1 John 2:3

KJV

¶ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} hereby {G1722}{G5129} we do know {G1097} that {G3754} we know {G1097} him {G846}, if {G1437} we keep {G5083} his {G846} commandments {G1785}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The way we can be sure we know him is if we are obeying his commands.

Berean Standard Bible

By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.

American Standard Version

And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 2:3 presents a profound and practical test for genuine Christian assurance: the keeping of God's commandments. This verse serves as a foundational declaration that true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual assent or mystical experience, but an intimate, transformative relationship evidenced by a life of active obedience to His will. It establishes a clear criterion for distinguishing authentic faith from mere profession, grounding spiritual reality in ethical conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed early in John's First Epistle, following the apostle's emphatic statements about fellowship with God and with one another, which is contingent upon walking in the light and confessing sin (cf. [1 John 1:5-10](/1_john/1-5-10 "1 John 1:5-10 - Walking in the Light and Confessing Sin")). Having established the basis for fellowship, John now pivots to the *evidence* of that fellowship. The immediate verses that follow [1 John 2:4-6](/1_john/2-4-6 "1 John 2:4-6 - The Test of Obedience") further elaborate on the theme of obedience as proof of knowing God and abiding in Him, contrasting those who claim to know God but do not obey with those who genuinely do. The broader context of [1 John 2](/1_john/2 "1 John 2 - The Christian's Walk") addresses the believer's walk, the new commandment of love, and warnings against antichrists and the love of the world, all of which are intrinsically linked to obedience and true knowledge of God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's First Epistle was likely written in the late first century, possibly from Ephesus, to a community of believers facing internal strife and external pressures, particularly from emerging Gnostic or proto-Gnostic teachings. These false doctrines often promoted a dualism that separated the spiritual from the material, leading to a devaluation of ethical conduct. Adherents claimed a superior, secret "knowledge" (gnosis) of God that transcended moral requirements, suggesting that one could "know" God without necessarily obeying His commandments. John directly confronts this dangerous antinomianism by asserting that true spiritual knowledge is inextricably tied to righteous living. The emphasis on "commandments" would resonate with both Jewish and Gentile converts, as the concept of divine law and obedience was central to both Old Testament faith and the new covenant inaugurated by Christ.

* **Key Themes:** First John 2:3 contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the epistle. It is central to the theme of **Assurance of Salvation**, providing a tangible, verifiable means by which believers can test the reality of their relationship with God, as further explored in [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Assurance of Eternal Life"). The verse also underscores the theme of **Authentic Discipleship**, asserting that genuine followers of Christ are characterized not merely by profession but by a life transformed by His will, echoing Jesus' own words in [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Keeping Jesus' Commandments"). Furthermore, it highlights the **Inseparability of Faith and Works**, demonstrating that true faith is never barren but always produces the fruit of obedience, a concept echoed by James in [James 2:17-26](/james/2-17-26 "James 2:17-26 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"). Finally, it reinforces the **Ethical Nature of True Knowledge of God**, countering any notion that a relationship with the divine can exist apart from moral rectitude.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb signifies an intimate, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual apprehension (head knowledge). It implies a personal relationship, a deep acquaintance developed through ongoing interaction and experience. To "know Him" in this context is to be in a living, dynamic, and transformative relationship with God, where one's life is increasingly conformed to His character and will. It is the kind of knowledge that changes one's being.
* **If (Greek, _eán_):** This conditional particle introduces a real condition, indicating that the following clause presents the necessary criterion or test. It's not suggesting uncertainty about God's knowledge, but rather about *our* knowledge of Him. The "if" here is not about possibility but about the necessary condition for the preceding statement to be true. It sets up the test: *if* this is true, *then* that is true.
* **Keep (Greek, _tēréō_):** This word means to guard, observe, preserve, or hold fast to. It denotes careful adherence, diligent observance, and active obedience, not just passive awareness or occasional compliance. It implies a continuous, intentional effort to live in accordance with God's commands, safeguarding them as precious and vital. It speaks to a consistent lifestyle of seeking to follow God's will out of love and devotion.
* **Commandments (Greek, _entolḗ_):** This term refers to an injunction or an authoritative prescription. In the New Testament, it primarily refers to the commands of God, particularly those given by Christ, encompassing both specific moral precepts and the overarching principle of love for God and neighbor. These are not arbitrary rules but expressions of God's character and His will for human flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hereby we do know that we know him":** This opening clause sets forth the assertion that there is a definitive way to ascertain our relationship with God. The "hereby" (Greek: _en toútōi_) points forward to the condition that follows, serving as the means or criterion for this knowledge. The repetition of "know" (ginōskō) emphasizes the certainty of this experiential knowledge. It's not a speculative hope, but a verifiable reality.
* **"if we keep his commandments":** This is the crucial conditional clause that provides the test. The "if" introduces the condition upon which the "knowing" is confirmed. "Keeping" (tēréō) implies active, ongoing obedience, a diligent guarding and observing of God's authoritative prescriptions (entolḗ). This clause reveals that the proof of an intimate, saving knowledge of God is not found in intellectual assent alone, but in a life characterized by consistent, intentional obedience to His revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a clear **Conditional Statement** ("if... then...") to establish a direct and undeniable link between knowing God and obeying Him. This structure functions as a **Test** or **Criterion**, providing a practical means for self-examination and assurance. The repetition of "know" (ginōskō) in "we do know that we know him" creates a sense of **Emphasis** and **Certainty**, highlighting the profound nature of this spiritual knowledge and the reliability of the test. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Metonymy** where "keeping his commandments" stands for the entire transformed life that flows from genuine faith, serving as an **Evidence** or **Fruit** of an authentic relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christian assurance and the nature of true discipleship. It asserts that genuine knowledge of God is not a mere intellectual exercise or a mystical feeling, but a transformative relationship that inevitably expresses itself in a life of obedience. This obedience is not a means to earn salvation, but rather the natural, Spirit-empowered outflow of a heart that has been renewed and is in fellowship with the living God. It counters any notion that one can claim to know God while living in deliberate disregard of His moral will, emphasizing that love for God is intrinsically demonstrated through adherence to His commands.

* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commandments")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith without works is dead")
* [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit enables obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 2:3 serves as a vital call to introspection for every believer. It challenges us to move beyond superficial claims of faith and to honestly examine whether our lives bear the fruit of genuine intimacy with God. This verse is not about legalism or earning God's favor, for salvation is by grace through faith. Instead, it speaks to the natural and necessary outcome of a transformed heart. When we truly know God, our desires align with His, and obedience becomes a joyful, willing response to His love, not a burdensome duty. It is through this active pursuit of His will that our assurance is strengthened, our relationship deepened, and our witness made authentic. This verse reminds us that the Christian life is not just about what we believe, but how we live in light of that belief, demonstrating the reality of Christ's transforming power within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life reflect a genuine desire to "keep His commandments," and what specific areas might need greater alignment with God's will?**
* **In what ways do I tend to separate "knowing God" intellectually from the practical outworking of obedience in my actions and attitudes?**
* **How does the concept of obedience as a "fruit" rather than a "root" of salvation impact my understanding of assurance and my motivation for living righteously?**

### FAQ
**Does "keeping his commandments" mean I have to be perfect to know God?**

Answer: No, "keeping his commandments" does not imply sinless perfection, which is unattainable for humans (as [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - If we say we have no sin") makes clear). Instead, it refers to a consistent lifestyle characterized by a *desire* to obey, a *striving* to follow God's will, and a *repentant heart* when one falls short. The emphasis is on the direction of one's life—a trajectory of obedience—rather than flawless execution. True believers will genuinely desire to obey God out of love, and when they fail, they will confess their sins and seek His forgiveness and strength to do better, as described in [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness"). It's about the orientation of the heart and the consistent pursuit of righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 2:3 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the keeping of God's commandments. Jesus Himself declared, "I always do the things that are pleasing to Him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus always pleases the Father")), demonstrating that true knowledge of the Father is intrinsically linked to perfect obedience. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus fulfills the Law")), living a life of absolute devotion and submission to God's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). For believers, our ability to "keep His commandments" is not a self-generated effort but a Spirit-empowered response to Christ's work. Through faith in Him, we are united with Christ, and His righteousness is imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, given to us by Christ, indwells us, enabling us to walk in newness of life and obey God's statutes from the heart ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The righteous requirement of the law fulfilled in us")). Therefore, our obedience is not a work *for* salvation, but a fruit *of* salvation, a tangible expression of our intimate relationship with the One who perfectly obeyed on our behalf and now empowers us to follow in His footsteps.

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 14:15

¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 15:10

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Luke 6:46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

1 John 5:3

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

1 John 3:22

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1 John 3:24

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.