1 John 5:19

KJV

[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

And we know {G1492} that {G3754} we are {G2070} of {G1537} God {G2316}, and {G2532} the whole {G3650} world {G2889} lieth {G2749} in {G1722} wickedness {G4190}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We know that we are from God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the Evil One.

Berean Standard Bible

We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.

American Standard Version

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse offers a foundational declaration of the believer's spiritual identity and security, affirming that those who have placed their faith in Christ are inherently "of God." In striking contrast, it simultaneously reveals the sobering reality that the entirety of the fallen human system, often referred to as "the world," lies prostrate and under the pervasive influence of evil, highlighting the profound spiritual chasm between the redeemed and unredeemed humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First John is a profound epistle penned by the Apostle John, characterized by its recurring themes of fellowship with God, the assurance of salvation, and the stark contrast between light and darkness, truth and error, and love and hate. This particular verse, 1 John 5:19, appears near the conclusion of the letter, serving as a powerful summary statement that reinforces the distinct spiritual identity of believers and the pervasive reality of the fallen world. It follows John's declaration about the victory that overcomes the world through faith ([1 John 5:4](/1_john/5-4 "1 John 5:4 - Overcoming the World by Faith")) and the divine witness concerning Jesus as the Son of God ([1 John 5:6-12](/1_john/5-6-12 "1 John 5:6-12 - The Witness of God")), leading into further assurances regarding prayer ([1 John 5:14-17](/1_john/5-14-17 "1 John 5:14-17 - Confidence in Prayer")) and the protection believers have from the evil one ([1 John 5:18](/1_john/5-18 "1 John 5:18 - Protection from the Evil One")). Verse 19 acts as a pivotal declaration, solidifying the spiritual chasm between the redeemed and the unredeemed world before John's final admonitions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely from Ephesus towards the end of the first century AD, 1 John was addressed to early Christian communities grappling with emerging theological challenges, particularly proto-Gnostic teachings. These false doctrines often denied the true humanity of Christ, promoted a dualistic worldview (spirit good, matter evil), and led to either asceticism or libertinism. John counters these errors by emphasizing the reality of Christ's incarnation and the ethical implications of true faith, such as love and righteousness. The concept of "the world" (κοσμος, _kosmos_) in John's writings does not refer to the physical creation, but to humanity organized in opposition to God, including its values, systems, and spiritual powers. This understanding would have resonated deeply with believers living amidst pervasive pagan culture, idolatry, and moral corruption, highlighting the spiritual battle they faced daily and the need for a distinct Christian identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 John. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Assurance and Knowledge**, as the epistle consistently emphasizes the certainty of salvation and the experiential knowledge believers have of God ([1 John 2:3](/1_john/2-3 "1 John 2:3 - Knowing God")). The opening phrase "we know" reinforces this epistemic confidence. Secondly, it highlights the **Divine Origin vs. Worldly Dominion**, drawing a sharp contrast between those who are "of God" (born of God, [1 John 3:9](/1_john/3-9 "1 John 3:9 - Born of God")) and "of the world" (under the sway of the evil one, [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Devil's Works")). This ethical and spiritual dualism is central to John's message. Finally, the declaration that "the whole world lieth in wickedness" reinforces the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, acknowledging the reality of spiritual opposition from "the evil one" ([1 John 2:13-14](/1_john/2-13-14 "1 John 2:13-14 - Overcoming the Evil One")) and the "spirit of antichrist" ([1 John 4:3](/1_john/4-3 "1 John 4:3 - The Spirit of Antichrist")), in which believers are participants but also victors through Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis

* **know (Greek, _eídō_):** This verb, G1492, derived from a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), implies a deep, experiential understanding rather than mere intellectual assent. In its perfect tense, as used here, it conveys a state of settled knowledge or awareness. For believers, this "knowing" that they are "of God" is a firm conviction, a spiritual certainty rooted in their new birth and relationship with God, distinguishing it from speculation or wishful thinking.
* **lieth (Greek, _keîmai_):** The verb G2749, _keîmai_, means "to lie outstretched," suggesting a state of being situated, positioned, or even prostrate. It implies a fixed, passive state. When applied to "the whole world" and its relationship to "wickedness," it paints a vivid picture of the world not merely being influenced by evil, but fundamentally existing within its grasp, under its dominion, or prostrate beneath its power. It is a pervasive, inherent condition rather than an occasional influence.
* **wickedness (Greek, _ponērós_):** This noun, G4190, _ponērós_, describes something hurtful, evil, or morally culpable. While it can refer to evil in a general sense, in the New Testament, especially in Johannine literature, it frequently carries the connotation of the "evil one" himself, Satan. Thus, the phrase "lieth in wickedness" strongly implies that the world is under the pervasive influence, control, or even direct dominion of the devil, the ultimate source of moral evil and opposition to God.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"And we know that we are of God,"**: This opening clause establishes the believer's secure identity and divine origin. The "we know" signifies a confident, Spirit-given assurance, not a speculative hope. To be "of God" (Greek: _ek Theou_) denotes a spiritual birth and belonging, indicating that believers derive their nature, life, and allegiance from God. This is a fundamental statement of regeneration and adoption into God's family, contrasting sharply with the world's origin and state.
* **"and the whole world lieth in wickedness."**: This contrasting clause describes the spiritual condition of humanity apart from God. "The whole world" (Greek: _ho holos kosmos_) refers to the organized system of human society, culture, and values that stands in opposition to God, not the physical creation. The verb "lieth" (Greek: _keîmai_) suggests a state of being prostrate, situated, or under the power of something. Coupled with "wickedness" (Greek: _ponērós_), which often refers to the Evil One, it powerfully conveys that the entire unredeemed world system is under the pervasive influence, control, or dominion of Satan, the ultimate source of evil. It is a world alienated from God and enslaved to sin and spiritual darkness.

