1 John 2:5

Authorized King James Version

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃς
whoso
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
δ'
But
but, and, etc
#3
ἂν
keepeth
whatsoever
#4
τηρῇ
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#5
αὐτῷ
him
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
#6
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
λόγον
word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#8
ἀληθῶς
verily
truly
#9
ἐν
hereby
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
τούτῳ
him
to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)
#11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀγάπη
G26
the love
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#13
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
Θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#15
τετελείωται
is
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
#16
ἐν
hereby
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
τούτῳ
him
to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)
#18
γινώσκομεν
know we
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#19
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#20
ἐν
hereby
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#21
αὐτῷ
him
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
#22
ἐσμεν
we are
we are

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 John.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics