1 John 5:20

KJV

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} we know {G1492} that {G3754} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316} is come {G2240}, and {G2532} hath given {G1325} us {G2254} an understanding {G1271}, that {G2443} we may know {G1097} him that is true {G228}, and {G2532} we are {G2070} in {G1722} him that is true {G228}, even in {G1722} his {G846} Son {G5207} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}. This {G3778} is {G2076} the true {G228} God {G2316}, and {G2532} eternal {G166} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment, so that we may know who is genuine; moreover, we are united with the One who is genuine, united with his Son Yeshua the Messiah. He is the genuine God and eternal life.

Berean Standard Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

American Standard Version

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:20 serves as a profound capstone to the epistle, encapsulating the apostle John's central message of assurance, authentic knowledge of God, and the supreme identity of Jesus Christ. It declares with unwavering certainty that believers possess a divine understanding, granted by the Son of God, enabling them to truly know the one true God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, establishing believers in an intimate union with God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is explicitly affirmed as both the true God and the source of eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a powerful concluding statement in 1 John, immediately preceding the final doxology and warning against idols in [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Final Warning"). It synthesizes several major themes developed throughout the epistle: the assurance of salvation ([1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Assurance of Eternal Life")), the reality of Jesus' incarnation ([1 John 4:2](/1_john/4-2 "1 John 4:2 - Spirit of God and Spirit of Antichrist")), the necessity of knowing God ([1 John 2:3-4](/1_john/2-3-4 "1 John 2:3-4 - Knowing God by Obeying His Commands")), and the nature of eternal life found in Christ ([1 John 1:2](/1_john/1-2 "1 John 1:2 - The Word of Life Revealed")). As such, this verse functions as a theological climax, solidifying the believer's foundation in Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was written to a community grappling with emerging proto-Gnostic heresies, particularly those denying the full humanity or divinity of Jesus Christ. These false teachers, often referred to as antichrists or deceivers ([1 John 2:18-23](/1_john/2-18-23 "1 John 2:18-23 - The Antichrist and False Teachers"); [1 John 4:1-3](/1_john/4-1-3 "1 John 4:1-3 - Testing the Spirits")), propagated ideas that separated the "Christ-spirit" from the man Jesus, or claimed a superior, esoteric "knowledge" (gnosis) as the path to salvation. John directly counters these errors by emphasizing the tangible reality of Jesus' incarnation ("is come") and unequivocally affirming His divine identity as "the true God" and the sole source of "eternal life," accessible not through secret knowledge but through belief in Him.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes of 1 John. The theme of **knowledge and assurance** is paramount, as John repeatedly asserts "we know" (οἴδαμεν, *oidamen*), grounding faith in certainty rather than speculation. This knowledge is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative, relational understanding of God. The **divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ** are central, with John affirming both His historical coming and His eternal nature as God. Finally, the theme of **eternal life** is presented as inextricably linked to Jesus Christ, who is not only the revealer of eternal life but its very embodiment. This life is experienced in the present through union with Christ and is the blessed hope of the future, as explored throughout the epistle, for example, in [1 John 1:2](/1_john/1-2 "1 John 1:2 - The Word of Life Revealed") and [1 John 2:25](/1_john/2-25 "1 John 2:25 - The Promise of Eternal Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb, G1097, signifies more than mere intellectual acquaintance; it denotes a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge. In this context, it implies an intimate and transformative understanding of God, made possible by the Son. It is a knowledge that leads to fellowship and union.
* **understanding (Greek, _diánoia'_):** G1271 refers to the faculty of deep thought, the mind, or its disposition. Here, it indicates a spiritual insight or enlightenment that enables believers to perceive and comprehend divine truth, particularly concerning the true nature of God and Jesus Christ. This understanding is a gift, not something achieved by human effort alone.
* **true (Greek, _alēthinós'_):** G228, derived from *alēthēs* (truthful), describes something as genuine, authentic, and real, in contrast to what is false, counterfeit, or merely apparent. When applied to God and Jesus, it emphasizes their absolute reality and trustworthiness, distinguishing them from idols or false gods.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding":** This opening clause establishes the foundation of Christian assurance. The phrase "we know" (οἴδαμεν, *oidamen*) reflects a settled, certain knowledge, not a mere belief or hope. The historical reality of "the Son of God is come" (ἥκω, *hēkō*, "to arrive, be present") underscores the incarnation—Jesus' physical advent into the world. His coming is purposeful: He "hath given us an understanding" (διάνοια, *diánoia*). This understanding is a divine enablement, a spiritual capacity granted by Christ, allowing believers to apprehend spiritual realities that were previously hidden or obscured.
* **"that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ":** The purpose of this divine understanding is twofold. First, "that we may know him that is true" (ἀληθινός, *alēthinós*), referring to God the Father, the ultimate reality and source of all truth. This knowing is the *ginōskō* (experiential knowledge) discussed above. Second, it leads to the profound declaration of union: "and we are in him that is true," which is immediately clarified by the appositional phrase, "[even] in his Son Jesus Christ." This highlights the Trinitarian nature of salvation and communion: believers are in the true God (the Father) *through* their union with the Son, Jesus Christ. Christ is the mediator and the sphere of this intimate relationship.
* **"This is the true God, and eternal life":** This climactic declaration unequivocally identifies Jesus Christ. The demonstrative pronoun "This" (οὗτος, *houtos*) refers directly back to "his Son Jesus Christ." John explicitly states that Jesus Christ "is the true God" (ἀληθινὸς Θεός, *alēthinós Theos*), a clear and powerful affirmation of His deity, directly countering any Gnostic tendencies to diminish His divine nature. Furthermore, Jesus is declared to be "eternal life" (αἰώνιος ζωή, *aiōnios zōē*). He is not merely the giver of eternal life or the way to it, but He *is* the very essence and embodiment of that life. This reinforces the core message of John's Gospel and epistles: life is found in Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Assertion** is prominent, with John's repeated use of "we know" (οἴδαμεν), conveying a sense of absolute certainty and assurance to his readers. This direct, declarative language serves to counter the uncertainty and false claims of the heretics. The phrase "him that is true" and "the true God" utilizes **epithet**, emphasizing the authentic and genuine nature of God and Christ in contrast to false deities or deceptive teachings. The **apposition** in "we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ" clarifies and strengthens the theological point, showing that union with the Father is inseparable from union with the Son. Finally, the concluding statement, "This is the true God, and eternal life," is a powerful **identification** and **summary statement**, succinctly encapsulating the core theological truths about Jesus Christ's divine nature and His role as the source of eternal life. This concise, definitive declaration acts as a theological anchor for the entire epistle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 5:20 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, profoundly affirming the deity of Jesus Christ and the nature of salvation. It teaches that true knowledge of God is not an abstract philosophical pursuit but a personal, relational encounter made possible solely through the incarnation and revelatory work of Jesus. This verse undergirds the concept of the Trinity, showing how the Father is known through the Son, and how believers are brought into communion with the Father by being "in" the Son. It also solidifies the understanding that eternal life is not merely a future state but a present reality, indwelling the believer through Christ, who is Himself the very essence of that life. This truth provides immense assurance and a firm foundation for faith in the face of spiritual deception.

