1 John 5:18

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Οἴδαμεν

G1492

We know

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

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πᾶς

G3956

whosoever

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ

G3588

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

γεννηθεὶς

G1080

he that is begotten

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

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

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)

οὐχ

G3756

not

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

#10

ἁμαρτάνει

G264

sinneth

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

#11

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#12

ὁ

G3588

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

#13

γεννηθεὶς

G1080

he that is begotten

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

#14

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

#15

τοῦ

G3588

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

#16

Θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

#17

τηρεῖ

G5083

keepeth

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

#18

ἐαυτὸν,

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#20

ὁ

G3588

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

#21

πονηρὸς

G4190

that wicked one

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

#22

οὐχ

G3756

not

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

#23

ἅπτεται

G680

toucheth

properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)

#24

αὐτοῦ

G846

him

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

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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