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1 John 2:4 If anyone says, "I know Him," but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
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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/2.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/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The <i>one</i> saying, "I have known Him," and not keeping His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Whoever says, “I have come to know Him,” but does not <i>habitually</i> keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings), is a liar, and the truth [of the divine word] is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet doesn’t keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” yet doesn’t keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But if we claim to know him and don't obey him, we are lying and the truth isn't in our hearts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The person who says, "I know him," but doesn't obey his commandments is a liar. The truth isn't in that person.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The person who says, "I have come to know him," but does not continually keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth has no place in that person. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who says "I have come to know God" and yet does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in such a person.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />One who says, "I know him," and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He who professes to know Him, and yet does not obey His commands, is a liar, and the truth has no place in his heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />One who says, “I know him,” and doesn’t keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn’t in him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />he who is saying, “I have known Him,” and is not keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The <i>one</i> saying, "I have known Him," and not keeping His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> he who is saying, 'I have known him,' and his command is not keeping, a liar he is, and in him the truth is not;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He saying, I have known him, and not keeping his commands, is a liar, and in him is not the truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He who saith that he knoweth him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever claims that he knows him, and yet does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever says, “I have come to know him,” but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who says, I know him, and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For he who says, “I know him”, and does not keep his commandments, is lying and the truth is not in him.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />The one saying, I have known him, and keeping not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and in him the truth is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />he that says, he knows him, and does not keep his commandments, is a lyar, and an enemy to the truth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He who professes to know Him, and yet does not obey His commands, is a liar, and the truth has no place in his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />He who says, "I have known Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/2-4.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=135" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm">Jesus Our Advocate</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><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.">If anyone</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">says,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: Egnōka (V-RIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">“I know</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him,”</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</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/5083.htm" title="5083: tērōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.">does not keep</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolas (N-AFP) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandments,</a> <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.">he is</a> <a href="/greek/5583.htm" title="5583: pseustēs (N-NMS) -- A liar, deceiver. From pseudomai; a falsifier.">a liar,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- 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/225.htm" title="225: alētheia (N-NFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth</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/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/3778.htm" title="3778: toutō (DPro-DMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">him.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:…<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/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-21.htm">John 14:21</a></span><br />Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a></span><br />If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a></span><br />Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a></span><br />What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46</a></span><br />Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a></span><br />For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Titus 1:16</a></span><br />They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-6.htm">1 John 3:6</a></span><br />No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">1 John 3:24</a></span><br />Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3</a></span><br />For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">2 John 1:6</a></span><br />And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8-9</a></span><br />‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a></span><br />So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that said, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.</p><p class="hdg">that saith.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/2-9.htm">1 John 2:9</a></b></br> He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">1 John 1:6,8,10</a></b></br> If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/4-20.htm">1 John 4:20</a></b></br> If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?</p><p class="hdg">I know.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/8-2.htm">Hosea 8:2,3</a></b></br> Israel shall cry unto me, My God, we know thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Titus 1:16</a></b></br> They profess that they know God; but in works they deny <i>him</i>, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.</p><p class="hdg">is a.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">1 John 1:6,8</a></b></br> If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/3-7.htm">Command</a> <a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/john/3-36.htm">Disobeys</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/romans/2-26.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-13.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/1_john/1-10.htm">Liar</a> <a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/james/2-14.htm">Professes</a> <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">Truth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">Command</a> <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/joshua/1-18.htm">Disobeys</a> <a href="/1_john/2-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_john/2-5.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/1_john/2-22.htm">Liar</a> <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/1_john/2-6.htm">Professes</a> <a href="/1_john/2-8.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_john/2-8.htm">Truth</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">He comforts them against the sins of infirmity.