King James Version

What Does 1 John 4:15 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. our love: Gr. love with us

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. Let him--**the converted. **know--**for his comfort, and the encouragement of others to do likewise. **shall save--**future. The salvation of the one so converted shall be manifested hereafter. **shall hide a multitude of sins--**not his own, but the sins of the converted. The Greek verb in the middle voice requires this. Pr 10:12 refers to charity "covering" the sins of others before men; James to one's effecting by the conversion of another that that other's sins be covered before God, namely, with Christ's atonement. He effects this by making the convert partaker in the Christian covenant for the remission of all sins. Though this hiding of sins was included in the previous "shall save," James expresses it to mark in detail the greatness of the blessing conferred on the penitent through the converter's instrumentality, and to incite others to the same good deed.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

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 4:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.