* [John 1:1-4](/john/1-1-4 "John 1:1-4 - The Word Became Flesh")
* [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life Defined")
* [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound comfort and a clear directive for Christian living. To "know him that is true" is the essence of eternal life, and this knowledge is a gift, an "understanding" graciously provided by the Son of God. This means our spiritual comprehension is not self-generated but divinely bestowed, enabling us to discern truth from error and to abide in a genuine relationship with God. The assurance that "we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ" speaks to the security and intimacy of our union with God. Our identity is found in Christ, and through Him, we are eternally connected to the Father. This reality should cultivate a deep sense of peace, confidence, and gratitude. It calls us to continually lean into this divinely granted understanding, seeking to know Christ more deeply, for in Him dwells the fullness of the true God and the very essence of eternal life. Our daily lives should reflect this truth, living as those who are truly "in Him," manifesting His life and truth to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "understanding" given by the Son of God impact your daily walk and your ability to discern spiritual truth?**
* **In what ways does knowing that you are "in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ" provide assurance and shape your identity?**
* **If Jesus "is the true God, and eternal life," what implications does this have for how you worship Him and pursue life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Jesus "hath given us an understanding"?**

Answer: This phrase means that Jesus, through His incarnation, ministry, death, resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit, has supernaturally enlightened our minds and spirits. The Greek word for "understanding" (*diánoia*) refers to our faculty of thought and comprehension. Before Christ, humanity was spiritually blind or limited in its ability to truly know God. Jesus, as the ultimate revelation of the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus is the Way to the Father")), has opened our eyes and given us the spiritual capacity to grasp divine truths, especially concerning the nature of God and the path to eternal life. This is not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound, transformative insight into God's character and purposes.

**How does this verse affirm the deity of Jesus Christ?**

Answer: The verse contains a direct and unequivocal statement: "This is the true God, and eternal life." The demonstrative pronoun "This" (οὗτος, *houtos*) refers directly back to "his Son Jesus Christ" in the preceding clause. Therefore, John explicitly identifies Jesus Christ as "the true God." This is a powerful and unambiguous declaration of Jesus' divine nature, placing Him on par with God the Father. It is a foundational theological statement that distinguishes Christian belief from any system that would diminish Christ's divinity. Furthermore, by stating He *is* "eternal life," John attributes to Jesus a quality that belongs solely to God, reinforcing His divine essence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 5:20 stands as a profound Christ-centered declaration, asserting that the very essence of knowing God and possessing eternal life is found exclusively in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a prophet or a guide, but the incarnate "Son of God" who "is come," signifying His historical entry into humanity to bridge the chasm between God and man. It is through His unique person and work that humanity receives a divine "understanding," enabling us to truly "know him that is true"—God the Father. This echoes Jesus' own words in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life"), "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." The verse culminates in the glorious affirmation that Jesus Christ Himself "is the true God, and eternal life." This is the ultimate fulfillment of all divine revelation and human longing: God Himself, in the person of Jesus, has come to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), revealing the Father and embodying the very life that was lost in Eden. Our union with the "true God" is realized only "in his Son Jesus Christ," making Him the singular focus and source of all spiritual reality and hope, as promised in passages like [Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Fullness of God in Christ").

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 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Luke 24:45

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

John 14:9

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.

1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.