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1 John 4:2 By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.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/4-1.htm" title="1 John 4:1">◄</a> 1 John 4:2 <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm" title="1 John 4:3">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_john/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ having come in <i>the</i> flesh is of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />By this you know <i>and</i> recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges <i>and</i> confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ has [actually] come in the flesh [as a man] is from God [God is its source];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and you can know which ones come from God. His Spirit says that Jesus Christ had a truly human body. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This is how you can recognize God's Spirit: Every person who declares that Jesus Christ has come as a human has the Spirit that is from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This is how you will be able to know whether it is God's Spirit: anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came as a human being has the Spirit who comes from God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This is how you can recognize God's Spirit: Every spirit who acknowledges that Jesus the Messiah has become human—and remains so—is from God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus as the Christ who has come in the flesh is from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />By this ye know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ hath come in the flesh, is from God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The test by which you may recognize the Spirit of God is that every spirit which acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come as man is from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ having come in the flesh, it is of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ having come in <i>the</i> flesh is of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> in this know ye the Spirit of God; every spirit that doth confess Jesus Christ in the flesh having come, of God it is,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In this ye know the spirit of God: Every spirit which acknowledges Jesus Christ having come in the flesh is of God:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By this is the spirit of God known. Every spirit which confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The Spirit of God may be known in this way. Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh is of God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The Spirit of God is known by this: Every prophecy which declares that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />The Spirit of God is known by this: every spirit who confesses that Yeshua The Messiah has come in the flesh is from God.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, is from God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />In this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />By this ye know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesseth that Jesus the Messiah is come in the flesh, is from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />by this you may distinguish the spirit of God: "every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The test by which you may recognize the Spirit of God is that every spirit which acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come as man is from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />In this ye know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ hath come in flesh is of God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />By this ye <i>may</i> know the Spirit of God: every Spirit that confesseth Jesus Christ, who is come in the flesh, is of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/4-2.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=683" 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/4.htm">Testing the Spirits</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><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: toutō (DPro-DNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskete (V-PIA-2P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">you will know</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- 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/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneuma (N-ANS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">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."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God:</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/3670.htm" title="3670: homologei (V-PIA-3S) -- From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.">confesses that</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/5547.htm" title="5547: Christon (N-AMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elēlythota (V-RPA-AMS) -- To come, go. ">has come</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/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">the flesh</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/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> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <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/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a></span><br />The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6-7</a></span><br />Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Hebrews 2:14</a></span><br />Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3</a></span><br />For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-28.htm">John 20:28</a></span><br />Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-9.htm">Colossians 2:9</a></span><br />For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">2 John 1:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-23.htm">Matthew 1:23</a></span><br />“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Luke 1:35</a></span><br />The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4</a></span><br />But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a></span><br />For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a></span><br />But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:</p><p class="hdg">Every.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">1 John 5:1</a></b></br> Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13-15</a></b></br> Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, <i>that</i> shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/12-3.htm">1 Corinthians 12:3</a></b></br> Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and <i>that</i> no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.</p><p class="hdg">come.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">1 John 4:3</a></b></br> And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that <i>spirit</i> of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a></b></br> And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a></b></br> And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/2-23.htm">Acknowledges</a> <a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/1_john/2-23.htm">Confesses</a> <a href="/1_john/2-23.htm">Confesseth</a> <a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">Test</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/4-15.htm">Acknowledges</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/1_john/4-15.htm">Confesses</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">Confesseth</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">Test</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">and exhorts to brotherly love.