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1 John 5:20

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 John 5:20 (KJV)

This verse serves as a powerful summary statement at the close of 1 John, reinforcing key themes of assurance, knowledge of God, and the identity of Jesus Christ. John emphasizes the certainty of Christian belief.

Commentary

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true..."

  • Historical/Cultural Context: John was writing in a time when early forms of Gnosticism were emerging, which often denied the true humanity or divinity of Jesus. John's repeated emphasis on the reality of Jesus' coming ("is come") and his identity combats these false teachings.
  • Key Theme: The incarnation of Jesus is presented as a foundational truth. His coming is not just a historical event but the means by which humanity receives a new "understanding" (Greek: *dianoia* - meaning mind, intellect, faculty of understanding) enabling us to truly know God the Father, referred to here as "him that is true." Jesus acts as the revealer of God.

"...and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ."

  • Key Theme: This speaks to the believer's union with God. We are "in him that is true" (God the Father) specifically *through* our relationship and union with "his Son Jesus Christ." Our connection to the true God is mediated and established through Christ.

"This is the true God, and eternal life."

  • Key Theme: This is a crucial declaration regarding the identity of Jesus Christ. The pronoun "This" most naturally refers back to the immediately preceding phrase, "his Son Jesus Christ." John unequivocally identifies Jesus as "the true God" and the source or embodiment of "eternal life." This is a clear affirmation of Christ's divinity.
  • Cross-reference: Compare with John 1:4 ("In him was life...") and John 14:6 ("I am the way, the truth, and the life..."). Also, consider John 17:3 where knowing the "true God, and Jesus Christ" is defined as eternal life.

Summary & Application: This verse provides profound assurance. We *know* that Jesus came. Through him, we *understand* God. We *are* in union with God through him. And he himself *is* the true God and *is* eternal life. It calls believers to rest in the certainty of who Jesus is and the life found only in him.

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 17:3 (32 votes)

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

  • Luke 24:45 (20 votes)

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

  • John 14:9 (16 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

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

  • 1 John 5:13 (11 votes)

    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.