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-9.htm">to love our brothers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">and not to love the world.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">We must beware of antichrists;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-20.htm">from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_john/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If anyone says, “I know Him,”</b><br>This phrase addresses the claim of having a personal relationship with God. In the biblical context, "knowing" God goes beyond intellectual acknowledgment; it implies an intimate, experiential relationship. This echoes the Hebrew understanding of "yada," which means to know deeply and personally. In the New Testament, knowing God is often associated with recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and living in accordance with His teachings (<a href="/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3</a>). The claim to know God is significant in a culture where religious identity was central to one's life and community.<p><b>but does not keep His commandments,</b><br>The phrase emphasizes the necessity of obedience as evidence of genuine faith. In the Jewish tradition, keeping commandments was a sign of covenant faithfulness. Jesus summarized the commandments as loving God and loving others (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a>), and John reiterates this in his epistles. The early church faced challenges from false teachings, such as Gnosticism, which downplayed the importance of moral conduct. This statement counters such beliefs by affirming that true knowledge of God is demonstrated through obedience.<p><b>he is a liar,</b><br>This strong language reflects the seriousness of the claim. In biblical terms, lying is not just about falsehood but also about living in contradiction to God's truth. The use of "liar" connects to the broader biblical theme of truth versus deception, seen in the contrast between God and Satan, the father of lies (<a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a>). The early church was vigilant against false teachers who claimed spiritual insight but lived contrary to the gospel.<p><b>and the truth is not in him.</b><br>"Truth" in John's writings often refers to the reality of God's revelation in Jesus Christ. To say the truth is not in someone implies a lack of genuine relationship with God. This phrase underscores the inseparability of truth and action in the Christian life. The concept of truth is central to John's gospel and epistles, where Jesus is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). The absence of truth indicates a disconnect from the transformative power of the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The audience of John's letter, consisting of early Christians who were facing false teachings and needed guidance on living out their faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a></b><br>Individuals in the early church who claimed to know God but did not adhere to His commandments, leading others astray.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>True knowledge of God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. Claiming to know God without obedience is self-deception.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_truth.htm">The Nature of Truth</a></b><br>Truth is not just intellectual assent but is lived out in action. The truth of God transforms our lives and aligns us with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identifying_falsehood.htm">Identifying Falsehood</a></b><br>Be wary of those who claim spiritual knowledge but live contrary to God's commandments. Their actions reveal the absence of truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regularly assess your own life to ensure that your actions align with your professed beliefs. True faith is evidenced by obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a></b><br>Engage with fellow believers to encourage and hold each other accountable in living out God's commandments.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_true_scotsmen_immune_to_exceptions.htm">Is every true Scotsman immune to counterexamples?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_loving_jesus_entail.htm">What does loving Jesus entail?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_a_healer'_mean.htm">What does 1 John 5:3 mean about commandments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_good_because_god_commands_it.htm">Is something good because God commands it, or vice versa?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - The participial substantive <span class="greek">ὁ λέγων</span> now takes the place of <span class="greek">ἐάν</span> with the subjunctive, but the two are equivalent (cf. <a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">1 John 1:6</a>, which is almost exactly parallel to this, and shows what "knowing him" really is, viz. having fellowship with him, just as not keeping his commandments is the same as walking in darkness). St. John says, <span class="greek">μὴ τηρῶν</span>, not, <span class="greek">οὐ τηρῶν</span>, the case being hypothetical - if there be such a man, he is a liar, and has no idea of truth (see on 1 John 1:8). He must have lost the very power of recognizing truth to maintain that he knows Christ, when he habitually transgresses his commands. It is no great thing, as Bode says, to know as the devils do, who "believe and tremble." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/2-4.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">If anyone</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine 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">says,</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγων</span> <span class="translit">(legōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I know</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἔγνωκα</span> <span class="translit">(Egnōka)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Him,”</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτόν</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[but]</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">does not keep</span><br /><span class="grk">τηρῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tērōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5083.htm">Strong's 5083: </a> </span><span class="str2">From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">commandments,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐντολὰς</span> <span class="translit">(entolas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> </span><span class="str2">An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστίν</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">a liar,</span><br /><span class="grk">ψεύστης</span> <span class="translit">(pseustēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5583.htm">Strong's 5583: </a> </span><span class="str2">A liar, deceiver. From pseudomai; a falsifier.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡ</span> <span class="translit">(hē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Feminine 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">truth</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλήθεια</span> <span class="translit">(alētheia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> </span><span class="str2">From alethes; truth.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔστιν</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">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</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">him.</span><br /><span class="grk">τούτῳ</span> <span class="translit">(toutō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 2:4 One who says I know him (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 2:5" /></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>