1 John 5:13

KJV

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

These things {G5023} have I written {G1125} unto you {G5213} that believe {G4100} on {G1519} the name {G3686} of the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}; that {G2443} ye may know {G1492} that ye {G3754} have {G2192} eternal {G166} life {G2222}, and {G2532} that {G2443} ye may believe {G4100} on {G1519} the name {G3686} of the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have written you these things so that you may know that you have eternal life — you who keep trusting in the person and power of the Son of God.

Berean Standard Bible

I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

American Standard Version

These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle John explicitly states his primary purpose in writing his First Epistle: to provide unwavering assurance of eternal life to those who have already placed their faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This verse serves as a powerful declaration that Christian faith is not based on uncertainty or mere hope, but on a confident, divinely-given knowledge of salvation, simultaneously encouraging a deepening and continuous trust in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse, [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Assurance of Eternal Life"), functions as a pivotal summary statement and a clear declaration of purpose within John's epistle. It follows a profound theological argument in [1 John 5:6-12](/1_john/5-6-12 "1 John 5:6-12 - The Witness of the Spirit, Water, and Blood"), where John emphasizes the threefold witness—the Spirit, the water (Christ's baptism), and the blood (Christ's crucifixion)—all testifying to the truth of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This witness, John asserts, is God's own testimony concerning His Son, which is greater than any human testimony. Therefore, to believe in the Son is to possess this divine witness, and consequently, eternal life. Verse 13 then explicitly states that John wrote "these things" (referring to the preceding arguments and the entire letter's content) to ensure believers grasp this profound truth and live in its assurance. It sets the stage for the concluding remarks of the letter, which include confidence in prayer ([1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer")), a warning against sin unto death ([1 John 5:16-17](/1_john/5-16-17 "1 John 5:16-17 - Sin Unto Death")), and a final summary of core Christian certainties ([1 John 5:18-21](/1_john/5-18-21 "1 John 5:18-21 - Christian Certainties")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The First Epistle of John was likely written in the late first century, addressing a community facing internal strife and external pressures, particularly from emerging false teachings. These heresies, often proto-Gnostic in nature, challenged the true humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ (known as Docetism, which denied Christ's physical body, and Cerinthianism, which separated the divine "Christ" from the human "Jesus"). Such teachings undermined the foundational truth of the Incarnation and the efficacy of Christ's atoning work, leading to spiritual confusion and a lack of assurance among believers. John's letter, therefore, serves as an apologetic and pastoral response, providing "tests" of authentic faith—righteous living, love for fellow believers, and correct Christology—to counter these errors and solidify the believers' understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to truly know Him. The emphasis on "knowing" (οἶδα, _oida_) in contrast to a mere intellectual "understanding" (γινώσκω, _ginōskō_) was crucial in a culture where "knowledge" (γνῶσις, _gnōsis_) was highly valued, especially by the Gnostics who claimed a secret or superior knowledge. John asserts that true, saving knowledge is found in Christ and is accessible to all who believe.

