1 John 2:6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

He that saith {G3004} he abideth {G3306} in {G1722} him {G846} ought {G3784} himself {G846} also {G2532} so {G3779} to walk {G4043}, even as {G2531} he {G1565} walked {G4043}.

A person who claims to be continuing in union with him ought to conduct his life the way he did.

Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.

Commentary

This verse from 1 John presents a powerful challenge regarding the authenticity of a believer's walk. It states that anyone who claims to have a deep connection with Jesus Christ ('abideth in him') has a clear obligation: their life ('ought himself also so to walk') must mirror the life Christ lived ('even as he walked'). It links profession of faith directly to practical conduct.

Context

This verse is part of John's argument in his first epistle concerning how one can truly know God and be assured of salvation. Immediately preceding it, John discusses keeping God's commandments as evidence of knowing Him (1 John 2:3-5). Verse 6 extends this idea, specifically connecting the claim of "abiding in Christ" with the necessity of living a life patterned after Jesus' own example. It sets a standard for genuine Christian living, contrasting mere verbal assertion with tangible behavior.

Key Themes

  • Abiding in Christ: This speaks to a deep, spiritual union and continuous relationship with Jesus. The Greek word translated "abideth" (menล) means to remain, dwell, or continue. It's not a temporary visit but a settled state.
  • Walking as Christ Walked: The term "walk" (Greek: peripatล) refers to one's manner of life, conduct, or behavior. To walk as Christ walked means to live a life characterized by obedience to God, love for others, humility, purity, and selfless service, reflecting the example Jesus set during His earthly ministry (see 1 Peter 2:21).
  • Authenticity and Evidence: John emphasizes that a claim to spiritual connection must be validated by one's actions. True faith is not just intellectual assent or verbal profession, but is demonstrated through a lifestyle that imitates Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The contrast between "saith he abideth" (a verbal claim) and "ought himself also so to walk" (a practical necessity) highlights John's emphasis on genuine faith being expressed through action. The word "ought" (Greek: opheilล) carries a sense of moral obligation or debt, indicating that this manner of walking is not optional for one who claims to abide in Christ.

Significance and Application

1 John 2:6 serves as a crucial test for self-examination. It challenges believers to look beyond their profession of faith to the reality of their daily lives. If we claim to be in Christ, our conduct should increasingly resemble His. This involves cultivating the same attitudes (Philippians 2:5), pursuing holiness, loving others sacrificially, and living in obedience to God's will. It is a call to practical righteousness and a life that consistently reflects the character of the one in whom we claim to abide.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

  • John 13:15

    For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:1

    ยถ Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.

  • 1 John 3:6

    Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

  • John 15:4

    Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

  • John 15:6

    If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

  • Matthew 11:29

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.