1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
Original Language Analysis
Οἴδαμεν
We know
G1492
Οἴδαμεν
We know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεννηθεὶς
he that is begotten
G1080
γεννηθεὶς
he that is begotten
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
5 of 24
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 24
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 #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ
God
G2316
Θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἁμαρτάνει
sinneth
G264
ἁμαρτάνει
sinneth
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
10 of 24
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεννηθεὶς
he that is begotten
G1080
γεννηθεὶς
he that is begotten
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
13 of 24
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 24
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 #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ
God
G2316
Θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τηρεῖ
keepeth
G5083
τηρεῖ
keepeth
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
17 of 24
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
ἐαυτὸν,
himself
G1438
ἐαυτὸν,
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
18 of 24
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πονηρὸς
that wicked one
G4190
πονηρὸς
that wicked one
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
21 of 24
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
Cross References
1 John 3:9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.1 John 5:4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.1 John 5:1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.Jude 1:21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.1 John 3:3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,James 1:27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.1 John 2:29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.1 Peter 1:23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.Psalms 119:101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
Historical Context
The doctrine of perseverance of the saints (Reformed theology) or eternal security teaches that those genuinely born of God cannot lose salvation. This doesn't mean Christians cannot sin but that habitual, final apostasy is impossible for the regenerate. God who began the good work completes it (Philippians 1:6). Those who ultimately abandon faith demonstrate they were never truly born of God (1 John 2:19).
This contrasts with Arminian theology teaching that genuine believers can lose salvation through sin or unbelief. John's teaching that those born of God don't practice sin and are kept from Satan's harm supports the Reformed view. However, this doesn't license presumption—those who presume on grace while living in sin show they were never regenerated. The doctrine provides assurance to struggling believers while warning false professors.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse provide assurance that your salvation is secure despite ongoing struggles with sin?
- What does it mean to 'keep yourself' in the context of being born of God—how do human responsibility and divine preservation relate?
- How should knowing that Satan 'touches not' those born of God affect your response to spiritual warfare and temptation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. John returns to earlier themes with assuring conclusion. "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not" (oidamen hoti pas ho gegennēmenos ek tou theou ouch hamartanei)—this restates 3:9. The perfect participle emphasizes completed regeneration's continuing state. The present tense "sinneth not" indicates that the born-again believer doesn't practice sin as a lifestyle. This doesn't claim sinless perfection (contradicting 1:8) but that habitual, willing sin is incompatible with regeneration.
"But he that is begotten of God keepeth himself" (all' ho gennētheis ek tou theou tērei auton). The aorist participle emphasizes the point of birth. Tēreō means to keep, guard, protect. Some manuscripts read "He (Christ) keeps him" rather than "he keeps himself." Both are true—believers guard themselves through vigilance and discipline, and Christ guards them by His power. Self-keeping isn't independent of grace but Spirit-enabled faithfulness. We work out salvation that God works in us (Philippians 2:12-13).
"And that wicked one toucheth him not" (kai ho ponēros ouch haptetai autou). Ponēros (the evil one) is Satan. Haptomai means to touch, grasp, or harm. Satan cannot ultimately harm the regenerate believer kept by God's power. He may tempt, accuse, and attack, but he cannot snatch believers from God's hand (John 10:28-29). This provides assurance—those born of God are protected from Satan's destroying power, securing their eternal salvation despite ongoing spiritual warfare.