CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 John 4:4 You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/62_1Jn_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 4:4 - Testing the Spirits" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_john/4-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_john/4-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_john/">1 John</a> > <a href="/1_john/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_john/4-3.htm" title="1 John 4:3">◄</a> 1 John 4:4 <a href="/1_john/4-5.htm" title="1 John 4:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_john/4.htm">New International Version</a> You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. <a href="/nlt/1_john/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. <a href="/esv/1_john/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. <a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because the One in you is greater than the one in the world. <a href="/kjv/1_john/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_john/4.htm">New King James Version</a> You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. <a href="/nasb_/1_john/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/nasb/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/nasb77/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/lsb/1_john/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/amp/1_john/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind]. <a href="/csb/1_john/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. <a href="/hcsb/1_john/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. <a href="/asv/1_john/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. <a href="/cev/1_john/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God's Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one who is in the world. <a href="/erv/1_john/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. <a href="/gwt/1_john/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Dear children, you belong to God. So you have won the victory over these people, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. <a href="/gnt/1_john/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world. <a href="/isv/1_john/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Little children, you belong to God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. <a href="/msb/1_john/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/net/1_john/4.htm">NET Bible</a> You are from God, little children, and have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. <a href="/nheb/1_john/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/wbt/1_john/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> As for you, dear children, you are God's children, and have successfully resisted them; for greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/web/1_john/4.htm">World English Bible</a> You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_john/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them; because greater is He who [is] in you, than he who is in the world. <a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because the One in you is greater than the one in the world. <a href="/ylt/1_john/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Ye -- of God ye are, little children, and ye have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world. <a href="/slt/1_john/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Ye are of God, little children, and have conquered them: for greater is he in you, than he in the world.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_john/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You are of God, little children, and have overcome him. Because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. <a href="/cpdv/1_john/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Little sons, you are of God, and so you have overcome him. For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. <a href="/nabre/1_john/4.htm">New American Bible</a> You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. <a href="/nrsvce/1_john/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_john/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But you are of God, my children, and have overcome them: because he who is among you is greater than he who is in the world. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> You are from God, children, and you have conquered them, because he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_john/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because he that is in you, is greater than he that is in the world. <a href="/godbey/1_john/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> You are of God, little children, and you have conquered them; because he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. <a href="/haweis/1_john/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Ye are of God, my dear children, and have overcome them; because he that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. <a href="/mace/1_john/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> ye are of God, my dear children, and you have overcome them: because he that is in you, is superior to him that is in the world. <a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> As for you, dear children, you are God's children, and have successfully resisted them; for greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/worrell/1_john/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He Who is in you, than he that is in the world. <a href="/worsley/1_john/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/1_john/4-4.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=708" 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> …3and 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. 4<a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: Hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You,</a> <a href="/greek/5040.htm" title="5040: teknia (N-VNP) -- A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings.">little children,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: este (V-PIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</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. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3528.htm" title="3528: nenikēkate (V-RIA-2P) -- To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue.">have overcome</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">greater</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: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">He who is</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/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">he who is</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> 5They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them.…<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="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a> I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a> What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a> I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. <a href="/1_john/5-4.htm">1 John 5:4-5</a> because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. / Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. <a href="/james/4-7.htm">James 4:7</a> Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a> No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it. <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-11</a> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-4</a> For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. <a href="/romans/8-37.htm">Romans 8:37</a> No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. <a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18</a> Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a> He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8-9</a> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. <a href="/john/14-30.htm">John 14:30</a> I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me. <a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a> For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.are.<a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">1 John 4:6,16</a> We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error… <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9,10</a> 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… <a href="/1_john/5-19.htm">1 John 5:19</a> And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.and have.<a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">1 John 2:13</a> I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.<a href="/1_john/5-4.htm">1 John 5:4</a> For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.<a href="/romans/8-37.htm">Romans 8:37</a> Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.greater.<a href="/1_john/4-13.htm">1 John 4:13,16</a> Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit… <a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">1 John 3:24</a> And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.<a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28-30</a> And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand… than.<a href="/1_john/5-19.htm">1 John 5:19</a> And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.