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1 John 2:29

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If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

If {G1437} ye know {G1492} that {G3754} he is {G2076} righteous {G1342}, ye know {G1097} that {G3754} every one {G3956} that doeth {G4160} righteousness {G1343} is born {G1080} of {G1537} him {G846}.

If you know that he is righteous, you should also know that he is the Father of everyone who does what is right.

If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one also that doeth righteousness is begotten of him.

Commentary

1 John 2:29 (KJV) states: "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him." This verse serves as a powerful litmus test for genuine faith, linking God's character directly to the conduct of His children.

Context

The Apostle John, writing to early Christians, often contrasts light and darkness, truth and falsehood. In 1 John, he is deeply concerned with false teachings (proto-Gnosticism) that denied the true humanity of Christ and often led to moral laxity. John emphasizes that true fellowship with God (and therefore true salvation) is evidenced not merely by profession but by consistent moral living and love. This verse follows discussions about the anointing received from Christ and warns against those who deny the Son, setting the stage for how true believers can be identified.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Righteousness as a Standard: The verse begins by affirming God's inherent righteousness. He is perfectly just and holy. This attribute is the foundation for understanding what it means to be "born of Him."
  • Righteous Living as Evidence of New Birth: The core message is that spiritual regeneration ("born of him") is not a hidden, mystical experience without outward manifestation. Instead, it is visibly demonstrated by a life characterized by "doing righteousness." This doesn't imply salvation by works, but rather that good works are the natural, inevitable fruit of a regenerated heart.
  • Assurance of Salvation: For believers, this verse offers a way to confirm their spiritual standing. If they are actively striving to live righteously, it is an indicator that they have indeed been born of God. This contrasts with the false teachers who claimed spiritual insight but lacked moral integrity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "righteous" (dikaios) and "righteousness" (dikaiosyne) in this context refers to conformity to God's standard of justice, holiness, and moral uprightness. It's not just about legal acquittal but about a transformed life that aligns with God's character. The phrase "born of him" (gegennetai ek autou) uses a perfect tense verb, indicating a past completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing the permanent nature of this spiritual birth.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 John 2:29 serves as a crucial reminder that genuine faith is active. It challenges us to examine our lives:

  • Are our actions consistent with our profession of faith?
  • Is there a discernible pattern of striving for righteousness in our daily lives?
  • Does our conduct reflect the character of God, whose children we claim to be?
This verse encourages introspection and provides assurance. If we are genuinely seeking to live in obedience to God's commands and reflecting His righteousness, we can be confident in our spiritual standing, understanding that such a life is a direct result of being born again by His Spirit. It compels us not just to believe, but to live out that belief.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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 3:3 (30 votes)

    Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

  • John 3:5 (30 votes)

    Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

  • 1 John 3:7 (13 votes)

    Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

  • John 1:13 (10 votes)

    Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

  • 1 John 5:1 (10 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • 1 John 4:7 (8 votes)

    ¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

  • 1 John 3:9 (8 votes)

    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.