King James Version

What Does 1 John 2:3 Mean?

1 John 2:3 in the King James Version says “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”

1 John 2:3 · KJV

Context

1

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

3

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. John introduces the first of several tests of genuine saving knowledge. "Hereby we do know" (en toutō ginōskomen, ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν) provides assurance based on evidence, not feelings. The verb "know" (ginōskō) indicates experiential, relational knowledge—not mere intellectual awareness but intimate acquaintance with God. The test is simple: "if we keep his commandments" (ean tas entolas autou tērōmen).

"Keep" (tēreō, τηρέω) means to guard, observe, and obey carefully—implying devoted attention and protective custody of God's word. The present subjunctive "keep" indicates habitual, ongoing obedience as lifestyle, not sinless perfection or occasional compliance. This isn't legalism (earning salvation by rule-keeping) but evidence of regeneration. Those who genuinely know God demonstrate that knowledge by obeying His revealed will.

The phrase "know that we know him" emphasizes assurance. Believers can have confidence they truly know God—not based on mystical experiences or emotional states but on objective evidence: transformed lives marked by obedience. This test refutes Gnostic claims of superior knowledge divorced from ethics. True knowledge of God necessarily produces holy living. Those who claim to know God while habitually disobeying His commands deceive themselves—their profession is false.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the Greco-Roman world, religious knowledge was often separated from ethical behavior. Greek philosophy pursued truth through reason; mystery religions offered ecstatic experiences. Neither necessarily demanded moral transformation. Gnostic teachers explicitly divorced spiritual knowledge from bodily conduct, arguing that enlightened souls weren't affected by physical actions.

John's emphasis on commandment-keeping would resonate with Jewish Christians familiar with covenant obedience. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 commands love for God expressed through keeping His statutes. Yet John transcends mere external compliance—he speaks of new covenant obedience empowered by the indwelling Spirit (1 John 3:24). This is heart transformation, not mechanical rule-following.

The early church faced antinomian threats repeatedly. Some distorted Paul's gospel of grace into license to sin (Romans 6:1). Others, like the later Marcionites, rejected the Old Testament's moral law. John's test provided crucial balance: salvation is by grace through faith alone, yet genuine faith necessarily produces obedience. James would make the same point: faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 26).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you distinguish between legalistic commandment-keeping (to earn favor) and evidence-based obedience (proving regeneration)?
  2. What specific areas of your life reveal whether you truly know God through obedience or merely know about Him intellectually?
  3. How does this verse guard against both presumption (claiming salvation without transformation) and despair (demanding perfect obedience for assurance)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν2 of 12

“hereby”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τούτῳ3 of 12
G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

ἐγνώκαμεν4 of 12

“we do know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι5 of 12

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγνώκαμεν6 of 12

“we do know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

αὐτοῦ7 of 12

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐὰν8 of 12

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τὰς9 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐντολὰς10 of 12

“commandments”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

αὐτοῦ11 of 12

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τηρῶμεν12 of 12

“we keep”

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 John 2:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 John 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 14:15John 15:101 John 5:3Luke 6:461 John 4:13John 15:14

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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