King James Version

What Does 1 John 4:6 Mean?

1 John 4:6 in the King James Version says “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth,...” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

1 John 4:6 · KJV

Holy SpiritTruth

Context

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.

6

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. John contrasts the apostolic message with false teaching. "We are of God" (hēmeis ek tou theou esmen)—the apostles belong to God, commissioned by Christ, inspired by the Spirit. Their teaching originates from God, not human wisdom or worldly philosophy. This apostolic authority grounds their message's reliability.

"He that knoweth God heareth us" (ho ginōskōn ton theon akouei hēmōn)—genuine knowledge of God produces recognition of and submission to apostolic teaching. Those born of God and taught by the Spirit recognize apostolic truth as God's word. Conversely, "he that is not of God heareth not us" (hos ouk estin ek tou theou ouk akouei hēmōn)—those who don't belong to God reject apostolic teaching. Rejection of Scripture's authority indicates spiritual deadness, not intellectual sophistication.

"Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error" (ek toutou ginōskomen to pneuma tēs alētheias kai to pneuma tēs planēs). The test is clear: alignment with apostolic teaching indicates the spirit of truth; departure from it reveals the spirit of error. This provides objective criteria for discernment—measure all teaching by Scripture (the apostolic deposit). Private revelations, personal feelings, or cultural preferences must submit to biblical authority. The spirit of truth produces teaching consistent with the apostles' word; the spirit of error contradicts it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The apostles claimed divine authority for their teaching, not human opinion. Jesus promised the Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). Paul distinguished his gospel as received by revelation from Christ (Galatians 1:11-12). The early church recognized apostolic teaching as authoritative Scripture alongside the Old Testament (2 Peter 3:15-16).

This apostolic authority undergirds Protestant sola Scriptura—Scripture alone is the final authority. The Roman Catholic addition of tradition as equal authority and charismatic claims of new revelation both challenged apostolic finality. John's test remains valid—teaching aligned with apostolic doctrine (Scripture) manifests the spirit of truth; teaching contradicting Scripture manifests the spirit of error. Reception of apostolic teaching indicates regeneration; rejection indicates spiritual deadness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you determine whether teaching aligns with apostolic doctrine as preserved in Scripture?
  2. What does your reception or rejection of difficult biblical teaching reveal about your spiritual state?
  3. How should the principle that those who know God hear apostolic teaching affect your approach to biblical interpretation and authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
ἡμεῖς1 of 32

“We”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἐκ2 of 32

“Hereby”

G1537

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

τοῦ3 of 32
G3588

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

Θεοῦ,4 of 32

“God”

G2316

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

ἐσμεν·5 of 32

“are”

G2070

we are

ὁ6 of 32
G3588

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

γινώσκομεν7 of 32

“he that knoweth”

G1097

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

τὸν8 of 32
G3588

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

Θεοῦ,9 of 32

“God”

G2316

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

ἀκούει10 of 32

“heareth”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἡμῶν11 of 32

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

ὃς12 of 32

“he that”

G3739

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

οὐκ13 of 32

“not”

G3756

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

ἔστιν14 of 32

“is”

G2076

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

ἐκ15 of 32

“Hereby”

G1537

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

τοῦ16 of 32
G3588

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

Θεοῦ,17 of 32

“God”

G2316

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

οὐκ18 of 32

“not”

G3756

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

ἀκούει19 of 32

“heareth”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἡμῶν20 of 32

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐκ21 of 32

“Hereby”

G1537

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

τούτου22 of 32
G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

γινώσκομεν23 of 32

“he that knoweth”

G1097

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

τὸ24 of 32
G3588

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

πνεῦμα25 of 32

“the 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

τῆς26 of 32
G3588

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

ἀληθείας27 of 32

“of truth”

G225

truth

καὶ28 of 32

“and”

G2532

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

τὸ29 of 32
G3588

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

πνεῦμα30 of 32

“the 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

τῆς31 of 32
G3588

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

πλάνης32 of 32

“of error”

G4106

objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 14:17John 10:271 Corinthians 2:12-14John 15:26John 8:45-501 John 4:1

Test Your Knowledge

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