4:2 4:2

1 John 4:3

4:4 4:4

Bible Versions

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
And {G2532} every {G3956} spirit {G4151} that {G3739} confesseth {G3670} not {G3361} that Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} is come {G2064} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561} is {G2076} not {G3756} of {G1537} God {G2316}: and {G2532} this {G5124} is {G2076} that spirit of antichrist {G500}, whereof {G3739} ye have heard {G191} that {G3754} it should come {G2064}; and even {G2532} now {G3568} already {G2235} is it {G2076} in {G1722} the world {G2889}.
and every spirit which does not acknowledge Yeshua is not from God — in fact, this is the spirit of the Anti-Messiah. You have heard that he is coming. Well, he’s here now, in the world already!
and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.
and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the spirit of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already.

Context of 1 John 4:3

First John chapter 4 opens with a crucial admonition to "try the spirits whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1). This immediately sets the stage for discerning true spiritual teaching from false. The early church faced significant challenges from various heresies, particularly those that undermined the true nature of Jesus Christ. Verse 3 provides a key test for identifying such deceptive spirits.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Incarnation as a Litmus Test: The core message of this verse is that acknowledging the historical and physical reality of Jesus Christ's incarnation—that He truly "is come in the flesh"—is fundamental to genuine faith. This doctrine, known as the incarnation, asserts that the divine Son of God took on full human nature, with a real body and soul. Denying this truth directly challenges the efficacy of His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection.
  • The Spirit of Antichrist: John identifies the spirit that denies Jesus' incarnation as the "spirit of antichrist." This term refers not only to a future individual but also to a spiritual force or attitude that opposes Christ and His truth. John notes that this spirit was already present in the world during his time, indicating an ongoing spiritual battle against truth.
  • Discernment and Warning: The verse serves as a vital warning against false teachers and doctrines that seek to distort the person of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and discerning, testing all spiritual claims against the foundational truth of who Jesus is.

Linguistic Insights

The term "antichrist" (Greek: antichristos) is used exclusively by John in the New Testament (1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22, 1 John 4:3, 2 John 1:7). The prefix "anti-" can mean "against" or "in place of." Thus, an antichrist is one who opposes Christ or seeks to replace Him. The emphasis on "come in the flesh" directly counters early Gnostic-like heresies (specifically Docetism) which taught that Jesus only *appeared* to have a physical body, denying His true humanity.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 John 4:3 remains highly relevant. It underscores the unchanging importance of sound doctrine regarding the person of Jesus Christ. We are called to:

  • Guard the Truth: Hold firmly to the biblical teaching that Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man, truly incarnate. This truth is central to our salvation and understanding of God's love.
  • Exercise Discernment: Be wary of teachings or spiritual movements that diminish the unique person and work of Jesus, or that offer an alternative path to God outside of Him.
  • Recognize Spiritual Warfare: Understand that the "spirit of antichrist" is not just a historical phenomenon but an ongoing spiritual force that seeks to deceive and lead people away from the truth of Christ. Our spiritual vigilance is key in this battle.
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.

  • 1 John 2:22

    Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

  • 2 John 1:7

    ¶ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

  • 1 John 2:18

    ¶ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3

    ¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8

    And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
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