1 John 4:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἐκ

G1537

Hereby

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

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

Θεοῦ,

G2316

God

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

ἐσμεν·

G2070

are

we are

ὁ

G3588

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

γινώσκομεν

G1097

he that knoweth

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὸν

G3588

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

Θεοῦ,

G2316

God

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

#10

ἀκούει

G191

heareth

to hear (in various senses)

#11

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

#12

ὃς

G3739

he that

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

#13

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#14

ἔστιν

G2076

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

#15

ἐκ

G1537

Hereby

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

#16

τοῦ

G3588

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

#17

Θεοῦ,

G2316

God

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

#18

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#19

ἀκούει

G191

heareth

to hear (in various senses)

#20

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

#21

ἐκ

G1537

Hereby

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

#22

τούτου

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

#23

γινώσκομεν

G1097

he that knoweth

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

#24

τὸ

G3588

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

#25

πνεῦμα

G4151

the 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

#26

τῆς

G3588

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

#27

ἀληθείας

G225

of truth

truth

#28

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#29

τὸ

G3588

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

#30

πνεῦμα

G4151

the 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

#31

τῆς

G3588

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

#32

πλάνης

G4106

of error

objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety

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 truth 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 truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding truth in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 John chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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