* **Key Themes:** [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Assurance of Eternal Life") encapsulates several overarching themes of the epistle. Firstly, **Assurance of Salvation** is paramount; John desires that believers move beyond doubt to a confident "knowing" that they possess eternal life. This assurance is not based on human merit but on the divine witness concerning Christ. Secondly, the **Person and Work of Jesus Christ** is central, particularly the phrase "the name of the Son of God," which signifies His full divine identity, authority, and redemptive accomplishment. The entire letter hinges on a correct understanding and confession of Jesus as truly God and truly man, as seen in [1 John 4:2-3](/1_john/4-2-3 "1 John 4:2-3 - Discerning Spirits"). Thirdly, the **Purpose of Divine Revelation** is highlighted; John explicitly states that he wrote "these things" so that believers might know and continue to believe. This underscores the Bible's role in clarifying spiritual truths and strengthening faith, echoing the profitability of Scripture for teaching and training in righteousness, as described in [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Profitability of Scripture"). Finally, the theme of **Ongoing Faith and Relationship** is subtly present in the repetition of "believe on the name of the Son of God," implying not just an initial act of faith but a continuous, deepening reliance and trust in Christ. This continuous belief is intrinsically linked to "walking in the light" and "loving one another," which are recurring themes throughout the letter, as demonstrated in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light") and [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God is Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō_):** This verb signifies the deliberate and intentional act of composing a document. John uses it here to underscore that his epistle is not a casual reflection but a purposeful communication with a specific goal: to impart knowledge and strengthen faith. It highlights the divine inspiration and authority behind his words, as they are penned for the spiritual benefit of the recipients.
* **know (Greek, _eídō_):** This word denotes a settled, experiential knowledge, a deep and certain conviction that comes from observation or acquaintance, rather than a mere intellectual grasp (which would typically be _ginōskō_). John desires believers to possess a confident, internal assurance of their spiritual reality, not just a hope or a theory. It implies a knowledge that transforms and grounds one's life.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō_):** This verb means to have faith in, to credit, or to entrust oneself to a person or thing. In the context of salvation, it signifies placing one's complete trust and reliance upon Jesus Christ. The verb appears twice in the verse, with the first instance (G4100 G5723) being a present participle ("you who are believing"), indicating an ongoing state of faith, and the second (G4100 G5725) a present subjunctive ("that you may believe"), implying a continuous, deepening, and active trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God;":** John begins by stating the direct recipients of his message: those who already possess faith in Jesus Christ, identified by His full divine authority and essence as "the Son of God." The phrase "these things" refers to the entire content of his epistle, including the tests of genuine faith (obedience, love, correct Christology) and the divine witness to Christ's identity. His writing is purposeful, directed at confirming and strengthening the faith of existing believers.
* **"that ye may know that ye have eternal life,":** This clause articulates the primary purpose of John's writing. The Greek verb for "know" (οἶδα, _oida_) implies a settled, experiential, and confident assurance. John desires that believers move beyond mere hope or intellectual assent to a deep, personal certainty that they already possess "eternal life." This "eternal life" (Greek, _aiṓnios zōḗ_ G166 G2222) is not merely endless existence but a quality of life—the very life of God—that begins at the moment of faith and continues into eternity.
* **"and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.":** This second purpose clause, introduced by "and that," reveals a dual intention. While the first part focuses on assurance (knowing), this part emphasizes the deepening and perseverance of faith. The repetition of "believe on the name of the Son of God" suggests that John's writing aims not only to confirm initial belief but also to cultivate a continuous, active, and growing trust in Christ. It implies that true assurance leads to a more robust and unwavering faith, enabling believers to withstand false teachings and live consistently with their confession.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the phrase "believe on the name of the Son of God," appearing at both the beginning and end of the verse. This serves to emphasize the foundational importance of faith in Christ's divine identity as the prerequisite for and ongoing means of possessing eternal life. It creates a sense of **inclusio** within the verse itself, framing John's stated purpose around the core tenet of Christological belief. The use of **purpose clauses** ("that ye may know," "and that ye may believe") clearly articulates John's specific intentions for his readers, transforming the epistle from a general theological discourse into a targeted pastoral communication. This direct declaration of purpose is a form of **epistolary purpose statement**, a common feature in ancient letters, which provides the reader with a clear understanding of the letter's aim. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **emphasis** through direct address ("unto you") and the strong assertion of "these things have I written," underscoring the gravity and intentionality of John's message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 John 5:13 stands as a cornerstone of Christian assurance, profoundly connecting to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. It underscores that salvation is not merely a future hope but a present reality, a gift of "eternal life" received through faith in Jesus Christ. This "knowing" is not based on human feeling or performance, but on the objective truth of God's testimony concerning His Son. The emphasis on "the name of the Son of God" highlights the absolute centrality of Christ's person and work as the sole basis for salvation. Theologically, it affirms the deity of Christ, the efficacy of His atonement, and the reliability of God's Word in providing certainty to His children. It also speaks to the nature of true faith—not a fleeting emotion, but a settled trust that leads to a transformed life, marked by love and obedience, which in turn provides further evidence of that genuine faith.

