1 John 5:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

1 John 5:2 (KJV)

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

Commentary

In this verse, the Apostle John provides a clear test or indicator of genuine love for fellow believers, whom he calls "the children of God."

Context

First John is written to affirm the faith of believers against false teachings and to assure them of their relationship with God. A key theme throughout the letter is the inseparable connection between loving God and loving one's fellow Christians, as well as the importance of obedience as a sign of true faith and love. This verse is part of a larger discussion about the victory that overcomes the world through faith and love.

Key Themes

  • The Interconnectedness of Love: John emphasizes that love for God and love for other believers are not separate, independent actions but are deeply linked. True love for one necessarily includes love for the other.
  • Obedience as Proof of Love: The verse highlights that loving God is demonstrated and proven by keeping His commandments. It is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to live according to His will.
  • Testing Genuine Love: The verse provides a practical way to discern if our love for fellow Christians is genuine. It is not based on mere sentiment or preference, but is rooted in and flows from a sincere love for God that expresses itself in obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "know" (ginosko) often implies an experiential or relational knowledge, not just intellectual assent. It suggests a deep understanding and recognition based on evidence – in this case, the evidence of loving God and obeying Him. "Children of God" (tekna theou) refers to those who have been born of God, emphasizing a shared spiritual parentage among believers.

Cross-References

  • 1 John 4:20: If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (Highlights the inseparable nature of love for God and love for brother).
  • John 14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments. (Jesus directly links love for Him with obedience).
  • 1 John 5:3: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (Reinforces the link between love and obedience).

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers to examine their love for one another. Is it superficial, based on shared interests or personalities? Or is it a deeper love that stems from a genuine love for God and a commitment to follow His ways? Our obedience to God's commands, particularly the command to love one another (John 13:34), is the surest indicator that our love for fellow believers is true and from God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 13:34 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • 1 John 2:5 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • John 15:17 (6 votes)

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