1 John 3:2

KJV

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beloved {G27}, now {G3568} are we {G2070} the sons {G5043} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} it doth {G5319} not yet {G3768} appear {G5319} what {G5101} we shall be {G2071}: but {G1161} we know {G1492} that {G3754}, when {G1437} he shall appear {G5319}, we shall be {G2071} like {G3664} him {G846}; for {G3754} we shall see {G3700} him {G846} as {G2531} he is {G2076}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Dear friends, we are God’s children now; and it has not yet been made clear what we will become. We do know that when he appears, we will be like him; because we will see him as he really is.

Berean Standard Bible

Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

American Standard Version

Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 3:2 offers a profound declaration of the believer's present identity and future hope. It asserts that those who have placed their faith in Christ are already, in the present moment, children of God, a status conferred by divine love. While the full extent and nature of their future glorified state remain veiled in mystery, the verse provides the certain knowledge that upon Christ's return, believers will be transformed to be like Him, a transformation directly linked to the beatific vision of seeing Him in His unadulterated glory. This verse serves as a cornerstone of Christian eschatology and the doctrine of glorification, inspiring both assurance and a call to holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [1 John 3:1](/1_john/3-1 "1 John 3:1 - God's Love and Our Sonship"), which marvels at the "great love" the Father has lavished upon us, that we "should be called children of God." [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - The Hope of Likeness to Christ") then builds directly on this foundational truth of present sonship, extending the theological trajectory into the future. It sets the stage for the subsequent exhortation in [1 John 3:3](/1_john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purity and Hope"), where the hope of future likeness to Christ becomes the motivation for present purity. The broader section of [1 John 2:28-3:10](/1_john/2-28-3-10 "1 John 2:28-3:10 - Remaining in Christ and Practicing Righteousness") focuses on the marks of true children of God—righteousness, love, and the absence of sin—making the future glorification a natural culmination of this present spiritual reality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was written to a community facing internal divisions and external pressures from false teachers (proto-Gnostics) who denied the true humanity of Christ and promoted a dualistic worldview that often led to moral laxity or extreme asceticism. In this context, affirming the secure identity of believers as "children of God" provided immense assurance against doubt and error. The emphasis on Christ's future "appearing" (Parousia) was a central tenet of early Christian hope, offering comfort and perseverance in a world often hostile to their faith. The concept of "seeing God" or "being like God" was not unique to Christianity, but John redefines it through the lens of Christ's incarnation and future return, contrasting it with pagan or philosophical notions of divine encounter.
* **Key Themes:** [1 John](/1_john/1 "The First Epistle of John") is replete with themes that converge in [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - The Hope of Likeness to Christ"). The **assurance of salvation** and **divine sonship** are paramount, as seen in [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Purpose of the Epistle"). The **nature of true Christian living** is another major theme, characterized by **righteousness** and **love**, which are presented as evidence of one's relationship with God (e.g., [1 John 2:29](/1_john/2-29 "1 John 2:29 - Practicing Righteousness") and [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God Is Love")). The **second coming of Christ** and the **hope of glorification** are critical eschatological themes that provide the ultimate motivation for present holiness. The idea of **knowing God** (e.g., [1 John 2:3](/1_john/2-3 "1 John 2:3 - Knowing God Through Obedience")) is also central, and [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - The Hope of Likeness to Christ") culminates this "knowing" in a future, unmediated vision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beloved (Greek, _agapētós'_):** This term, used frequently by John, signifies a deep, affectionate love. Here, it functions as an endearing address from the apostle to his readers, reinforcing the intimate and cherished relationship believers have with God as their Father. It underscores that their status as "sons of God" is not merely a legal declaration but a reality rooted in divine affection.
* **sons (Greek, _téknon'_):** While the KJV translates this as "sons," the Greek word `téknon` (G5043) more broadly means "child." This emphasizes spiritual birth and familial relationship rather than mere legal adoption. It highlights the intimate, dependent, and loving bond between God and His people, born of His Spirit, as opposed to a formal, external status.
* **see (Greek, _optánomai'_):** This verb (G3700) denotes a direct, unhindered, and often awe-inspiring vision, implying more than just casual observation. It suggests a profound encounter, a gazing upon something remarkable. In this context, to "see Him as He is" implies a full, unmediated, and transformative apprehension of Christ's true nature and glory, which is the catalyst for our own glorification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beloved, now are we the sons of God,"**: This opening clause establishes the present reality of the believer's identity. It is a confident affirmation that, by God's grace and love, those who believe are already, in this current moment, fully recognized and embraced as children in God's family. This status is not a future aspiration but a settled truth.
* **"and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:"**: Following the declaration of present sonship, this clause introduces an element of mystery regarding the future. While our identity is certain, the specific details of our future glorified state—the precise nature of our transformed bodies and being—are not yet fully revealed or understood by human comprehension. There is a divine unveiling yet to come.
* **"but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;"**: This "but we know" introduces a profound certainty that contrasts with the previous mystery. The "when he shall appear" refers unequivocally to the glorious second advent of Christ. The core promise is that at this appearing, believers "shall be like him." This signifies a complete transformation, a conformity to Christ's glorified nature, encompassing both moral perfection and physical resurrection in a glorified body.
* **"for we shall see him as he is."**: This final clause provides the reason or means for the transformation. The direct, unmediated vision of Christ in His true, unblemished glory—the beatific vision—is presented as the very catalyst for our likeness to Him. To behold His perfect essence will inherently purify and perfect us, conforming us to the image of the One we see.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the present reality ("now are we the sons of God") with the future mystery ("it doth not yet appear what we shall be") and then resolving that mystery with a future certainty ("but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him"). This creates a dynamic tension that is ultimately resolved by the promise of Christ's return. The phrase "we know" functions as a strong declaration of **Assurance**, grounding the future hope in divine certainty rather than mere speculation. Furthermore, the verse is rich in **Eschatological Hope**, pointing forward to a glorious future transformation and direct communion with Christ, serving as a powerful source of comfort and motivation for believers in their present walk. The repeated use of "appear" (Greek: _phaneróō_) highlights the theme of **Revelation**—both the future revelation of our glorified selves and, more importantly, the glorious revelation of Christ Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christian eschatology and the doctrine of glorification. It teaches that our present identity as children of God is a secure reality, yet our ultimate destiny involves a future transformation that transcends our current understanding. This transformation, a process of **glorification**, will culminate in our complete conformity to the image of the resurrected Christ, both in character and in bodily form. The catalyst for this profound change is the second coming of Christ and the subsequent "beatific vision"—the unhindered, direct seeing of God "as He is." This vision is not merely observational but inherently transformative, purifying and perfecting us into His likeness. It underscores the profound truth that our ultimate hope is not just a place (heaven) but a person (Christ) and a state (likeness to Him).

