1 John 4:6

KJV

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

KJV (with Strong's)

We {G2249} are {G2070} of {G1537} God {G2316}: he that knoweth {G1097} God {G2316} heareth {G191} us {G2257}; he that {G3739} is {G2076} not {G3756} of {G1537} God {G2316} heareth {G191} not {G3756} us {G2257}. Hereby {G1537}{G5127} know we {G1097} the spirit {G4151} of truth {G225}, and {G2532} the spirit {G4151} of error {G4106}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God doesn’t listen to us. This is how we distinguish the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error.

Berean Standard Bible

We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

American Standard Version

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he who is not of God heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 4:6 serves as a foundational declaration of apostolic authority and a crucial criterion for spiritual discernment within the early church and for believers today. It asserts that those who are genuinely "of God" will recognize and receive the truth proclaimed by God's authentic messengers, while those not aligned with God will reject it. This reception or rejection of the apostolic message, rooted in the revelation of Jesus Christ, ultimately distinguishes the "spirit of truth" from the "spirit of error," providing a clear test for identifying the source and nature of any spiritual teaching.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within John's overarching theme of discernment, particularly following his urgent exhortation in [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits") to "test the spirits." The preceding verses (1 John 4:1-3) establish the primary test for distinguishing true prophets from false ones: whether they confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. John then transitions from this specific Christological test to a broader principle of spiritual affiliation and reception of truth. Verse 6 acts as a summary statement, presenting the apostles and their message as the authoritative standard by which the "spirit of truth" and "spirit of error" can be known, thereby reinforcing the urgency and necessity of discernment in a world rife with deceptive teachings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church faced significant challenges from various Gnostic and proto-Gnostic movements that denied the true humanity of Jesus, viewing matter as inherently evil and spirit as good. These groups often claimed superior knowledge or special revelation, leading believers astray. John's epistle, written likely in Ephesus towards the end of the first century, directly confronts these heresies. The emphasis on "knowing God" and "hearing us" (the apostles) reflects the need for a clear, authoritative standard against the proliferation of false teachers who sought to undermine the foundational truths of the Gospel and the apostolic witness. The cultural landscape was also one where spiritual claims were common, making a reliable test for divine origin imperative for the nascent Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** [First John](/1_john/1 "The First Epistle of John") is replete with themes of truth, love, obedience, and the nature of God. [1 John 4:6](/1_john/4-6 "1 John 4:6 - Discerning Truth and Error") contributes significantly to the theme of **spiritual discernment**, providing a practical litmus test for distinguishing authentic Christian teaching from deceptive doctrines. It also underscores the theme of **divine origin and authority**, asserting that the apostolic message originates from God Himself, making its reception a sign of one's relationship with God. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **relational knowledge of God** (as seen in "he that knoweth God"), implying that true spiritual understanding and discernment flow from an intimate relationship with the Father. This relational knowledge enables believers to recognize the "spirit of truth," a concept deeply tied to the work of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised would guide His followers into all truth, as seen in [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knoweth (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb signifies an intimate, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual apprehension. It implies a personal relationship and understanding that comes from direct engagement. In the context of "knowing God," it refers to a salvific, transformative relationship that enables spiritual discernment and recognition of divine truth.
* **of (Greek, _ek'_):** This preposition denotes origin, indicating the source or point from which something proceeds. When John states "We are of God" or "he that is not of God," he is emphasizing the ultimate spiritual allegiance and source of one's being and message. It points to a fundamental spiritual identity and alignment.
* **heareth (Greek, _akoúō'_):** More than just perceiving sound, "to hear" in this context implies listening with understanding, receiving, and obeying. It denotes a spiritual receptivity and responsiveness to the message being conveyed. To "hear us" means to accept and submit to the apostolic teaching as divinely authoritative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We are of God":** This declarative statement asserts the divine origin and authority of the apostles and their message. It is a claim to legitimate spiritual standing, implying that their teaching is not merely human opinion but divinely inspired truth.
* **"he that knoweth God heareth us":** This clause establishes a direct correlation between a genuine, experiential knowledge of God and a spiritual receptivity to the apostolic message. Those who are truly in relationship with God possess the spiritual discernment necessary to recognize and accept His truth, as communicated through His chosen messengers.
* **"he that is not of God heareth not us":** This is the stark antithesis to the preceding clause. It reveals that a lack of spiritual receptivity to the apostolic message is indicative of a fundamental disconnect from God. Those who do not belong to God lack the spiritual capacity or willingness to acknowledge His truth.
* **"Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error":** This concluding statement provides the practical application of the preceding principles. The acceptance or rejection of the apostolic teaching becomes the definitive test for discerning between the "spirit of truth" (the Holy Spirit, who guides into truth) and the "spirit of error" (a deceptive influence that leads away from truth). This provides a clear criterion for spiritual discernment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Antithesis** is central, starkly contrasting "We are of God" with "he that is not of God," and "heareth us" with "heareth not us." This creates a clear binary, emphasizing the absolute distinction between divine truth and spiritual deception. **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "spirit of truth" and "spirit of error," where "spirit" stands for the source or guiding principle behind a teaching or worldview. The "spirit of truth" refers to the Holy Spirit and His influence, while the "spirit of error" refers to a deceptive spiritual force. The use of **assertion** ("We are of God") lends authority and weight to the apostolic claim, establishing their message as the standard. Finally, the verse functions as a **litmus test**, providing a practical, observable criterion (reception of apostolic teaching) to determine an invisible spiritual reality (the source of a spirit).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of spiritual authority, discernment, and the nature of truth. It underscores that true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual but relational, enabling a spiritual sensitivity that recognizes divine truth. The apostolic message, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ, serves as the unchanging standard against which all other spiritual claims must be measured. This implies that theological truth is not subjective but objective, revealed by God and entrusted to His messengers. The ability to discern between truth and error is therefore not a matter of personal preference but a vital spiritual discipline, essential for maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual health within the community of faith.

