1 John 5:18

Commentary on 1 John 5:18 (KJV)

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, consistently emphasizes the profound implications of being "born of God." In 1 John 5:18, he reaffirms this truth, providing both assurance and a call to righteous living for believers.

Context

This verse comes towards the end of John's letter, which is saturated with themes of assurance, fellowship with God, and the distinction between those who are truly God's children and those who are not. John has just spoken about the witness of God concerning His Son (1 John 5:9) and the assurance of eternal life for those who believe in the Son of God (1 John 5:13). Verse 18 reinforces the practical outcome of this new birth: a changed life and divine protection.

Key Themes

• The New Birth and its Nature: John states, "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself." The phrases "born of God" (γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ) and "begotten of God" emphasize a spiritual regeneration, a new divine nature imparted to the believer. This is not merely a moral improvement but a fundamental transformation of one's spiritual identity and allegiance.
• Not Practicing Sin: The statement "sinneth not" (οὐχ ἁμαρτάνει) does not imply absolute sinless perfection, which contradicts other scriptures and human experience (1 John 1:8). Instead, the Greek present tense indicates that one who is born of God does not *continue* in sin as a habitual practice or lifestyle. Their new nature is averse to sin, and they do not live in constant rebellion against God. Their direction has changed; they no longer delight in or are enslaved by sin, as described elsewhere in John's epistle (1 John 3:9).
• Self-Preservation and Divine Keeping: "but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself." This phrase speaks to the believer's active role in guarding their spiritual life, exercising vigilance, and adhering to God's commands. While there is a textual variant that suggests "He (God or Christ) keeps him," the KJV rendering emphasizes the believer's responsibility to remain in Christ and to guard their spiritual state through prayer, obedience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. This self-keeping is enabled by God's grace.
• Protection from the Wicked One: "...and that wicked one toucheth him not." "That wicked one" (ὁ πονηρός) refers to Satan, the devil. This does not mean believers are immune to temptation, suffering, or attacks from the enemy. Rather, it signifies that Satan cannot ultimately claim, possess, or spiritually destroy one who is truly born of God. He cannot "touch" them in the sense of seizing them for himself or severing their relationship with God. The believer remains secure in Christ's hand (John 10:28), protected by God's power.

Linguistic Insights

• The repetition of "born of God" and "begotten of God" highlights the divine origin of the believer's new life.
• The Greek verb for "sinneth not" (οὐχ ἁμαρτάνει) is in the present active indicative, which typically denotes continuous action. Thus, it means "does not habitually sin" or "does not practice sin as a lifestyle."
• The verb for "keepeth" (τηρεῖ) implies guarding, preserving, or observing carefully. In the KJV's reading, it points to the believer's active role in maintaining their spiritual purity and position in Christ.
• "Toucheth him not" (οὐχ ἅπτεται αὐτοῦ) uses a verb that implies laying hold of, grasping, or harming decisively. Satan's power over the regenerated believer is severely limited; he cannot spiritually conquer or destroy them.

Practical Application

1 John 5:18 offers profound assurance and a clear directive for Christian living:

• Assurance of Salvation: If you are truly born of God, your life will reflect a fundamental change in your relationship with sin. While you may still stumble, habitual, unrepentant sin will not be your lifestyle. This provides a basis for assurance of salvation.
• Call to Holiness: The verse encourages believers to actively "keep" themselves by walking in obedience to God's Word and resisting temptation. This is not by human strength alone, but by relying on the divine nature imparted at conversion and the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Security in Christ: Believers can take comfort in the promise that "the wicked one toucheth him not." While spiritual warfare is real and Satan is active, his ultimate power to condemn or snatch a child of God is nullified. This protection is a gift of God's grace, allowing believers to stand firm against the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:11).