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.

He that saith {G3004}, I know {G1097} him {G846}, and {G2532} keepeth {G5083} not {G3361} his {G846} commandments {G1785}, is {G2076} a liar {G5583}, and {G2532} the truth {G225} is {G2076} not {G3756} in {G1722} him {G5129}.

Anyone who says, “I know him,” but isn’t obeying his commands is a liar — the truth is not in him.

If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

Commentary on 1 John 2:4 (KJV)

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, addresses the core tenets of Christian faith and life, often contrasting genuine belief with false teachings prevalent in his time, particularly proto-Gnosticism. This verse, 1 John 2:4, serves as a powerful litmus test for spiritual authenticity, directly confronting those who claim a relationship with God but whose lives do not reflect that claim.

Context

Following his opening statements about fellowship with God and walking in the light (1 John 1:7), John emphasizes the importance of confessing sins and having an Advocate, Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). The immediate verses leading up to verse 4 discuss how keeping God's commandments is evidence of truly knowing Him (1 John 2:3). This sets the stage for a stark warning against hypocrisy: a profession of faith without corresponding obedience is deemed false.

Key Themes

  • Authenticity of Faith: This verse underscores that true knowledge of God (ginōskō in Greek, implying an intimate, experiential acquaintance) is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated by one's actions. A claim to know God must be validated by a life of obedience.
  • Obedience as Evidence: Keeping God's commandments is presented as the undeniable proof of a genuine relationship with Him. Without this practical outworking, the claim to "know Him" is empty.
  • Truth vs. Deception: John's language is direct and uncompromising. To claim knowledge of God while disregarding His commands is to be a "liar," and the "truth is not in him." This highlights the critical importance of integrity between belief and behavior in the Christian walk.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I know him" uses the Greek verb ginōskō, which implies a deep, personal, and experiential knowledge, distinct from mere intellectual awareness (oida). This intimate relationship should naturally lead to a transformed life. The "commandments" refer to God's moral precepts, which, in the New Testament, are often summarized by the command to love God and neighbor.

Practical Application

1 John 2:4 serves as a timeless challenge to believers to examine the sincerity of their faith. It reminds us that Christianity is not merely about verbal declarations or intellectual assent, but about a transformed life that actively seeks to honor God through obedience. This concept resonates with Jesus' own words, "If ye love me, keep my commandments". The apostle James similarly emphasizes that faith without works is dead. Therefore, this verse calls us to a genuine, holistic discipleship where our confession aligns with our conduct, demonstrating that the truth of God truly resides within us.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 John 1:6

    If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

  • Titus 1:16

    They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

  • James 2:14

    ¶ What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

  • James 2:16

    And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

  • 1 John 1:8

    ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

  • 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 2:9

    He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

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