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1 John 2:3 By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.

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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_john/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we should keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we <i>habitually</i> keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When we obey God, we are sure we know him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And hereby know we that we know him, if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/2.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />We are sure that we know Christ if we obey his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This is how we can be sure that we have come to know him: if we continually keep his commandments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now by this we know that we have come to know God: if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And by this we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And by this we may know that we know Him--if we obey His commands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and in this we know that we have known Him, if we may keep His commands;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we should keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and in this we know that we have known him, if his commands we may keep;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And in this we know that we have known him, if we should keep his commands.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And by this we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And we can be sure that we have known him by this: if we observe his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And by this we sense that we know him, if we keep his commandments.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And by this we know that we do know him, if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And in this we know that we have known him, if we are keeping his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />if we keep his commandments, that is a proof that we know him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And by this we may know that we know Him--if we obey His commands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And in this we know that we have known Him, if we keep His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And by this we know that we have known Him, if we keep his commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/2-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=128" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm">Jesus Our Advocate</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">2</span>He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">By</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tout&#333; (DPro-DNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: gin&#333;skomen (V-PIA-1P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">we can be sure</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: egn&#333;kamen (V-RIA-1P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">we have come to know</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him:</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/5083.htm" title="5083: t&#275;r&#333;men (V-PSA-1P) -- From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.">we keep</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolas (N-AFP) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandments.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>If anyone says, &#8220;I know Him,&#8221; but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-21.htm">John 14:21</a></span><br />Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a></span><br />If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father&#8217;s commandments and remain in His love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-31.htm">John 8:31</a></span><br />So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, &#8220;If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-14.htm">John 15:14</a></span><br />You are My friends if you do what I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21</a></span><br />Not everyone who says to Me, &#8216;Lord, Lord,&#8217; will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17-18</a></span><br />So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. / But someone will say, &#8220;You have faith and I have deeds.&#8221; Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46</a></span><br />Why do you call Me &#8216;Lord, Lord,&#8217; but do not do what I say?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a></span><br />For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-9.htm">Hebrews 5:9</a></span><br />And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-14.htm">1 Peter 1:14-16</a></span><br />As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. / But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: &#8220;Be holy, because I am holy.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">2 John 1:6</a></span><br />And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/14-12.htm">Revelation 14:12</a></span><br />Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints, who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-10.htm">Deuteronomy 5:10</a></span><br />but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.</p><p class="hdg">hereby.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4-6</a></b></br> He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">1 John 3:14,19</a></b></br> We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not <i>his</i> brother abideth in death&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/4-13.htm">1 John 4:13</a></b></br> Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.</p><p class="hdg">we know.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Isaiah 53:11</a></b></br> He shall see of the travail of his soul, <i>and</i> shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3</a></b></br> And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a></b></br> For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to <i>give</i> the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.</p><p class="hdg">if we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">1 John 3:22,23</a></b></br> And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3</a></b></br> For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-6.htm">Psalm 119:6,32</a></b></br> Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/titus/1-14.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-16.htm">Laws</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">Sure</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/1_john/2-5.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">Laws</a> <a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/1_john/2-5.htm">Sure</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">He comforts them against the sins of infirmity.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-9.htm">to love our brothers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">and not to love the world.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">We must beware of antichrists;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-20.htm">from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/1_john/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>By this we can be sure</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the assurance of faith. In the context of 1 John, the apostle is addressing believers who may be facing doubts about their salvation. Assurance is a recurring theme in John's writings, as seen in <a href="/john/20-31.htm">John 20:31</a>, where the purpose of his Gospel is to instill belief and certainty in Jesus as the Christ. The concept of assurance is also echoed in <a href="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Hebrews 10:22</a>, which speaks of drawing near to God with a full assurance of faith.<p><b>that we have come to know Him:</b><br>Knowing God is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting a deep, personal relationship rather than mere intellectual acknowledgment. In the Old Testament, knowing God often involved covenantal faithfulness, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/31-34.htm">Jeremiah 31:34</a>, where God promises that all will know Him. In the New Testament, this knowledge is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who reveals the Father (<a href="/john/14-7.htm">John 14:7-9</a>). The Greek word for "know" (ginosko) implies an ongoing, experiential knowledge, suggesting a dynamic relationship with God through Christ.<p><b>if we keep His commandments.