King James Version

What Does 1 John 5:19 Mean?

1 John 5:19 in the King James Version says “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

1 John 5:19 · KJV

Context

17

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

18

We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

19

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

21

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. John contrasts believers with the world. "And we know that we are of God" (kai oidamen hoti ek tou theou esmen)—certain knowledge expressed with oida. "We are of God" means belonging to God, born of Him, sharing His family. This isn't arrogant presumption but humble assurance based on the evidences John has provided throughout the epistle: faith in Christ, righteous living, love for believers, Spirit's witness. Christians can and should know with certainty their relationship to God.

"And the whole world lieth in wickedness" (kai ho kosmos holos en tō ponērō keitai). Kosmos is the world system opposed to God. "Lieth in" (keitai) suggests resting in or lying in, indicating settled position, not temporary state. Ponēros can mean wickedness (abstract) or the wicked one (personal—Satan). Both senses apply: the world lies in wickedness and lies in the wicked one's power. The present tense indicates ongoing condition—until Christ returns, the world remains under Satan's temporary dominion (2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:2) and characterized by wickedness.

This stark contrast—believers are of God; the world lies in wickedness—explains the conflict between Christians and culture. We shouldn't expect worldly approval or assume cultural Christianity represents genuine faith. The world's values, priorities, and thinking oppose God. Believers must resist worldly conformity (Romans 12:2) while engaging the world evangelistically. This also provides perspective on persecution—those lying in wickedness naturally oppose those who are of God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish apocalyptic literature divided humanity between children of light and children of darkness (Dead Sea Scrolls). Jesus taught about two kingdoms—His and Satan's (Matthew 12:25-26). Paul described Satan as this world's god (2 Corinthians 4:4). Early Christians understood they were aliens and pilgrims in a world opposed to God (1 Peter 2:11), expecting persecution from the world while shining as lights in darkness (Philippians 2:15).

Christendom's later development (when Christianity became culturally dominant in Europe) sometimes obscured this distinction, assuming Western culture equaled Christian civilization. However, biblical Christianity maintains clear distinction between church and world, believers and unbelievers, those of God and those lying in wickedness. Cultural Christianity without regeneration is false Christianity. The distinction remains binary—people are either of God or lying in wickedness, with no middle category.

Reflection Questions

  1. What evidence gives you certain knowledge that you 'are of God' rather than lying in wickedness with the world?
  2. How should understanding that the whole world lies in wickedness affect your expectations regarding cultural acceptance of Christian values?
  3. In what ways are you tempted to compromise with the world's wickedness, and how does this verse call you to distinctive Christian living?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οἴδαμεν1 of 14

“And we know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι2 of 14

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκ3 of 14

“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

τοῦ4 of 14
G3588

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

Θεοῦ5 of 14

“God”

G2316

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

ἐσμεν,6 of 14

“we are”

G2070

we are

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ8 of 14
G3588

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

κόσμος9 of 14

“world”

G2889

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

ὅλος10 of 14

“the whole”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

ἐν11 of 14

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ12 of 14
G3588

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

πονηρῷ13 of 14

“wickedness”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

κεῖται14 of 14

“lieth”

G2749

to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)

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 5:19 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 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4:41 John 4:4-6Ephesians 2:2Galatians 1:4John 12:31Revelation 12:9

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