* [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")
* [1 Corinthians 15:42-49](/1_corinthians/15-42-49 "1 Corinthians 15:42-49 - The Resurrection Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - The Hope of Likeness to Christ") offers immense comfort and a powerful call to live with an eternal perspective. Knowing that we are presently children of God provides an unshakeable identity and worth, rooted not in our performance but in His love. This truth should alleviate anxiety about self-worth and purpose, anchoring us in divine adoption. Furthermore, the certainty of future transformation into Christ's likeness, spurred by seeing Him as He is, provides profound hope amidst life's trials and uncertainties. This hope is not a passive waiting but an active, purifying force. It reminds us that our earthly struggles are temporary, and our ultimate destiny is glorious communion and conformity with our Savior. This future hope should motivate us to live holy lives, as [1 John 3:3](/1_john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purity and Hope") immediately follows, urging us to purify ourselves "even as he is pure," knowing that such a glorious future awaits.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the present reality of being a "child of God" impact your daily self-perception and sense of belonging?**
* **What specific aspects of your future transformation into Christ's likeness do you find most comforting or inspiring?**
* **How does the hope of seeing Christ "as He is" motivate you to pursue holiness and purity in your life today?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge a worldly focus on temporary achievements or identities?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "it doth not yet appear what we shall be"?**

Answer: This phrase means that while our identity as children of God is certain, the precise details and full extent of our future glorified state are not yet fully revealed or comprehensible to us in our current human form. It speaks to the mystery surrounding the transformation of our bodies and beings into their perfected, eternal state. We know the *outcome* (likeness to Christ) but not the *exact nature* of that future existence.

**How will "seeing Him as He is" make us "like Him"?**

Answer: The New Testament teaches that beholding Christ in His unadulterated glory has a transformative effect. In [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image"), Paul speaks of believers "being transformed into the same image from glory to glory." This suggests that a direct, unmediated vision of Christ's perfect holiness and glory will intrinsically purify and perfect us, conforming us to His character and nature. It implies a profound spiritual and existential alignment with the divine essence we behold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - The Hope of Likeness to Christ") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Himself, for He is the prototype and the means of our glorification. As the [eternal Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus perfectly embodies the "sonship" that is now graciously extended to believers. He is the firstborn among many brethren ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")), the one whose glorified humanity serves as the blueprint for our own future transformation. Our hope of being "like Him" is anchored in the reality of His resurrection and ascension, where He already possesses the glorified body that ours will one day resemble ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation of Our Bodies")). The promise that "when He shall appear, we shall be like Him" directly points to His Second Coming, an event central to Christian hope, where the [Lord Himself will descend from heaven](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Descent"). Furthermore, the transformative power of "seeing Him as He is" speaks to the ultimate communion with Christ, a fulfillment of the longing expressed in [Psalm 17:15](/psalms/17-15 "Psalm 17:15 - Beholding God's Face"). In Christ, our adoption is secured, our future glorification guaranteed, and our ultimate destiny is to share in His very likeness and glory, a testament to His redemptive work and ongoing reign.

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

Philippians 3:21

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Colossians 3:4

When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Psalms 17:15

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

1 Corinthians 15:49

And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.