</b><br>Obedience to God's commandments is a hallmark of genuine faith. This reflects the teachings of Jesus, who stated in <a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a>, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." The commandments refer not only to the moral and ethical teachings of Jesus but also to the broader scope of God's will as revealed in Scripture. This obedience is not legalistic but is a response to the grace and love received from God. The connection between love and obedience is further emphasized in 1 <a href="/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3</a>, where keeping God's commandments is described as an expression of love for God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The audience of this letter, consisting of early Christians who were facing false teachings and needed reassurance of their faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>Central to the message of 1 John, as knowing Him and keeping His commandments are key themes.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a></b><br>Individuals who were spreading incorrect doctrines, challenging the true knowledge of God and His commandments.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/asia_minor.htm">Asia Minor</a></b><br>The region where the early church communities addressed in this letter were likely located.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/assurance_of_salvation.htm">Assurance of Salvation</a></b><br>Obedience to God's commandments is a tangible way to confirm our relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_knowledge.htm">The Nature of True Knowledge</a></b><br>Knowing God is not merely intellectual but is demonstrated through a life of obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_love_in_obedience.htm">The Role of Love in Obedience</a></b><br>Our love for God is expressed through our willingness to follow His commandments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_against_false_teachings.htm">Discernment Against False Teachings</a></b><br>True knowledge of God is marked by adherence to His commandments, providing a standard to evaluate teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_obedience.htm">Practical Obedience</a></b><br>Daily life should reflect our commitment to God's commandments, impacting our decisions and interactions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_auricular_confession.htm">What does having everything for life and godliness mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_you_live_according_to_my_teachings.htm">Do you live according to My teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_themes_of_the_general_epistles.htm">What are the key themes of the General Epistles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_john_1_9_more_than_a_coping_tool.htm">1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness through confession. Without empirical evidence for spiritual change, what evidence exists that this is more than a psychological coping mechanism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_john/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) The fourth inference from the doctrine that God is Light analyses more accurately the general expression of <a href="/1_john/1-7.htm" title="But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleans us from all sin.">1John 1:7</a>, <span class= "ital">walking in the light.</span> If Christ is, as in <a href="/context/1_john/2-1.htm" title="My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:">1John 2:1-2</a>, the Paraclete and Propitiation of the world, it becomes necessary to ascertain whether He is this to us; lest, when this salvation is offered, we condemn ourselves by rejecting it. The test is, "obedience to the commandments, especially in brotherly love."<p>(3) Hereby means, <span class= "ital">by what follows.</span><p><span class= "bld">That we know him.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">have known Him</span> (so also in <a href="/1_john/2-4.htm" title="He that said, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.">1John 2:4</a>, <span class= "ital">I have known Him</span>)<span class= "ital">;</span> that we have not grasped a shadow, but have been in intercourse with the living God, who reveals Himself not through speculation, but through a true inward life of man.<p><span class= "bld">If we keep his commandments.</span>--Christ's--because of the reference to <a href="/john/14-15.htm" title="If you love me, keep my commandments.">John 14:15</a>. "Keep" like a precious heirloom, watching them against the inroads of our lower nature. (Comp. <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm" title="And he said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments.">Matthew 19:17</a>; <a href="/matthew/28-20.htm" title="Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.">Matthew 28:20</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-14.htm" title="That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:">1Timothy 6:14</a>.) If each man's conscience was the standard of practice, confusion would again reign in morals as it reigned in the days of the Sophists at Athens. (Compare Plato's <span class= "ital">Republic, </span>Bk. 2, Jowett's translation.) A code and an example fitted for all times and all circumstances have been given by our Lord. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 3-6.</span> - Thirdly, walking in the light involves obedience. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And herein we perceive that we know him, if we keep his commandments</span> <span class="greek">&#x3b3;&#x3b9;&#x3bd;&#x1f7d;&#x3c3;&#x3ba;&#x3bf;&#x3bc;&#x3b5;&#x3bd;</span>, we come to know, we recognize; <span class="greek">&#x1f10;&#x3b3;&#x3bd;&#x1f7d;&#x3ba;&#x3b1;&#x3bc;&#x3b5;&#x3bd;</span>, we have come to know, we know). The token of our having this knowledge is stated hypothetically; not <span class="accented">because</span>, but if, we obey. To serve under another and obey him is one of the best ways of knowing his character. The knowledge is no mere intellectual apprehension, such as the Gnostic, postulated, but a moral and spiritual affection and activity. It is possible to know and hate (<a href="/john/16-24.htm">John 16:24</a>). Again, the knowledge is not a mere emotional appreciation. Christianity knows nothing of piety without morality. To know Christ is to love him, and to love him is to obey and imitate him. By "keep" <span class="greek">&#x3c4;&#x1fc6;&#x3c1;&#x1ff6;&#x3bc;&#x3b5;&#x3bd;</span> is recant "keep the eye fixed upon, <span class="accented">observe."</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/2-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">By</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#959;&#973;&#964;&#8179;</span> <span class="translit">(tout&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">we can be sure</span><br /><span class="grk">&#947;&#953;&#957;&#974;&#963;&#954;&#959;&#956;&#949;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(gin&#333;skomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8005;&#964;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we have come to know</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#947;&#957;&#974;&#954;&#945;&#956;&#949;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(egn&#333;kamen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Him:</span><br /><span class="grk">&#945;&#8016;&#964;&#972;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#8048;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(ean)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we keep</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#951;&#961;&#8182;&#956;&#949;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(t&#275;r&#333;men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5083.htm">Strong's 5083: </a> </span><span class="str2">From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His</span><br /><span class="grk">&#945;&#8016;&#964;&#959;&#8166;</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">commandments.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;&#964;&#959;&#955;&#8048;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(entolas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> </span><span class="str2">An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 2:3 This is how we know that we (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/2-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 2:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 2:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/2-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 2:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 2:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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