1 John 4:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὑμεῖς
Ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#2
ἐκ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#3
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
ἐστε
are
ye are
#6
τεκνία
little children
an infant, i.e., (plural figuratively) darlings (christian converts)
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
νενικήκατε
have overcome
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#9
αὐτούς·
them
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
#10
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#11
μείζων
greater
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
#12
ἐστὶν
is he that is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἐν
he that is in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
ὑμῖν
you
to (with or by) you
#16
than
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἐν
he that is in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
κόσμῳ
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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

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