1 John 5:20

Authorized King James Version

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

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

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ

G3588

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

υἱῷ

G5207

Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ

G3588

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

Θεός,

G2316

God

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

ἥκει

G2240

is come

to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

δέδωκεν

G1325

hath given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#11

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

#12

διάνοιαν

G1271

an understanding

deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise

#13

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#14

γινώσκωμεν

G1097

we may know

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

#15

τὸν

G3588

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

#16

ἀληθινὸς

G228

him that is true

truthful

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#18

ἐσμεν

G2070

we are

#19

ἐν

G1722

even in

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#20

τῷ

G3588

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

#21

ἀληθινὸς

G228

him that is true

truthful

#22

ἐν

G1722

even in

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#23

τῷ

G3588

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

#24

υἱῷ

G5207

Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#25

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

#26

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#27

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#28

οὗτός

G3778

This

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#29

ἐστιν

G2076

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

#30

ὁ

G3588

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

#31

ἀληθινὸς

G228

him that is true

truthful

#32

Θεός,

G2316

God

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

#33

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#34

ἡ

G3588

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

#35

ζωὴ

G2222

life

life (literally or figuratively)

#36

αἰώνιος.

G166

eternal

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

Analysis

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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