1 John 5:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 John 5:19
19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
Chapter Context
1 John 5 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, grace, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 85-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Early Gnostic ideas threatened the understanding of Christ's incarnation and redemption.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 John 5:19
19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
Analysis
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. John contrasts believers with the world. "And we know that we are of God" (kai oidamen hoti ek tou theou esmen)—certain knowledge expressed with oida. "We are of God" means belonging to God, born of Him, sharing His family. This isn't arrogant presumption but humble assurance based on the evidences John has provided throughout the epistle: faith in Christ, righteous living, love for believers, Spirit's witness. Christians can and should know with certainty their relationship to God.
"And the whole world lieth in wickedness" (kai ho kosmos holos en tō ponērō keitai). Kosmos is the world system opposed to God. "Lieth in" (keitai) suggests resting in or lying in, indicating settled position, not temporary state. Ponēros can mean wickedness (abstract) or the wicked one (personal—Satan). Both senses apply: the world lies in wickedness and lies in the wicked one's power. The present tense indicates ongoing condition—until Christ returns, the world remains under Satan's temporary dominion (2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:2) and characterized by wickedness.
This stark contrast—believers are of God; the world lies in wickedness—explains the conflict between Christians and culture. We shouldn't expect worldly approval or assume cultural Christianity represents genuine faith. The world's values, priorities, and thinking oppose God. Believers must resist worldly conformity (Romans 12:2) while engaging the world evangelistically. This also provides perspective on persecution—those lying in wickedness naturally oppose those who are of God.
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic literature divided humanity between children of light and children of darkness (Dead Sea Scrolls). Jesus taught about two kingdoms—His and Satan's (Matthew 12:25-26). Paul described Satan as this world's god (2 Corinthians 4:4). Early Christians understood they were aliens and pilgrims in a world opposed to God (1 Peter 2:11), expecting persecution from the world while shining as lights in darkness (Philippians 2:15).
Christendom's later development (when Christianity became culturally dominant in Europe) sometimes obscured this distinction, assuming Western culture equaled Christian civilization. However, biblical Christianity maintains clear distinction between church and world, believers and unbelievers, those of God and those lying in wickedness. Cultural Christianity without regeneration is false Christianity. The distinction remains binary—people are either of God or lying in wickedness, with no middle category.
Reflection
- What evidence gives you certain knowledge that you 'are of God' rather than lying in wickedness with the world?
- How should understanding that the whole world lies in wickedness affect your expectations regarding cultural acceptance of Christian values?
- In what ways are you tempted to compromise with the world's wickedness, and how does this verse call you to distinctive Christian living?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: 1 John 5:13, 5:20, 2 Corinthians 4:4, James 4:4
- Evil: Galatians 1:4, Revelation 12:9
- Parallel theme: John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11, Ephesians 2:2