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This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. <a href="/nlt/1_john/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. <a href="/esv/1_john/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. <a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time. <a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God, and this is that of the antichrist, which you heard that is coming, and now is already in the world. <a href="/kjv/1_john/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. <a href="/nkjv/1_john/4.htm">New King James Version</a> and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. <a href="/nasb_/1_john/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now it is already in the world. <a href="/nasb/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. <a href="/nasb77/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. <a href="/lsb/1_john/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. <a href="/amp/1_john/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world. <a href="/csb/1_john/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world. <a href="/hcsb/1_john/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now. <a href="/asv/1_john/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the spirit of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already. <a href="/cev/1_john/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But when someone doesn't say this about Jesus, you know this person has a spirit that doesn't come from God and is the enemy of Christ. You knew this enemy was coming into the world and now is already here. <a href="/erv/1_john/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> and every spirit which confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the spirit of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already. <a href="/gwt/1_john/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But every person who doesn't declare that Jesus Christ has come as a human has a spirit that isn't from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that you have heard is coming. That spirit is already in the world. <a href="/gnt/1_john/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> But anyone who denies this about Jesus does not have the Spirit from God. The spirit that he has is from the Enemy of Christ; you heard that it would come, and now it is here in the world already. <a href="/isv/1_john/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> But every spirit who does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist. You have heard that he is coming, and now he is already in the world. <a href="/msb/1_john/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time. <a href="/net/1_john/4.htm">NET Bible</a> but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world. <a href="/nheb/1_john/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not of God; and this is that of the antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already. <a href="/wbt/1_john/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not from God. And this is that spirit of antichrist, of which ye have heard that it should come; and even now already it is in the world. <a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and that no spirit is from God which does not acknowledge this about Jesus. Such is the spirit of the anti-Christ; of whose coming you have heard, and it is already in the world. <a href="/web/1_john/4.htm">World English Bible</a> and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God; and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_john/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ having come in the flesh, it is not of God; and this is that of the antichrist, which you heard that it comes, and now it is already in the world. <a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God, and this is that of the antichrist, which you heard that is coming, and now is already in the world. <a href="/ylt/1_john/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and every spirit that doth not confess Jesus Christ in the flesh having come, of God it is not; and this is that of the antichrist, which ye heard that it doth come, and now in the world it is already. <a href="/slt/1_john/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And every spirit which acknowledges not Jesus Christ having come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that of antichrist which ye have heard comes; and now is already in the world.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_john/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And every spirit that dissolveth Jesus, is not of God: and this is Antichrist, of whom you have heard that he cometh, and he is now already in the world. <a href="/cpdv/1_john/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> and every spirit who contradicts Jesus is not of God. And this one is the Antichrist, the one that you have heard is coming, and even now he is in the world. <a href="/nabre/1_john/4.htm">New American Bible</a> and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that, as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. <a href="/nrsvce/1_john/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming; and now it is already in the world.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_john/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And every prophecy which does not declare that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God: but it is the prophecy of the false Christ, of whose coming you have heard, and who is even now already in the world. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And no spirit that does not confess that Yeshua has come in the flesh is from God, but this is from that False Messiah, him whom you have heard that he will come, and already he is in the world.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_john/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and whatever spirit confesses not that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, is not from God: and this is the spirit of antichrist, of which you have heard that it comes, and is now already in the world. <a href="/godbey/1_john/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God: and this is the spirit of antichrist, which you have heard that he is coming; and now he is already in the world. <a href="/haweis/1_john/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And every spirit who confesseth not that Jesus the Messiah is come into the world, is not from God: and this is that spirit of antichrist which ye have heard that it is coming, and now is already in the world. <a href="/mace/1_john/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and every spirit that does not own that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not from God." this is that anti-christian spirit which you have heard was to come, and even now it