<a href="/john/12-31.htm">John 12:31</a> Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.<a href="/john/14-30.htm">John 14:30</a> Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_john/3-20.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-17.htm">Is</a> <a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">Little</a> <a href="/1_john/2-14.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-4.htm">Resisted</a> <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Successfully</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/4-5.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_john/4-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_john/5-9.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/job/17-12.htm">Is</a> <a href="/1_john/5-21.htm">Little</a> <a href="/1_john/5-4.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/job/9-4.htm">Resisted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Successfully</a> <a href="/1_john/4-5.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>You, little children This phrase addresses the recipients of the letter with a term of endearment, "little children," which reflects the apostle John's pastoral care and affection. It indicates a close, familial relationship between John and his audience, likely referring to believers who are spiritually young or in need of guidance. This term is consistent with John's style throughout his epistles, emphasizing the intimate and nurturing relationship between spiritual leaders and their congregations. It also echoes Jesus' own use of "little children" in passages like <a href="/john/13-33.htm">John 13:33</a>, highlighting the importance of humility and dependence on God.are from God This phrase affirms the divine origin and identity of believers. Being "from God" signifies that believers are born of God, as seen in <a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12-13</a>, where those who receive Christ are given the right to become children of God. This identity is foundational to the Christian faith, emphasizing that believers are not of the world but belong to God, having been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. This concept is central to understanding the believer's position and authority in spiritual matters.and have overcome them The "them" refers to false prophets and antichrists mentioned earlier in the chapter. The assurance of having "overcome" them is rooted in the victory believers have through their faith in Christ, as seen in 1 <a href="/john/5-4.htm">John 5:4-5</a>. This victory is not through human strength but through reliance on God's power and truth. The concept of overcoming is a recurring theme in John's writings, particularly in Revelation, where believers are called to overcome the world and its challenges through faithfulness to Christ.because greater is He who is in you This phrase highlights the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in believers, which is greater than any worldly power or spirit. The Holy Spirit's presence is a fulfillment of Jesus' promise in <a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16-17</a>, where He assures His disciples that the Spirit of truth will dwell with them and be in them. This indwelling provides believers with the strength, wisdom, and discernment needed to resist false teachings and spiritual deception.than he who is in the world The "he" refers to Satan or the spirit of the antichrist, representing the forces of evil and deception in the world. This phrase contrasts the power of God within believers with the limited power of the enemy. It reassures believers that, despite the presence of evil in the world, God's power is supreme and will ultimately prevail. This assurance is echoed in passages like <a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a>, where Jesus declares that He has overcome the world, providing hope and confidence to His followers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth. 2. <a href="/topical/l/little_children.htm">Little Children</a> A term of endearment used by John to address believers, indicating their spiritual relationship with God and their need for guidance and protection. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The Almighty Creator, who indwells believers through the Holy Spirit, empowering them to overcome worldly challenges. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> Represents the system of values and beliefs that are opposed to God, often influenced by Satan. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_spirit_of_antichrist.htm">The Spirit of Antichrist</a> Refers to false teachings and influences that deny Christ and oppose God's truth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Believers are identified as "from God," signifying their new nature and relationship with Him. This identity is foundational for understanding their authority and victory over the world. <a href="/topical/t/the_indwelling_spirit.htm">The Indwelling Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit resides in believers, providing them with the power and wisdom to discern and overcome false teachings and worldly influences. <a href="/topical/v/victory_over_the_world.htm">Victory Over the World</a> The assurance that "greater is He who is in you" empowers believers to live confidently, knowing they have divine strength to face any challenge. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_and_truth.htm">Discernment and Truth</a> Believers are called to discern truth from falsehood, relying on the Spirit's guidance to navigate a world filled with deception. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_trials.htm">Encouragement in Trials</a> This verse offers comfort and encouragement, reminding believers that they are not alone in their struggles and that victory is assured through God's presence.<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/who_is_greater_in_me_than_the_world.htm">Who is greater within me than in the world?</a> <a href="/q/why_love_fleeting_worldly_desires.htm">Why love the world and its fleeting desires?</a> <a href="/q/am_i_loved_by_god.htm">Am I loved by God?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_an_overcomer.htm">What defines an overcomer?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Ye are of God. The ὑμεῖς is in emphatic opposition to the false teachers (comp. <a href="/1_john/2-20.htm">1 John 2:20</a>). They are on one side, and the apostle's readers on the other, and it is from this standpoint that they are to "prove the spirits." St. John knows nothing of any neutral position from which the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error can be criticized "with absolute impartiality." "He that is not with me is against me." This assumed neutral position is already within the domain of error. Ye have overcome them. "Them" means the false teachers; but in what sense have St. John's "little children" overcome them? He may be speaking by anticipation; confident of the victory, he writes of it as an accomplished fact (comp. <a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a>). But it is better to take the statement literally. By refusing to listen to the false teachers (<a href="/john/10-8.htm">John 10:8</a>) the sheep have conquered them: the seducers have "gone out" (<a href="/1_john/2-19.htm">1 John 2:19</a>), unable to hold their own within the fold. Nor is this wonderful: the one side have God with them, the other Satan. Ο ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ here is equivalent to ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου (<a href="/luke/12-31.htm">Luke 12:31</a>). Just as God is in believers and they in God, so the world is in the evil one (<a href="/1_john/5-19.htm">1 John 5:19</a>) and the evil one in it. <a href="/commentaries/1_john/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>You, Ὑμεῖς (Hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. little children, τεκνία (teknia) Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5040.htm">Strong's 5040: </a> A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings. are ἐστε (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <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. 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. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. have overcome νενικήκατε (nenikēkate) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3528.htm">Strong's 3528: </a> To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue. them, αὐτούς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. greater μείζων (meizōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. 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. He who [is] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative 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. 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. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. than ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. he who [is] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative 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. 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). <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 4:4 You are of God little children (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 4:5" /></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>