#### Literary Devices

John employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse to convey profound theological truths. The most prominent is **Dichotomy** or **Stark Contrast**. The verse presents two mutually exclusive spiritual realities: "we are of God" versus "the whole world lieth in wickedness." This creates a clear division between the redeemed and the unredeemed, the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness, emphasizing the distinct spiritual allegiances and conditions. Furthermore, the use of **Personification** for "wickedness" (Greek: _ponērós_) strongly implies the active agency of the "evil one" (Satan). While the word can mean general evil, its frequent use in Johannine literature to refer to the devil suggests that the world is not merely *prone* to evil, but *under the sway* of a malevolent spiritual being. Finally, the phrase "the whole world" could be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, not literally meaning every single individual, but emphasizing the pervasive and comprehensive nature of sin and evil's dominion over humanity apart from God, underscoring the vastness of the spiritual darkness outside of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a core theological truth: the radical distinction between the regenerate and the unregenerate. It affirms the biblical doctrine of spiritual rebirth, where believers are fundamentally transformed from being "of the world" to being "of God." This new identity is not merely a change in status but a change in nature, bringing believers into fellowship with the Father and the Son. Conversely, the declaration that the world "lieth in wickedness" underscores the biblical understanding of humanity's fallen state and the pervasive influence of sin and Satan over the unredeemed. This highlights the urgent need for salvation and the transformative power of the gospel, which delivers individuals from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son.

* [John 15:19](/john/15-19 "Not of the World")
* [Galatians 1:4](/galatians/1-4 "Delivered from this Present Evil World")
* [Ephesians 2:2](/ephesians/2-2 "Following the Prince of the Power of the Air")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 John 5:19 offers both profound comfort and a sobering call to spiritual vigilance for the believer. The assurance that "we are of God" provides an unshakeable foundation for our identity and security in Christ, reminding us that our spiritual lineage is divine, not earthly. This truth should cultivate deep gratitude and confidence, knowing that we belong to the Creator of the universe and are recipients of His grace and protection. Simultaneously, the stark reality that "the whole world lieth in wickedness" compels us to exercise spiritual discernment and wisdom. It warns against uncritically embracing worldly values, philosophies, or entertainment that are antithetical to God's kingdom. This awareness should motivate us to live distinctively, reflecting Christ's character and light in a darkened world, while also fostering a compassionate urgency to share the liberating truth of the Gospel with those still ensnared by the world's dominion. Our mission is not to escape the world, but to be salt and light within it, demonstrating the transforming power of God's love.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **How does the knowledge that you are "of God" impact your sense of identity and security in Christ?**
* **In what specific ways do you observe "the whole world lieth in wickedness" in contemporary society or culture?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live "in" the world but not "of" the world, as this verse implies?**
* **How does this verse shape your perspective on evangelism and sharing the Gospel with others?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "we are of God"?**

Answer: To be "of God" (Greek: _ek Theou_) signifies a profound spiritual transformation. It means that believers have been born again by the Spirit of God, receiving a new nature and a divine origin. This is not merely an affiliation but a fundamental change in identity and allegiance, making them children of God and partakers of His divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "Partakers of the Divine Nature")). It implies that their life, purpose, and values are now derived from God, separating them spiritually from the fallen world system.

**Does "the whole world lieth in wickedness" mean every single person is evil?**

Answer: While the phrase "the whole world" (Greek: _ho holos kosmos_) can be understood as encompassing all humanity, in this context, especially within Johannine theology, it primarily refers to the organized system of human society, culture, and values that is alienated from God and stands in opposition to His will. It describes the pervasive spiritual condition of humanity apart from divine grace, where sin reigns and the "god of this world" ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "The God of This World")) blinds unbelievers. It highlights the systemic nature of evil and its dominion over unredeemed humanity, rather than making a blanket statement about the inherent depravity of every individual's character, though it certainly implies the universal impact of sin.

**How can the world "lie in wickedness" if God is sovereign?**

Answer: God's sovereignty is not negated by the world's fallen state; rather, it is demonstrated in His plan of redemption. The world "lying in wickedness" describes its present, temporary condition under the influence of sin and the evil one, a consequence of humanity's rebellion ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Sin Entered the World")). However, God remains ultimately sovereign over all things, working His purposes even through the brokenness of the world. His sovereignty ensures that this state is not permanent and that His kingdom will ultimately triumph. Believers, though living in this fallen world, are protected by God ([1 John 5:18](/1_john/5-18 "Kept from the Evil One")) and are called to be agents of His redemptive work, shining light into the darkness until Christ's return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 John 5:19 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of what it means to be "of God" and the one who decisively conquers the "wickedness" in which the world lies. Jesus, as the Son of God, perfectly reveals the Father, and through His incarnation, He brought divine life into a world steeped in death and sin ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). His life, death, and resurrection represent God's decisive invasion of the world's dominion of evil. He came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "Jesus Destroys the Devil's Works")), and by His atoning sacrifice, He delivered those who believe from the power of darkness and transferred them into His own kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from Darkness")). The believer's assurance of being "of God" is entirely predicated on their union with Christ, who is "the true God, and eternal life" ([1 John 5:20](/1_john/5-20 "The True God and Eternal Life")). Thus, while the world remains under the sway of evil, Christ's victory ensures that those who are in Him are no longer defined by the world's wickedness but by their divine origin and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who is "greater... than he that is in the world" ([1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "Greater is He That is in You")).

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

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

1 John 4:4

¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 4:6

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.

Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Galatians 1:4

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

John 12:31

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.