King James Version

What Does 1 John 4:3 Mean?

1 John 4:3 in the King James Version says “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of an... — study this verse from 1 John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

1 John 4:3 · KJV


Context

1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. John presents the negative test—denial of Christ's incarnation reveals false teaching. "Every spirit that confesseth not" (kai pan pneuma ho mē homologei)—the negative emphasizes willful rejection or denial, not mere ignorance. Some manuscripts read "divides Jesus" or "denies Jesus," but the meaning is consistent—rejecting the incarnation's truth.

"Is not of God" (ek tou theou ouk estin)—such teaching doesn't originate from God but from another source. "And this is that spirit of antichrist" (kai touto estin to tou antichristou)—the definite article identifies a specific entity. Antichristos (ἀντίχριστος) means against or instead of Christ—both opposing Christ and offering a counterfeit substitute. John introduced this term earlier (2:18, 22), warning that many antichrists exist, though a final Antichrist will come.

"Whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (ho akēkoate hoti erchetai kai nyn en tō kosmō estin ēdē). The spirit of antichrist was expected eschatologically but operates currently. This "already but not yet" pattern pervades Scripture—the kingdom has come but awaits consummation; antichrist's spirit is present but the person will appear later. False teaching denying Christ is antichrist's work, whether in the first century or today. The test remains unchanged—does teaching confess Jesus Christ's incarnation truthfully?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of antichrist developed from Jewish apocalyptic expectation of a final enemy opposing God's Messiah (Daniel 7:24-27, 11:36-45). Paul described the "man of lawlessness" (2 Thessalonians 2:3-10). John's contribution was identifying the spirit of antichrist already active in false teaching, particularly denying Christ's incarnation. This challenged believers to recognize that eschatological evil wasn't merely future but present in subtle forms.

Throughout church history, various figures have been identified as Antichrist—Roman emperors, papal corruption (by Reformers), political tyrants. While debate continues about a final personal Antichrist, John's point is clear—the antichrist spirit manifests in any teaching that denies Christ's true nature, especially His incarnation. Vigilance against such false teaching is always necessary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you recognize the spirit of antichrist in contemporary teaching that subtly denies Christ's incarnation?
  2. What's the relationship between the many antichrists currently active and the final Antichrist expected to come?
  3. Why does denial of Christ's incarnation specifically characterize the spirit of antichrist rather than other theological errors?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

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

πᾶν2 of 34

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πνεῦμα3 of 34

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

4 of 34

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μὴ5 of 34

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὁμολογεῖ6 of 34

confesseth

G3670

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

τὸν7 of 34
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν8 of 34

that Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστὸν9 of 34

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐν10 of 34

in

G1722

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

σαρκὶ11 of 34

the flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἔρχεται12 of 34

is come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐκ13 of 34

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 34
G3588

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

Θεοῦ15 of 34

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὐκ16 of 34

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐστὶν17 of 34

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ18 of 34

And

G2532

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

τοῦτό19 of 34

this

G5124

that thing

ἐστὶν20 of 34

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸ21 of 34
G3588

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

τοῦ22 of 34
G3588

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

ἀντιχρίστου23 of 34

that spirit of antichrist

G500

an opponent of the messiah

24 of 34

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἀκηκόατε25 of 34

ye have heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι26 of 34

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἔρχεται27 of 34

is come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ28 of 34

And

G2532

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

νῦν29 of 34

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἐν30 of 34

in

G1722

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

τῷ31 of 34
G3588

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

κόσμῳ32 of 34

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἐστὶν33 of 34

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἤδη34 of 34

already

G2235

even now


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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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