King James Version

What Does 1 John 2:6 Mean?

1 John 2:6 in the King James Version says “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

1 John 2:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

7

Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

8

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. John presents another test of profession, focusing on "abiding" (menō, μένω)—remaining, dwelling, continuing in intimate relationship. "He that saith he abideth in him" (ho legōn en autō menein) addresses claims to ongoing union with Christ. The verb "abideth" uses the present infinitive, indicating continuous, settled relationship—not temporary or sporadic connection but permanent dwelling in Christ.

The obligation follows: "ought himself also so to walk" (opheilei...kai autos...peripatein). "Ought" (opheilei) expresses moral obligation and debt—those claiming union with Christ owe conformity to His example. "To walk" (peripatein) means to live, conduct oneself, order one's life. This isn't about occasional imitation but comprehensive lifestyle patterned after Christ.

"Even as he walked" (kathōs ekeinos periepatēsen) sets Christ's earthly life as the standard. Ekeinos (that one) points emphatically to Jesus—His humility, compassion, righteousness, prayerfulness, love, obedience to the Father. This doesn't mean duplicating Jesus' specific circumstances (we're not itinerant Palestinian preachers) but embodying His character and priorities. Those who claim to abide in Christ should exhibit Christlike qualities—the fruit of genuine union. Profession without progressive Christlikeness is empty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of imitating one's teacher was central to ancient education. Greek philosophical schools emphasized conformity to the master's teaching and lifestyle. Rabbinic Judaism taught students to observe and imitate their rabbi's conduct in minute detail. Early Christians applied this to following Christ—not merely learning His teachings but becoming like Him in character and conduct.

John's emphasis on walking "as he walked" provided crucial correction to Gnostic distortions. Gnostics claimed spiritual union with the divine Christ while rejecting the physical Jesus' earthly example. They despised material existence and bodily life, viewing Jesus' humanity as irrelevant or even illusory. John insists: the One we abide in walked on earth, lived a human life, set an example to follow. Genuine union with Christ produces conformity to His earthly pattern.

Throughout church history, Christ's example has been understood various ways. Some medieval movements emphasized literal imitation—poverty like Jesus, celibacy, itinerant preaching. The Reformation emphasized inner transformation producing Christlike character more than external duplication of circumstances. Puritan piety sought "closet walking with God"—private communion with Christ producing public Christlikeness. All agreed: claiming union with Christ while living unlike Him is hypocrisy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific aspects of Christ's walk (compassion, prayer, truth-speaking, sacrifice, etc.) most challenge your current lifestyle?
  2. How can you pursue Christlikeness without either legalistic performance or cheap grace that demands no transformation?
  3. In what ways does your local church community encourage and measure growth in walking as Christ walked?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὁ1 of 13
G3588

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

λέγων2 of 13

“He that saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐν3 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

αὐτὸς4 of 13

“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

μένειν5 of 13

“he abideth”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ὀφείλει6 of 13

“ought”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

καθὼς7 of 13

“even as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἐκεῖνος8 of 13

“he”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

περιπατεῖν9 of 13

“to walk”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

καὶ10 of 13

“also”

G2532

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

αὐτὸς11 of 13

“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

οὕτως12 of 13

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

περιπατεῖν13 of 13

“to walk”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:21John 13:151 Corinthians 11:11 John 3:6John 15:4-6Matthew 11:29

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 John 2 with CommentaryAll 1 John ChaptersComplete 1 John QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes