King James Version

What Does 1 John 4:13 Mean?

1 John 4:13 in the King James Version says “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.”

1 John 4:13 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

12

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

13

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

14

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Read 1 John 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. John provides another test for assurance—the Spirit's presence. "Hereby know we" (en toutō ginōskomen)—this provides certain knowledge, not speculation. "That we dwell in him, and he in us" (hoti en autō menomen kai autos en hēmin)—the mutual indwelling restated from 3:24. The evidence follows.

"Because he hath given us of his Spirit" (hoti ek tou pneumatos autou dedōken hēmin). The perfect tense emphasizes completed giving with continuing possession—God gave the Spirit, and we continue to possess Him. The preposition "of" (ek) could indicate partitive (a portion of His Spirit) or source (from His Spirit). Likely both senses apply—the Spirit given to believers comes from God and is God's own Spirit, though each believer doesn't possess the totality of the Spirit's person (which is omnipresent).

The Spirit's presence evidences both God's indwelling in us and our abiding in God. The Spirit is God (the third person of the Trinity) dwelling within believers, sealing them (Ephesians 1:13), transforming them (2 Corinthians 3:18), and producing fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). This gift provides assurance—if the Spirit dwells in you, evidenced by His fruit (especially love), you have certain proof of salvation. The Spirit's internal witness (Romans 8:16) combined with His external fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) provides objective and subjective assurance of genuine salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The gift of the Holy Spirit was central to apostolic preaching (Acts 2:38). Joel's prophecy of the Spirit being poured out on all flesh (Joel 2:28-29) began fulfillment at Pentecost. Unlike Old Testament experience where the Spirit came upon specific individuals for specific tasks, New Covenant believers all receive the Spirit permanently at conversion (Romans 8:9—"if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his").

This teaching was vital against claims that only elite Christians or those with special experiences possessed the Spirit. John affirms that all genuine believers have received the Spirit—this is Christianity's universal mark, not exceptional experience. The Spirit's presence is both gift (grace) and evidence (assurance). The charismatic movement's later emphasis on seeking subsequent Spirit experiences must be evaluated against John's teaching that Spirit-possession characterizes all Christians from conversion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life gives you assurance that you dwell in God and He in you?
  2. How can you distinguish between the Spirit's genuine work and counterfeit spiritual experiences or emotional feelings?
  3. If possessing God's Spirit is Christianity's universal mark, how should this affect your confidence in salvation despite feelings of inadequacy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἐν1 of 18

“Hereby”

G1722

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

τούτῳ2 of 18
G5129

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

γινώσκομεν3 of 18

“know we”

G1097

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

ὅτι4 of 18

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν5 of 18

“Hereby”

G1722

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

αὐτοῦ6 of 18

“he”

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

μένομεν7 of 18

“we dwell”

G3306

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

καὶ8 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

αὐτοῦ9 of 18

“he”

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

ἐν10 of 18

“Hereby”

G1722

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

ἡμῖν11 of 18

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ὅτι12 of 18

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκ13 of 18

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ14 of 18
G3588

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

πνεύματος15 of 18

“Spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

αὐτοῦ16 of 18

“he”

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

δέδωκεν17 of 18

“he hath given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἡμῖν18 of 18

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 2:20-221 John 3:241 Corinthians 3:16-171 Corinthians 2:12Galatians 5:22-251 John 4:15-16

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 John 4 with CommentaryAll 1 John ChaptersComplete 1 John QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes