1 John 4:5

KJV

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

KJV (with Strong's)

They {G846} are {G1526} of {G1537} the world {G2889}: therefore {G1223}{G5124} speak they {G2980} of {G1537} the world {G2889}, and {G2532} the world {G2889} heareth {G191} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are from the world; therefore, they speak from the world’s viewpoint; and the world listens to them.

Berean Standard Bible

They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them.

American Standard Version

They are of the world: therefore speak they as of the world, and the world heareth them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 4:5 succinctly characterizes false teachers as originating from and aligning with the fallen world system, rather than from God. This worldly allegiance dictates their message, which in turn resonates with and is readily accepted by those who share the world's values and perspectives, creating a stark contrast with the divine truth proclaimed by genuine believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of John's first epistle (1 John 4:1-6) where the apostle provides discerning criteria for differentiating between true and false spiritual authorities. Having just urged believers to "test the spirits" because "many false prophets have gone out into the world" in [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Testing the Spirits"), John immediately offers a primary diagnostic: the origin and allegiance of these teachers. Verse 5 explains *why* these false prophets are so prevalent and persuasive within the world, setting the stage for the counter-characteristic of those who are "of God" in [1 John 4:6](/1_john/4-6 "1 John 4:6 - We are of God"). The passage emphasizes the spiritual battle between truth and error, divine and worldly origins.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church faced significant challenges from various heretical movements, particularly proto-Gnosticism, which denied the true incarnation of Christ (as alluded to in [1 John 4:2-3](/1_john/4-2-3 "1 John 4:2-3 - Confessing Jesus Christ Come in the Flesh")). These false teachers often presented themselves as having superior knowledge or spiritual insight, appealing to human intellect and pride rather than humble faith in Christ. Their teachings frequently accommodated worldly philosophies or moral laxity, making them attractive to those who sought a less demanding form of spirituality. John's epistle serves as a pastoral warning and a theological bulwark against such deceptive influences that threatened the purity of the gospel and the unity of the community.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [1 John 4](/1_john/4 "1 John 4 - Testing the Spirits") is **spiritual discernment**, particularly the ability to distinguish between truth and error. Verse 5 highlights the **contrast between the "world" and "God"** as sources of authority and truth. The "world" here signifies the organized system of human society alienated from God, characterized by its rebellion, pride, and pursuit of temporal pleasures, as seen in [1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15-17 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World"). This verse also underscores the theme of **allegiance and origin**: false teachers derive their identity and message from the world, while true believers and prophets are "of God" ([1 John 4:6](/1_john/4-6 "1 John 4:6 - We are of God")). Finally, it touches on the **receptivity of messages**: the world naturally embraces what aligns with its values, while often rejecting divine truth, a concept echoed in [John 15:19](/john/15-19 "John 15:19 - The World Hates Believers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** (G2889) This term, derived from a root meaning "orderly arrangement" or "decoration," encompasses more than just the physical creation. In 1 John, _kósmos_ frequently refers to the organized system of human society and culture that is hostile to God, characterized by sin, rebellion, and opposition to divine truth. It represents humanity's fallen state and its values, which stand in stark contrast to God's kingdom.
* **are of (Greek, _eisí ek'_):** (G1526, G1537) The combination of _eisí_ ("they are") and _ek_ ("from, out of, by reason of") denotes origin, source, or allegiance. When John states "they are of the world," he is asserting that the very essence, perspective, and guiding principles of these false teachers originate from and are deeply rooted in the worldly system, rather than from God or His Spirit. Their identity and character are derived from this fallen realm.
* **speak (Greek, _laléō'_):** (G2980) This verb means "to talk" or "utter words," but in this context, it signifies the content and nature of their teaching or message. Because their origin is "of the world," their speech naturally reflects and promotes worldly ideas, philosophies, and values. It implies that their message is not merely influenced by the world, but actively springs forth from its principles and speaks to its desires.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They are of the world:"** This opening clause establishes the fundamental identity and source of the false teachers. Their nature, worldview, and spiritual allegiance are rooted in the fallen, anti-God system of human society. They are not merely influenced by the world, but intrinsically belong to it, drawing their wisdom and authority from its principles.
* **"therefore speak they of the world,"** This clause reveals the direct consequence of their worldly origin. Because their very being is "of the world," their message, teachings, and pronouncements naturally reflect and promote worldly perspectives, values, and desires. Their speech is characterized by human wisdom, appealing to fleshly appetites, pride, or a superficial understanding of spirituality, rather than the transformative truth of God's Word.
* **"and the world heareth them."** This final clause explains the widespread appeal and acceptance of false teaching. The unregenerate world, sharing the same underlying values and spiritual orientation as the false teachers, finds their message palatable, affirming, and resonant. "Heareth" implies more than just auditory perception; it signifies listening with acceptance, understanding, and receptivity, indicating that the world embraces and validates these messages because they do not challenge its inherent sinfulness or call for radical repentance.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. **Repetition** of the word "world" (_kósmos_) three times within a single sentence powerfully emphasizes the pervasive influence and defining characteristic of these false teachers and their audience. This repetition also creates a stark **Contrast** with the implied divine origin and message of true prophets, setting up the subsequent verse ([1 John 4:6](/1_john/4-6 "1 John 4:6 - We are of God")) where John states, "We are of God." The phrase "are of the world" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "the world" stands in for the entire system of human rebellion against God, including its values, desires, and philosophies. This metonymy highlights the deep, intrinsic connection between the false teachers and this fallen system. Furthermore, the verse uses **Cause and Effect** reasoning ("They are of the world: *therefore* speak they of the world, *and* the world heareth them"), logically connecting the origin of the false teachers to the content of their message and its reception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 4:5 profoundly highlights the spiritual battle between two distinct kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world. It underscores that spiritual messages are not neutral; they originate either from God or from the fallen human system. False teachers, being "of the world," are instruments through which worldly values and deceptions are propagated, appealing to the unregenerate heart that naturally resonates with messages affirming its own inclinations rather than challenging them with divine truth. This verse serves as a timeless warning against the seductive power of worldly wisdom and a call for believers to cultivate discernment, recognizing that popularity or widespread acceptance does not equate to divine endorsement.

* [John 8:47](/john/8-47 "John 8:47 - He who is of God hears God's words")
* [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the world is enmity with God")
* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, 1 John 4:5 remains an indispensable guide for navigating truth from error. It compels us to look beyond charismatic personalities or appealing rhetoric and instead scrutinize the source and substance of any teaching. If a message consistently aligns with worldly values—prioritizing comfort, self-affirmation, material gain, or humanistic philosophies over biblical truth, repentance, and the holiness of God—it likely originates from the "world" and will find a ready audience among those who are "of the world." For believers, this verse is a call to vigilance, to anchor ourselves deeply in God's Word, and to cultivate a Spirit-led discernment that recognizes the subtle and overt ways the world seeks to infiltrate and dilute the purity of the gospel. Our allegiance must be unequivocally to Christ, ensuring that our own speech and lives reflect heavenly, not earthly, values.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern if a teaching or message I encounter is "of the world" or "of God"?**
* **In what ways might worldly values subtly influence my own thinking or the messages I am inclined to accept?**
* **What practical steps can I take to strengthen my spiritual discernment and ensure my allegiance is fully to Christ, not the world?**
* **How does the world's acceptance of certain messages challenge or affirm my understanding of biblical truth?**

### FAQ
**What does "the world" mean in 1 John 4:5?**

Answer: In this context, "the world" (Greek: _kósmos_) does not refer to the physical planet or creation, nor does it refer to humanity as the object of God's love (as in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world")). Instead, it denotes the organized system of human society, culture, and values that stands in active rebellion against God. It represents humanity's fallen, sinful nature and its collective opposition to divine truth and righteousness. Therefore, to be "of the world" means to derive one's identity, values, and authority from this anti-God system.

**Why do "false prophets" speak of the world and find a receptive audience?**

Answer: False prophets speak "of the world" because their very origin and allegiance are rooted in the world's values and principles. Their message naturally reflects and promotes what is appealing to the unregenerate human heart—things like self-gratification, worldly success, or a comfortable spirituality that avoids genuine repentance and submission to Christ. The "world" then "hears them" (meaning it listens with acceptance and approval) because these messages resonate with its own desires and worldview. They affirm the world's existing inclinations rather than challenging them with the transformative, often uncomfortable, truth of God's Word, which the world typically rejects ([John 15:19](/john/15-19 "John 15:19 - The World Hates Believers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 4:5, by sharply defining the worldly origin and message of false teachers, implicitly magnifies the unique, divine origin and truth of Jesus Christ. While false prophets speak "of the world" and are heard by the world, Jesus unequivocally declared, "[My kingdom is not of this world](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")" and "[I am not of this world](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Jesus Not of the World")". He came from the Father ([John 16:28](/john/16-28 "John 16:28 - Jesus Came from God")) and spoke the words of God ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - He Whom God Has Sent Speaks the Words of God")), not worldly wisdom. The world, in its rebellion, largely rejected Him and His message ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - He Came to His Own and His Own Did Not Receive Him")), demonstrating the very principle John articulates: the world hears its own. However, those who are "of God" hear Christ's voice ([John 8:47](/john/8-47 "John 8:47 - He who is of God hears God's words")), recognizing Him as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [truth incarnate](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Thus, 1 John 4:5 serves as a backdrop against which the singular, divine authority and truth of Christ, and the necessary spiritual discernment of His followers, shine even more brightly.

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

John 8:23

And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

John 17:14

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

2 Peter 2:2

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

John 17:16

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

John 3:31

He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;