1 John 4:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

πᾶν

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

πνεῦμα

G4151

spirit

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

ὃ

G3739

that

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

μὴ

G3361

not

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

ὁμολογεῖ

G3670

confesseth

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

τὸν

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν

G2424

that Jesus

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

Χριστὸν

G5547

Christ

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

#10

ἐν

G1722

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

#11

σαρκὶ

G4561

the flesh

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

#12

ἔρχεται

G2064

is come

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

#13

ἐκ

G1537

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

#14

τοῦ

G3588

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

#15

Θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

#16

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#17

ἐστὶν

G2076

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

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#19

τοῦτό

G5124

this

that thing

#20

ἐστὶν

G2076

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

#21

τὸ

G3588

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

#22

τοῦ

G3588

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

#23

ἀντιχρίστου

G500

that spirit of antichrist

an opponent of the messiah

#24

ὃ

G3739

that

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

#25

ἀκηκόατε

G191

ye have heard

to hear (in various senses)

#26

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#27

ἔρχεται

G2064

is come

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

#28

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#29

νῦν

G3568

now

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

#30

ἐν

G1722

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

#31

τῷ

G3588

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

#32

κόσμῳ

G2889

the world

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

#33

ἐστὶν

G2076

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

#34

ἤδη

G2235

already

even now

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Love