I John 2:4
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If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
I know--Greek, "I have knowledge of (perfect) Him." Compare with this verse Jo1 1:8.
Open source ↗Here the apostle encourages against sins of infirmity (Jo1 2:1, Jo1 2:2), shows the true knowledge and love of God (Jo1 2:3-6), renews the precept of fraternal love (Jo1 2:7-11), addresses the several ages of Christians (Jo1 2:12-14), warns against worldly love (Jo1 2:15-17), against seducers (Jo1 2:18, Jo1 2:19), shows the security of true Christians (Jo1 2:20-27), and advises to abide in Christ (Jo1 2:28, Jo1 2:29).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness.
If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.