1 John 5:18

KJV

¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

KJV (with Strong's)

We know {G1492} that {G3754} whosoever {G3956} is born {G1080} of {G1537} God {G2316} sinneth {G264} not {G3756}; but {G235} he that is begotten {G1080} of {G1537} God {G2316} keepeth {G5083} himself {G1438}, and {G2532} that wicked one {G4190} toucheth {G680} him {G846} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We know that everyone who has God as his Father does not go on sinning; on the contrary, the Son born of God protects him, and the Evil One does not touch him.

Berean Standard Bible

We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him.

American Standard Version

We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:18 offers profound assurance to believers, declaring that those truly born of God do not live in habitual sin. Instead, the one who has received divine life actively guards their spiritual walk, empowered by God's grace. This commitment to righteousness is coupled with the promise that "the wicked one" – Satan – cannot ultimately seize or spiritually harm the child of God, underscoring the security and transformative power of the new birth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears in the concluding section of John's first epistle, a letter deeply concerned with the assurance of salvation and the practical outworking of true faith. Immediately preceding it, John has emphasized the divine witness concerning Jesus Christ, God's Son, and the resultant eternal life granted to believers ([1 John 5:9-13](/1_john/5-9-13 "1 John 5:9-13 - The Witness of God and Eternal Life")). Verse 18 serves as a powerful summary statement, reinforcing the implications of this new life in Christ: a fundamental change in one's relationship to sin and a secure position against spiritual adversaries. It echoes earlier themes in the epistle, particularly the contrast between children of God and children of the devil ([1 John 3:7-10](/1_john/3-7-10 "1 John 3:7-10 - Children of God and Children of the Devil")) and the necessity of righteous living as evidence of genuine faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was written to a community facing internal strife and external pressures, likely from proto-Gnostic teachers who denied the full humanity of Christ and often promoted antinomian (anti-law) ethical views, claiming spiritual superiority while indulging in sin. In this environment, John's emphasis on "knowing" (a recurring theme, e.g., [1 John 2:3](/1_john/2-3 "1 John 2:3 - Knowing God by Obedience")) and the tangible evidence of a transformed life—namely, not practicing sin and loving one another—was crucial. The concept of being "born of God" was not merely a theological abstraction but a call to a distinct way of life that contrasted sharply with the prevailing moral relativism or spiritual pride of the false teachers. The mention of "the wicked one" also highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, a common understanding in the ancient world, but John clarifies the believer's protected status.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of 1 John. The primary theme is the **New Birth and its Nature**, emphasizing that true spiritual regeneration fundamentally alters a person's identity and allegiance, moving them from darkness to light ([1 John 2:9-11](/1_john/2-9-11 "1 John 2:9-11 - Walking in Light and Love")). This leads directly to the theme of **Sin and Righteousness**, where John clarifies that while believers may stumble (as acknowledged in [1 John 1:8-9](/1_john/1-8-9 "1 John 1:8-9 - Confession of Sins")), they do not habitually practice sin as a lifestyle. Their new nature is averse to it. Furthermore, the verse speaks to **Assurance**, providing a practical test for believers to confirm their spiritual standing. Finally, it addresses **Spiritual Warfare and Divine Protection**, affirming that despite the active presence of "the wicked one," those born of God are safeguarded from his ultimate destructive power, remaining secure in their relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **born/begotten (Greek, _gennáō'_):** This verb signifies "to procreate," "to beget," or "to be born." In the context of 1 John 5:18, it refers to a spiritual regeneration, a new divine life imparted by God. It denotes a fundamental change in one's spiritual parentage and nature, moving from being spiritually dead in sin to being alive in Christ, a transformation that is entirely God's work.
* **sinneth (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** This verb means "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to sin." In the Greek New Testament, particularly with the present tense as used here ("sinneth not"), it conveys the idea of continuous or habitual action. Therefore, "sinneth not" does not imply absolute sinless perfection, but rather that one who is born of God does not live in a continuous, unrepentant practice of sin as a lifestyle. Their new nature is fundamentally opposed to sin's dominion.
* **wicked one (Greek, _ponērós'_):** This adjective, when used substantively with the definite article ("the wicked one"), refers to Satan, the devil. It describes him as "hurtful," "evil" (in effect or influence), "malicious," and "vicious." John uses this term to identify the malevolent spiritual entity who opposes God and His children, emphasizing his destructive nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not":** This declarative statement, introduced by "We know" (G1492, _eídō_, implying experiential knowledge), asserts a fundamental truth about the regenerated life. The phrase "born of God" (G1080, _gennáō_) signifies a spiritual rebirth, a new creation by divine power. The crucial phrase "sinneth not" (G264, _hamartánō_, in the present tense) indicates that a genuine child of God does not habitually or continually practice sin as a lifestyle. While they may stumble and commit individual acts of sin (as acknowledged in [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - If We Say We Have No Sin")), their new nature makes them fundamentally averse to living in rebellion against God. Their life's trajectory has changed from one of sin's dominion to one of pursuing righteousness.
* **"but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself":** This clause introduces a contrast ("but," G235, _allá_) and elaborates on the active role of the regenerated believer. The phrase "begotten of God" again emphasizes the divine origin of this new life. The verb "keepeth" (G5083, _tēréō_) means "to guard," "to preserve," or "to observe carefully." In the KJV rendering, "keepeth himself" (G1438, _heautoû_) highlights the believer's responsibility to actively guard their spiritual life, maintain vigilance, and adhere to God's commands. This "self-keeping" is not an act of self-sufficiency but a responsive obedience enabled by the indwelling Holy Spirit and divine grace, a conscious choice to abide in Christ and His truth.
* **"and that wicked one toucheth him not":** This final clause provides profound assurance. "That wicked one" (G4190, _ponērós_) unequivocally refers to Satan, the archenemy of God and humanity. The verb "toucheth" (G680, _háptomai_) implies "to attach oneself to," "to lay hold of," or "to grasp decisively." The negation "toucheth him not" (G3756, _ou_) signifies that Satan cannot ultimately seize, possess, or spiritually destroy one who is genuinely born of God. While believers are not immune to temptation, suffering, or spiritual attacks, Satan's power over their eternal destiny and their fundamental relationship with God is nullified. Their security is guaranteed by their divine parentage and God's protective power.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several effective **Literary Devices** in this verse to convey his message. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrases "born of God" and "begotten of God," which serve to emphasize the divine origin and nature of the believer's new life, reinforcing its foundational importance. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the state of habitually sinning and the active "keeping" of oneself, as well as between the believer's secure state and the limited power of "the wicked one." The phrase "the wicked one" is a form of **Personification**, giving a personal identity to the evil force opposing God, namely Satan. Furthermore, the statements "sinneth not" and "toucheth him not" can be understood as **Figurative Language** or even a form of **Hyperbole** (a deliberate exaggeration for emphasis), as they do not imply absolute sinless perfection or total immunity from all forms of satanic influence, but rather a decisive break from sin's dominion and ultimate spiritual security against Satan's destructive power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 John 5:18 stands as a pivotal statement on the nature and security of the regenerated life. It underscores the profound theological truth that being "born of God" is not merely a change in status but a fundamental transformation of one's inner being, resulting in a new disposition towards sin. This new birth initiates a process of sanctification where habitual sin is incompatible with one's divine nature. While human responsibility to "keep oneself" is affirmed, this is always understood within the framework of God's enabling grace and protective power. The verse thus speaks to both divine sovereignty in salvation and human accountability in living out that salvation, culminating in the comforting assurance of God's ultimate guardianship against the forces of evil.

