1 John 2:3

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

1 John 2:3 serves as a foundational verse in understanding the nature of true Christian faith and assurance. It provides a clear, practical test for believers: how do we know we genuinely know God?

Context

This verse comes early in John’s First Epistle, a letter written to believers grappling with emerging false teachings, particularly proto-Gnosticism, which emphasized secret knowledge or spiritual enlightenment over moral conduct. John consistently counters these errors by asserting that genuine fellowship with God is not merely intellectual or mystical, but profoundly practical, evidenced by a life of obedience. The apostle is guiding his readers towards assurance of their salvation and true relationship with God.

Key Themes

  • Assurance of Knowledge: The verse directly addresses the question of how one can be certain of their relationship with God. John presents obedience as the definitive proof. It's not about earning salvation, but demonstrating the reality of a transformed heart.
  • Obedience as Evidence: Keeping God's commandments is presented not as a means to gain knowledge of God, but as the inevitable fruit of truly knowing Him. This distinguishes genuine faith from mere profession or intellectual assent.
  • Authentic Discipleship: It highlights that true discipleship involves active adherence to Christ's teachings and God's moral law, contrasting with those who might claim to know God but live contrary to His will.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Know" (Greek: ginosko): The Greek word used here for "know" signifies an intimate, experiential knowledge, not just head knowledge or intellectual understanding. It implies a personal relationship developed through experience. To "know Him" is to be in a living, dynamic relationship with God.
  • "Keep" (Greek: tereo): This term means to guard, observe, preserve, or hold fast to. It implies careful adherence, diligent observance, and active obedience, not just passive awareness or occasional compliance. It speaks to a consistent lifestyle of seeking to follow God's will.

Related Scriptures

The concept of obedience as a sign of love and true knowledge of God is a recurring theme in the New Testament. Jesus Himself declared, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). This echoes the Old Testament understanding that God's Spirit enables His people to walk in His statutes (Ezekiel 36:27). John reiterates this point throughout his epistle, emphasizing that love for God and love for fellow believers are inextricably linked to obedience to His commands (1 John 5:2).

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 John 2:3 serves as a vital call to introspection. It challenges us to examine whether our claim to know God is substantiated by a life that strives to honor His commands. This isn't about legalism or earning God's favor, but about the natural overflow of a heart transformed by His grace. Obedience becomes a joyful response to His love, a demonstration of our intimate relationship with Him, and a source of genuine assurance in our faith journey. It reminds us that knowing Christ is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative relationship that expresses itself in our actions.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 14:15 (23 votes)

    If ye love me, keep my commandments.

  • John 15:10 (19 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

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

  • 1 John 5:3 (14 votes)

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

  • John 15:14 (12 votes)

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

  • 1 John 3:22 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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.