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. 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, is presented here with its tangible, ethical implications.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Does "doing righteousness" mean we earn our salvation?
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. 1 John 2:29 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.
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. 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, 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, 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.