* [John 3:3-7](/john/3-3-7 "John 3:3-7 - You Must Be Born Again")
* [Romans 6:1-14](/romans/6-1-14 "Romans 6:1-14 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")
* [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - Kept from Stumbling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 5:18 offers a powerful blend of assurance and challenge for the believer. It reassures us that our spiritual parentage in God provides a fundamental protection against the ultimate power of evil. If we are genuinely "born of God," our lives will bear witness to a changed relationship with sin—a turning away from its habitual practice, even if we still stumble. This truth should not lead to complacency but to a diligent "keeping" of ourselves, actively pursuing righteousness and guarding our hearts and minds in Christ. This "keeping" is not a work of self-salvation but a joyful response to the divine nature we have received, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It calls us to vigilance, to resist temptation, and to live in light of our new identity, trusting in God's unwavering protection against the adversary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my life demonstrate that I am "born of God" and not habitually practicing sin?**
* **How do I actively "keep myself" in a way that honors God and aligns with my new nature?**
* **How does the promise that "the wicked one toucheth him not" bring me comfort and confidence in my daily walk with God?**

### FAQ

**Does "sinneth not" mean a Christian never sins?**
Answer: No, the Greek verb for "sinneth" (G264, _hamartánō_) is in the present active indicative, which denotes continuous or habitual action. Therefore, "sinneth not" means that a true believer does not live in a continuous, unrepentant practice of sin as a lifestyle. It does not imply absolute sinless perfection, which would contradict other scriptures like [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Confession of Sins"), where John explicitly states, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Rather, it signifies that the new nature imparted at conversion is fundamentally opposed to sin's dominion, and the believer's life trajectory is one of pursuing righteousness, not indulging in sin.

**How does "he that is begotten of God keepeth himself" relate to God's keeping us?**
Answer: This phrase highlights the believer's active responsibility in their spiritual walk, but it is not a self-sufficient act. It represents a synergy between divine grace and human response. God, through the new birth and the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowers the believer with a new nature that desires righteousness. The believer then responds by actively "keeping" or guarding themselves through obedience, vigilance, prayer, and reliance on God's Word. This "self-keeping" is enabled by God's power, as seen in passages like [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation"), where believers are told to "work out your own salvation... for it is God who works in you." Ultimately, God is the primary Keeper, but He calls us to participate in our sanctification.

**Does "that wicked one toucheth him not" mean believers are immune to temptation or suffering?**
Answer: No, this promise does not mean believers are immune to temptation, spiritual attacks, suffering, or physical harm from Satan. The "touch" (G680, _háptomai_) here refers to a decisive, destructive grasp or seizure. It signifies that Satan cannot ultimately claim, possess, or spiritually destroy one who is truly born of God. He cannot sever their relationship with God or snatch them from Christ's hand ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them")). While Satan may tempt and afflict, his power over the regenerated believer's eternal security and spiritual identity is nullified. Believers remain secure in Christ, protected by God's sovereign power, even amidst spiritual warfare ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Whole Armor of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truths of 1 John 5:18 find their ultimate fulfillment and foundation in Jesus Christ. It is through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection that the new birth, spoken of as being "born of God," becomes a reality for humanity ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Born of God")). Christ's finished work on the cross breaks the dominion of sin, enabling believers to no longer live in habitual transgression, for they are now "dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Alive in Christ Jesus")). The ability of the one "begotten of God" to "keep himself" is not a self-generated strength but a direct outflow of Christ's indwelling Spirit, who empowers believers to walk in obedience and holiness ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")). Furthermore, the assurance that "that wicked one toucheth him not" is a direct consequence of Christ's victory over Satan at the cross, where He disarmed principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and delivered us from the domain of darkness into His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Our security and transformation are entirely rooted in Christ's person and work, making Him the source and sustainer of our new life and our ultimate Protector from all evil.

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

1 John 3:9

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1 John 5:4

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Jude 1:21

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

1 John 3:3

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.