appears in the world. <a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and that no spirit is from God which does not acknowledge this about Jesus. Such is the spirit of the anti-Christ; of whose coming you have heard, and it is already in the world. <a href="/worrell/1_john/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and every spirit that confesses not Jesus is not of God; and this is the spirit of the Anti-Christ, of which ye have heard that it is coming, and now it is in the world already. <a href="/worsley/1_john/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and every spirit that doth not confess Jesus Christ, who is come in the flesh, is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, which ye have heard was coming, and is already in the world. <a href="/parallel/1_john/4-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=693" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Testing the Spirits</a> …2By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pan (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">every</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneuma (N-NNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">spirit</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">that</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3670.htm" title="3670: homologei (V-PIA-3S) -- From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.">does not confess</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsoun (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">This</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the spirit</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/500.htm" title="500: antichristou (N-GMS) -- From anti and Christos; an opponent of the Messiah.">antichrist,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akēkoate (V-RIA-2P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">you have heard</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To come, go. ">is coming</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">which is</a> <a href="/greek/2235.htm" title="2235: ēdē (Adv) -- Already; now at length, now after all this waiting. Apparently from e and de; even now.">already</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.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmō (N-DMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world</a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">at this time.</a> 4You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">2 John 1:7</a> For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. <a href="/1_john/2-22.htm">1 John 2:22</a> Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son. <a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">1 John 2:18</a> Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. <a href="/matthew/24-24.htm">Matthew 24:24</a> For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:3-4</a> Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. / He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7-9</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way. / And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival. / The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1</a> Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a> Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. <a href="/mark/13-22.htm">Mark 13:22</a> For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible. <a href="/john/4-1.htm">John 4:1-3</a> When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John / (although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples), / He left Judea and returned to Galilee. <a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a> You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a> For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. <a href="/revelation/13-11.htm">Revelation 13:11-14</a> Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. / And this beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and caused the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed. / And the second beast performed great signs, even causing fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. ... <a href="/revelation/19-20.htm">Revelation 19:20</a> But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. <a href="/daniel/7-25.htm">Daniel 7:25</a> He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.and this.<a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">1 John 2:18,22</a> Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time… <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7,8</a> For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way… <a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">2 John 1:7</a> For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/13-15.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">Already</a> <a href="/1_john/2-22.htm">Antichrist</a> <a href="/1_john/2-22.htm">Anti-Christ</a> <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">Confesseth</a> <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">God</a> <a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">Whereof</a> <a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/1_john/5-13.htm">Already</a> <a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">Antichrist</a> <a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">Anti-Christ</a> <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_john/4-15.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Confesseth</a> <a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/genesis/48-20.htm">God</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_john/4-15.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_john/4-19.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/genesis/3-11.htm">Whereof</a> <a href="/1_john/4-21.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 4</div>1. <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit;</a> 7. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">and exhorts to brotherly love.