</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/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><b>By this you will know the Spirit of God:</b><br>This phrase introduces a test for discerning the true Spirit of God from false spirits. In the context of 1 John, the apostle John addresses the presence of false teachers and prophets who were spreading heretical teachings. The early church faced challenges from Gnostic beliefs, which often denied the true humanity of Jesus. This test is crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and ensuring that believers are guided by the Holy Spirit.<p><b>Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh:</b><br>The confession that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is a fundamental Christian doctrine affirming the incarnation. This statement counters the Gnostic heresy, which claimed that Jesus only appeared to be human or that His physical body was an illusion. The phrase emphasizes the reality of Jesus' humanity and His physical presence on earth. This is supported by other scriptures such as <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>, which states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The incarnation is central to the Christian faith, as it affirms both the divinity and humanity of Jesus, necessary for His role as the mediator between God and humanity.<p><b>is from God:</b><br>This phrase confirms the divine origin of the true confession about Jesus Christ. Acknowledging Jesus' incarnation is a sign of alignment with God's truth. In the historical context, this was a critical distinction for the early church to make, as many false teachings were circulating. The affirmation that a spirit is "from God" indicates that it is inspired by the Holy Spirit, who leads believers into all truth (<a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a>). This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the importance of true doctrine and the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding and preserving the church.<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/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>Central figure of Christianity, whose incarnation (coming in the flesh) is a foundational truth of the faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_spirit_of_god.htm">The Spirit of God</a></b><br>Refers to the Holy Spirit, who testifies to the truth of Jesus Christ and His incarnation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_prophets.htm">False Prophets</a></b><br>Individuals who spread teachings contrary to the truth of Jesus' incarnation, often influenced by the spirit of the antichrist.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The community of believers to whom John wrote, facing challenges from false teachings and needing discernment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_confession.htm">The Importance of Confession</a></b><br>Confessing Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh is a fundamental test of true faith and orthodoxy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_of_spirits.htm">Discernment of Spirits</a></b><br>Believers are called to discern between the Spirit of God and false spirits by examining their confession about Jesus.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_incarnation's_centrality.htm">The Incarnation's Centrality</a></b><br>The truth of Jesus' incarnation is central to Christian doctrine and must be upheld against false teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_deception.htm">Guarding Against Deception</a></b><br>Christians must be vigilant against false prophets and teachings that deny the incarnation of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_truth.htm">Living in Truth</a></b><br>Embracing the truth of Jesus' incarnation should lead to a life that reflects His love and truth in action.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_perizzites'_history.htm">What defines the Spirit of the Antichrist?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god's_form_physical.htm">Is God's form physical?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_john_4's_message_valid_if_john_didn't_write_it.htm">How does 1 John 4’s authorship and message hold up given debates about whether the Apostle John actually wrote this epistle?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_1_tim_6_20-21_warn_against_false_knowledge.htm">Why does 1 Timothy 6:20–21 specifically caution against “what is falsely called knowledge,” and how might this be seen as disparaging intellectual pursuit or scientific inquiry?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - This verso contains the main subject of the section. To confess the Incarnation is to prove that one draws one's inspiration from God through his Spirit. <span class="cmt_word">Know ye;</span> or, <span class="accented">recognize ye</span> <span class="greek">γινώσκετε</span>, may be either imperative, in harmony with "believe" and "prove" (verse 1), or indicative, in harmony with "we know" (<a href="/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16</a>, [19,] 24). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/4-2.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">Ἐν</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">τούτῳ</span> <span class="translit">(toutō)</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">you will know</span><br /><span class="grk">γινώσκετε</span> <span class="translit">(ginōskete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd 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">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Spirit</span><br /><span class="grk">Πνεῦμα</span> <span class="translit">(Pneuma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God:</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Every</span><br /><span class="grk">πᾶν</span> <span class="translit">(pan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spirit</span><br /><span class="grk">πνεῦμα</span> <span class="translit">(pneuma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">confesses [that]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁμολογεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(homologei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3670.htm">Strong's 3670: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jesus</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰησοῦν</span> <span class="translit">(Iēsoun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Christ</span><br /><span class="grk">Χριστὸν</span> <span class="translit">(Christon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has come</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐληλυθότα</span> <span class="translit">(elēlythota)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come, go. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</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">[the] flesh</span><br /><span class="grk">σαρκὶ</span> <span class="translit">(sarki)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 4:2 By this you know the Spirit (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 4:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 4:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/4-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 4:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 4:3" /></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>