1 John 5:4

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

For {G3754} whatsoever {G3956} is born {G1080} of {G1537} God {G2316} overcometh {G3528} the world {G2889}: and {G2532} this {G3778} is {G2076} the victory {G3529} that overcometh {G3528} the world {G2889}, even our {G2257} faith {G4102}.

because everything which has God as its Father overcomes the world. And this is what victoriously overcomes the world: our trust.

because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.

For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith.

1 John 5:4 (KJV)

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

Commentary

This verse is a powerful declaration about the nature and capability of those who belong to God. It follows John's emphasis on believing in Jesus as the Son of God and the connection between loving God and obeying His commandments.

Historical and Cultural Context: John is writing to believers likely facing various challenges, including false teachings (proto-Gnosticism) that denied the full humanity and divinity of Christ, and pressure from the surrounding pagan or Jewish world system hostile to Christian faith and practice. The concept of "overcoming" (Greek: nikao) would resonate with a culture familiar with athletic contests and military conquests.

Key Themes and Messages:

  • Divine Origin: Those "born of God" are regenerated individuals, having received new spiritual life from Him. This new birth is the source of their ability to overcome.
  • Overcoming the World: "The world" here refers not to the physical creation but to the fallen human system alienated from God – its values, desires, power structures, and spiritual forces opposed to Christ and His followers. To "overcome" means to conquer, prevail against, and not be defeated by this system.
  • The Means of Victory: The victory that defeats the world is identified specifically as "our faith." It is through trusting in God, in Christ, and in the truth of the Gospel that believers are empowered to resist and overcome the world's influence and opposition.

Linguistic Insights:

  • "Born of God" (γεγεννημένον ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ - gegennēmenon ek tou Theou): This is a perfect passive participle, emphasizing a completed action by God resulting in a present state of being. It highlights the divine initiative in regeneration.
  • "Overcometh" (νικᾷ - nika): This is in the present tense, indicating an ongoing process or a characteristic ability. The one born of God *habitually* overcomes or *has the capacity to* overcome.
  • "Victory" (νίκη - nikē): The noun form of the verb "overcome," directly linking the action of overcoming to the concept of triumph or conquest.

Cross-References:

Practical Application: This verse assures believers that their new identity in Christ comes with the power to live victoriously over the pressures and temptations of the world. Our faith is not just a belief system but a dynamic force that connects us to God's power, enabling us to choose righteousness over sin and God's ways over worldly values. It reminds us that our ability to overcome is not from our own strength but is a result of being born of God and exercising faith in Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:57

    But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • 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.

  • John 16:33

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  • 1 John 3:9

    Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

  • 1 John 5:5

    Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

  • Romans 8:35

    Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

  • Romans 8:37

    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
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