1 John 5:4

Authorized King James Version

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πᾶν

G3956

whatsoever

all, any, every, the whole

τὸ

G3588

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

γεγεννημένον

G1080

is born

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)

νικήσασα

G3528

overcometh

to subdue (literally or figuratively)

τὸν

G3588

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

#10

κόσμον

G2889

the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

αὕτη

G3778

this

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

#13

ἐστὶν

G2076

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

#14

ἡ

G3588

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

#15

νίκη

G3529

the victory

conquest (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) the means of success

#16

ἡ

G3588

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

#17

νικήσασα

G3528

overcometh

to subdue (literally or figuratively)

#18

τὸν

G3588

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

#19

κόσμον

G2889

the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

#20

ἡ

G3588

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

#21

πίστις

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#22

ἡμῶν

G2257

even our

of (or from) us

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of faith 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?

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