* [John 8:47](/john/8-47 "John 8:47 - Hearing God's Words")
* [2 Corinthians 10:5](/2_corinthians/10-5 "2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking Every Thought Captive")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:21](/1_thessalonians/5-21 "1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test Everything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an era saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, 1 John 4:6 remains profoundly relevant, serving as a timeless guide for spiritual discernment. It challenges believers to cultivate a deep, intimate knowledge of God through consistent engagement with His Word, fervent prayer, and active participation in the community of faith. This relational intimacy sharpens our spiritual senses, enabling us to recognize the authentic voice of God amidst a cacophony of competing voices. When evaluating any teaching, sermon, or spiritual claim, we are called to ask: Does this message align with the consistent, revealed truth of Scripture, particularly concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ? Does it promote love, righteousness, and obedience to God, or does it lead to division, moral compromise, or a distorted view of God's character? Our spiritual health and the purity of the church depend on our willingness to diligently test the spirits, allowing our reception of truth to reflect our genuine, saving relationship with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal "knowing God" (experiential knowledge) influence my ability to discern spiritual truth from error?**
* **In what ways am I actively "hearing" (receiving and obeying) the consistent message of God's Word as delivered by His faithful messengers?**
* **What specific steps can I take to sharpen my spiritual discernment in a world filled with diverse and often conflicting spiritual claims?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "of God" or "not of God"?**

Answer: To be "of God" (Greek: *ek Theou*) signifies a fundamental spiritual origin and allegiance. It means one's being, character, and spiritual orientation are derived from God. This implies a saving relationship with Him, a new birth by the Spirit, and a life lived in accordance with His will. Conversely, to be "not of God" means one's spiritual origin and allegiance are not with God; they are alienated from Him, operating under a different spiritual influence, often that of the world or the "spirit of error." This distinction is not about intellectual assent but about a deep, relational, and spiritual reality that determines one's receptivity to divine truth. As [John 3:3-7](/john/3-3-7 "John 3:3-7 - You Must Be Born Again") illustrates, entering God's kingdom requires a spiritual rebirth.

**How does "he that knoweth God heareth us" relate to my personal spiritual journey today?**

Answer: This statement emphasizes that a genuine, intimate knowledge of God (Greek: *ginōskō*, an experiential knowing) produces a spiritual sensitivity and receptivity to His truth. For believers today, "us" refers to the apostolic teaching preserved in Scripture. Therefore, if we truly "know God" through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we will have a spiritual inclination to hear, understand, and obey the authoritative message of the Bible. Our spiritual ears will be attuned to the voice of God as revealed in His Word, and we will be able to discern it from false teachings. This is a vital indicator of our spiritual health and genuine relationship with the Lord, as Jesus Himself said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 4:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself, who is the embodiment of the "spirit of truth" and the very standard by which all truth and error are measured. The apostles' claim, "We are of God," is validated by their faithful witness to Jesus, the Son of God who came in the flesh ([1 John 4:2](/1_john/4-2 "1 John 4:2 - The Spirit of God Confesses Jesus")). Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), making Him the ultimate revelation of God. Therefore, to "know God" in this verse is to know Him through Christ, for "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No One Knows the Father Except the Son")). Those who truly belong to God will recognize and receive the message of Christ, as proclaimed by His apostles, because they recognize Christ's voice and truth. Conversely, those who reject this foundational truth about Jesus demonstrate that they are "not of God," aligning themselves with the "spirit of error" that denies Christ's salvific work and divine nature. The discernment offered in this verse is fundamentally Christological, with Jesus as the touchstone for identifying genuine faith and distinguishing it from all forms of deception.

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 14:17

[Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

1 Corinthians 2:12

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

John 15:26

¶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

1 John 4:1

¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

John 8:45

And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not.