1 John 5:2

KJV

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G1722} this {G5129} we know {G1097} that {G3754} we love {G25} the children {G5043} of God {G2316}, when {G3752} we love {G25} God {G2316}, and {G2532} keep {G5083} his {G846} commandments {G1785}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God, we also do what he commands.

Berean Standard Bible

By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments.

American Standard Version

Hereby we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do his commandments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:2 provides a crucial litmus test for authentic Christian love, asserting that our love for fellow believers, whom John calls "the children of God," is genuinely demonstrated and confirmed when our love for God is evident through our obedience to His divine commandments. This verse establishes an inseparable and reciprocal relationship between loving God, obeying Him, and loving His spiritual family, emphasizing that true affection for one's spiritual siblings flows directly from a sincere and active devotion to their heavenly Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the concluding section of 1 John, which focuses on the victory of faith and the assurance of salvation. Immediately preceding it, [1 John 5:1](/1_john/5-1 "1 John 5:1 - Born of God") declares, "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." This sets the stage for 1 John 5:2 by establishing the spiritual family relationship—those born of God are siblings. Verse 2 then clarifies *how* this love for God's children is known, linking it directly to loving God and keeping His commandments. The subsequent verse, [1 John 5:3](/1_john/5-3 "1 John 5:3 - Love and Obedience"), further reinforces this connection, stating, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." Thus, 1 John 5:2 acts as a pivotal bridge, demonstrating the practical outworking of the spiritual birth mentioned in [1 John 5:1](/1_john/5-1 "1 John 5:1 - Born of God") and providing the evidence for the love described in [1 John 5:3](/1_john/5-3 "1 John 5:3 - Love and Obedience"). The entire passage underscores the inseparability of faith, love, and obedience as hallmarks of genuine Christian life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First John was written to a community grappling with false teachings, likely a nascent form of Gnosticism, which promoted a dualistic worldview and often separated spiritual knowledge from ethical conduct. These false teachers might have claimed superior spiritual insight while neglecting moral imperatives or communal love. John's letter, therefore, serves as an apologetic and pastoral epistle, providing criteria for discerning true faith from counterfeit claims. In the Greco-Roman world, "love" (agape) was distinct from mere affection (philia) or erotic desire (eros); John's use of *agapáō* emphasizes a self-sacrificial, volitional love rooted in God's character. The concept of "commandments" (entolḗ) would resonate with both Jewish and Gentile converts, recalling the Law of Moses but now reinterpreted through the lens of Christ's teachings, particularly the new commandment to love one another ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment")). John's emphasis on tangible actions (keeping commandments) as proof of internal states (love for God and children of God) directly counters any Gnostic tendency to elevate abstract knowledge above practical righteousness and communal responsibility.

* **Key Themes:** First John 5:2 powerfully articulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the epistle. Firstly, it highlights the **Interconnectedness of Love**, asserting that love for God and love for fellow believers are not independent virtues but are inextricably linked. John consistently argues that one cannot genuinely love God without also loving those whom God loves and has spiritually begotten, as seen in [1 John 4:20](/1_john/4-20 "1 John 4:20 - If you hate your brother, you cannot love God"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Obedience as the Proof of Love**. It moves beyond mere sentiment, demonstrating that true love for God is not merely an emotional state but an active commitment expressed through adherence to His will and commands. This theme is a cornerstone of Johannine theology, echoed in Jesus' own words in [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments"). Thirdly, the verse functions as a **Test of Authenticity**, providing a practical criterion for believers to assess the genuineness of their love for the Christian community. It suggests that superficial affection is insufficient; true love for the "children of God" must stem from, and be evidenced by, a deeper, obedient love for God Himself. This serves to counter any claims of spiritual superiority that lack the fruit of righteous living and communal harmony.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This term implies more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes an experiential, relational, and often progressive knowledge. In this context, "we know" signifies a deep, certain understanding or recognition that comes from observing the evidence. It's not a speculative guess but a confident discernment based on observable actions—specifically, the loving of God and the keeping of His commandments. This knowledge is a spiritual insight into the reality of one's love for God's children.
* **love (Greek, _agapáō_):** This is the characteristic New Testament word for divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love. It is not primarily an emotion but a volitional choice and an active disposition that seeks the good of the beloved. When applied to loving God, it signifies devotion and obedience. When applied to loving the "children of God," it means treating fellow believers with the same self-giving, benevolent regard that God shows to humanity and that Christ demonstrated. The repetition of this word emphasizes its centrality as both the object and the evidence of true faith.
* **commandments (Greek, _entolḗ_):** This refers to an authoritative prescription or injunction. In the New Testament, it encompasses not only the moral law but also the specific teachings and ethical requirements given by Christ and His apostles. John often highlights the "new commandment" to love one another ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment")), but it also includes all of God's revealed will. Keeping these commandments is presented as the tangible, active expression of love for God, demonstrating that true faith is never divorced from righteous living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By this we know that we love the children of God,"**: This opening clause introduces the main assertion: there is a reliable criterion by which the genuineness of our love for fellow believers can be ascertained. The phrase "the children of God" (Greek: *tekna theou*) refers to all those who have been spiritually born of God through faith in Christ, emphasizing their shared divine parentage and spiritual family bond. The "this" points forward to the conditions that follow, indicating the evidence that validates this love.
* **"when we love God,"**: This is the first of two crucial conditions. John posits that authentic love for God's children is intrinsically linked to, and indeed flows from, a genuine love for God Himself. This implies that any love for fellow believers that does not originate from or is not accompanied by a sincere devotion to God is either superficial, self-serving, or ultimately not the *agape* love that characterizes true believers.
* **"and keep his commandments."**: This second condition further specifies *how* our love for God is demonstrated and, by extension, how our love for His children is confirmed. Keeping God's commandments is the practical, tangible evidence of loving God. It's not merely an internal feeling but an active obedience to His revealed will. This clause makes the connection explicit: love for God is expressed through obedience, and it is this obedient love for God that authenticates our love for His children.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conditional Statement** and **Parallelism** to convey its profound theological truth. The structure "By this we know... when we love God, and keep his commandments" functions as a clear conditional statement, setting forth the conditions under which the knowledge of genuine love for God's children is attained. This creates a logical framework for understanding the interdependent relationship between these spiritual virtues. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Chiasm** or **Inclusio** at play, where the concept of "love" frames the verse: "love the children of God" (A) is known "when we love God" (A'). This highlights the reciprocal and unified nature of divine and brotherly love. The verse also functions as an **Indicator** or **Test**, providing a practical means for self-examination and discernment, especially important in a context where false teachers might claim spiritual insight without demonstrating practical love or obedience. John's characteristic **Johannine Dualism** is also present, implicitly contrasting genuine love (rooted in God and obedience) with counterfeit or superficial affection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a core theological truth of the New Testament: the inseparable connection between vertical love (love for God) and horizontal love (love for neighbor/brother). John emphatically states that these are not independent expressions but two sides of the same coin. True love for God is not merely an emotional sentiment but is demonstrated through active obedience to His will. And it is this very obedience, flowing from love for God, that then authenticates and empowers genuine love for His children. This means that our relationships with fellow believers are a direct reflection of our relationship with God. If we truly love God, we will naturally love those whom He has adopted into His family, and this love will be expressed in practical ways, just as our love for God is expressed in practical obedience. This challenges any notion of piety that separates devotion to God from compassionate and obedient living within the community of faith.