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_john/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This phrase emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord. In the early church, false teachings and heresies, such as Gnosticism, denied the true nature of Christ. Confession of Jesus as the Son of God is a fundamental Christian doctrine (<a href="/romans/10-9.htm">Romans 10:9</a>). The phrase underscores the necessity of discernment in spiritual matters, as not all spiritual experiences or teachings are from God. This aligns with Jesus' warning in <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a> about false prophets.This is the spirit of the antichrist, The term "antichrist" refers to any force or individual opposing Christ and His teachings. In the context of 1 John, it highlights the presence of false teachers who deny Jesus' incarnation and divinity. The concept of the antichrist is further explored in <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:3-4</a> and <a href="/revelation/13.htm">Revelation 13</a>, where it is associated with end-times deception. The spirit of the antichrist is characterized by opposition to Christ's truth and authority.which you have heard is coming This phrase indicates that the early Christians were already warned about the coming of false teachers and the spirit of the antichrist. Jesus Himself spoke of false prophets in <a href="/matthew/24-24.htm">Matthew 24:24</a>, and Paul warned the Ephesian elders in <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29-30</a>. The anticipation of such challenges was part of the apostolic teaching, preparing believers to stand firm in their faith.and which is already in the world at this time. John asserts that the spirit of the antichrist was not only a future threat but a present reality. This reflects the ongoing struggle between truth and deception within the church. The presence of false teachings in the first-century church is documented in other New Testament writings, such as Galatians and Colossians. This phrase serves as a call to vigilance and faithfulness, reminding believers that spiritual discernment is crucial in every age.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> Central figure of Christianity, whose divinity and humanity are affirmed by true believers. 3. <a href="/topical/a/antichrist.htm">Antichrist</a> A term used to describe those who oppose or deny Christ, embodying the spirit of deception and falsehood. 4. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a> The recipients of John's letter, facing challenges from false teachings and needing guidance on discerning truth. 5. <a href="/topical/f/false_prophets.htm">False Prophets</a> Individuals spreading teachings contrary to the gospel, denying the true nature of Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/discernment_of_spirits.htm">Discernment of Spirits</a> Believers must test the spirits to determine whether they are from God, using the confession of Jesus Christ as a key criterion. <a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_false_teachings.htm">Recognition of False Teachings</a> Understanding that any teaching denying Jesus' divinity and humanity is not from God helps protect the faith community from deception. <a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_the_antichrist_spirit.htm">Awareness of the Antichrist Spirit</a> The spirit of the antichrist is already present in the world, manifesting through false teachings and opposition to Christ. <a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_truth.htm">Commitment to Truth</a> Upholding the truth of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man is essential for maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith. <a href="/topical/c/community_vigilance.htm">Community Vigilance</a> Encouraging one another in the faith and holding each other accountable to sound doctrine strengthens the church against false teachings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 4</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_john_4_3_with_god's_mercy.htm">In 1 John 4:3, how do we reconcile the warning about denying Jesus with passages suggesting God’s inclusive mercy elsewhere in the Bible? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_antichrist's_spirit.htm">What defines the Spirit of the Antichrist?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_perizzites'_history.htm">What defines the Spirit of the Antichrist?</a> <a href="/q/who_or_what_is_the_antichrist.htm">Who or what is the Antichrist?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Every spirit (not so much the personal teacher as the principle or tendency of the doctrine) which confesseth not Jesus. This is the true reading, the words Ξριστὸν ἐν σαρκὶ ἐληλυθότα being a spurious addition from verse 1. As so often, St. John states the case both negatively and positively for emphasis. There is an ancient variant reading of much interest, probably of Latin origin, which can be traced back to the second century, being known to Tertullian and Iranaeus. For μὴ ὁμολογεῖ τὸν Ἰησοῦν it gives λύει τὸν Ἰησοῦν, solvit Jesum. This corruption of the text was evidently aimed at those who distinguished the man Jesus from the Divine Christ, and thus "dissolved" his Personality. The Greek manuscripts are quite unanimous against the reading. Is not of God; and therefore is of the evil one (see on 1 John 3:10). These professedly Christian teachers are ever among the most dangerous who treat the Divinity of Jesus Christ as more or less of an open question, or as a matter of indifference. Τὸ τοῦ ἀντιχρίστου probably means "the spirit of antichrist," understanding πνεῦμα from the preceding clause rather than (quite vaguely) "the characteristic of antichrist" (see on 1 John 2:18, to which passage, however, ἀκηκόατε does not refer, (but to Christian teaching in general). And now it is in the world already. This is an independent statement; St. John does not say that they had heard this previously. <a href="/commentaries/1_john/4-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. every πᾶν (pan) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. spirit πνεῦμα (pneuma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. that ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. does not confess ὁμολογεῖ (homologei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3670.htm">Strong's 3670: </a> From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge. Jesus Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. This τοῦτό (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the [spirit] τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. antichrist, ἀντιχρίστου (antichristou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_500.htm">Strong's 500: </a> From anti and Christos; an opponent of the Messiah. which ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. you have heard ἀκηκόατε (akēkoate) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. is coming, ἔρχεται (erchetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. is ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. already ἤδη (ēdē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2235.htm">Strong's 2235: </a> Already; now at length, now after all this waiting. Apparently from e and de; even now. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world κόσμῳ (kosmō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). at this time. νῦν (nyn) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 4:3 And every spirit who doesn't confess that (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/4-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 4:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 4:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/4-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 4:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 4:4" /></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>