1 John 4:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκ
Hereby
G1537
ἐκ
Hereby
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
2 of 32
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ,
God
G2316
Θεοῦ,
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 32
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γινώσκομεν
he that knoweth
G1097
γινώσκομεν
he that knoweth
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
7 of 32
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ,
God
G2316
Θεοῦ,
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 32
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὃς
he that
G3739
ὃς
he that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 32
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐκ
Hereby
G1537
ἐκ
Hereby
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 32
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ,
God
G2316
Θεοῦ,
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 32
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐκ
Hereby
G1537
ἐκ
Hereby
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
21 of 32
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
γινώσκομεν
he that knoweth
G1097
γινώσκομεν
he that knoweth
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
23 of 32
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
25 of 32
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
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
30 of 32
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
Cross References
John 14:17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.John 10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:John 15:26But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.1 Corinthians 14:37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.John 18:37Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.Micah 3:8But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.Isaiah 8:20To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.Isaiah 29:10For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you determine whether teaching aligns with apostolic doctrine as preserved in Scripture?
- What does your reception or rejection of difficult biblical teaching reveal about your spiritual state?
- How should the principle that those who know God hear apostolic teaching affect your approach to biblical interpretation and authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.