* [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel"): "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief"): "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Nature of Faith"): "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 John 5:13 offers profound comfort and stability to every believer, challenging the common misconception that spiritual assurance is unattainable or presumptuous. It directly addresses the human tendency towards doubt and self-condemnation, asserting that God desires His children to live in the confident knowledge of their eternal destiny. This assurance is not a license for complacency but a powerful motivation for holy living and joyful service. When we truly "know that we have eternal life" because we "believe on the name of the Son of God," our identity is secured in Christ, our fears are diminished, and our purpose becomes clearer. This certainty empowers us to face life's challenges, to persevere through trials, and to boldly share the hope we have with others, knowing that our future is eternally secure in the hands of our faithful God. It calls us to regularly return to the foundational truths of the gospel and to continually deepen our trust in Jesus, the source of all life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I truly "know" that I have eternal life, or do I live in a state of uncertainty or doubt?**
* **How does my understanding of Jesus as "the Son of God" impact my daily life and my assurance of salvation?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage me to deepen my ongoing "belief on the name of the Son of God"?**
* **How does the purpose of John's writing (to provide assurance) shape my approach to reading and applying Scripture?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "believe on the name of the Son of God"?**

Answer: To "believe on the name of the Son of God" means much more than simply acknowledging Jesus' existence or even His historical identity. In biblical usage, a "name" encapsulates the entire character, authority, essence, and reputation of a person. Therefore, to believe on the name of the Son of God means to place one's complete trust, reliance, and allegiance in who Jesus is (fully God and fully human, the unique Son of God) and what He has accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection for the salvation of humanity. It signifies a personal, saving faith that embraces His divine nature, His atoning work, and His Lordship. This belief is the foundation for receiving and experiencing eternal life, as highlighted throughout John's writings, such as in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life").

**Is it really possible to "know" that I have eternal life, or is that presumptuous?**

Answer: According to [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Assurance of Eternal Life"), it is not only possible but also God's express desire that believers "may know that ye have eternal life." The Greek word for "know" (οἶδα, _oida_) signifies a settled, experiential, and confident knowledge, not mere intellectual understanding or presumption. This assurance is not based on our feelings or perfect performance, but on the objective truth of God's Word and the internal witness of the Holy Spirit. John provides "tests" throughout his letter (e.g., walking in light, loving others, confessing Christ's true nature) not as conditions for earning salvation, but as evidences that confirm the reality of the eternal life already received through faith in Christ. The Bible consistently teaches that true believers can and should live with a confident assurance of their salvation, as affirmed in passages like [Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit's Witness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Assurance of Eternal Life") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the embodiment and source of eternal life. The Apostle John's purpose in writing, to ensure believers "know that ye have eternal life," is realized precisely because Jesus, the "Son of God," has accomplished everything necessary for humanity to receive this life. Christ 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")), and promised, "I give unto them **eternal life**; and they shall never perish" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). He is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), conquering death through His own sacrifice. Therefore, believing "on the name of the Son of God" is not merely an intellectual exercise but a radical entrustment of one's entire being to the One who is Life itself. Our assurance is not in our ability to believe perfectly, but in the perfect and complete work of Christ, who, by His incarnation, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has secured and freely offers this divine, unending life to all who place their faith in Him. He is the "true God, and eternal life" ([1 John 5:20](/1_john/5-20 "1 John 5:20 - The True God and Eternal Life")), making the confident "knowing" of eternal life possible for all who are united to Him by faith.

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 20:31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

1 John 3:23

¶ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

2 Peter 1:10

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

2 Peter 1:11

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

John 3:18

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1 John 2:21

I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.