* [1 John 4:20](/1_john/4-20 "1 John 4:20 - If you hate your brother, you cannot love God")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commandments")
* [1 John 5:3](/1_john/5-3 "1 John 5:3 - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 5:2 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, prompting us to consider the authenticity and source of our love for those within the Christian community. Is our affection for fellow believers merely based on shared interests, personal compatibility, or superficial sentiment? Or does it spring from a deeper, more fundamental wellspring—a genuine, obedient love for God Himself? This verse reminds us that true Christian love for others is not self-generated but is a divine overflow, a fruit of our intimate relationship with the Father. If we find ourselves struggling to love certain brothers or sisters in Christ, this verse directs us inward, challenging us to examine the depth of our love for God and the sincerity of our obedience to His commands. It calls us to cultivate a heart that delights in God's will, knowing that such a heart will naturally extend grace, patience, and self-giving love to all His children, even those who may be difficult to love. Our obedience to God is the ultimate proof that our love for His family is not just talk, but a tangible reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily obedience to God's commandments practically demonstrate my love for Him?**
* **In what specific ways does my love for God manifest itself in my interactions with other believers, especially those I find challenging?**
* **Do I ever try to love "the children of God" without first ensuring my love for God is primary and active through obedience? What are the consequences of this approach?**
* **What specific "commandments" of God am I being called to obey more fully right now, and how might that obedience deepen my love for His family?**

### FAQ
**How are love for God and love for fellow believers connected according to 1 John 5:2?**

Answer: According to [1 John 5:2](/1_john/5-2 "1 John 5:2 - The Test of Love"), love for God and love for fellow believers are inextricably linked and mutually validating. The verse states that our love for "the children of God" (fellow believers) is known and confirmed "when we love God, and keep his commandments." This means that genuine love for our spiritual siblings flows directly from a sincere and active love for God, which is evidenced by our obedience to His commands. One cannot truly exist without the other; they are two sides of the same coin of authentic Christian living. If our love for God is real and expressed in obedience, then our love for His children will naturally follow and be evident.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 5:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Child of God" and the supreme example of one who loved God perfectly and kept all His commandments without deviation. Jesus declared, "[If ye love me, keep my commandments](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")," and His entire life was a testament to this truth, culminating in His obedient sacrifice on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). His love for God was absolute, and this perfect love propelled Him to lay down His life for "the children of God" ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Through His atoning work, Christ not only fulfilled the law of love but also empowered believers to live out the very love and obedience described in this verse. As those "born of God" through faith in Christ ([1 John 5:1](/1_john/5-1 "1 John 5:1 - Born of God")), we are given the Holy Spirit, who enables us to love God and keep His commandments ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Love Poured Out by the Spirit")) and thereby genuinely love our spiritual family. Thus, Christ is both the pattern for our love and obedience, and the divine source enabling us to live in accordance with this profound truth.

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 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35

By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 John 2:5

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

1 John 3:22

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1 John 3:24

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

1 John 4:21

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

John 15:17

These things I command you, that ye love one another.