I John 4:5
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They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
of the world--They derive their spirit and teaching from the world, "unregenerate human nature, ruled over and possessed by Satan, the prince of this world" [ALFORD]. speak they of the word--They draw the matter of their conversation from the life, opinions, and feelings of the world. the world heareth them-- (Joh 15:18-19). The world loves its own.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle exhorts to try spirits (Jo1 4:1), gives a note to try by (Jo1 4:2, Jo1 4:3), shows who are of the world and who of God (Jo1 4:4-6), urges Christian love by divers considerations (Jo1 4:7-16), describes our love to God, and the effect of it (Jo1 4:17-21).
Open source ↗4:5 The world’s viewpoint is one of systematic evil, opposed to God (2:15-17).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
I have given them Your word and the world has hated them; for they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all.
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be just the preacher for this people!
As for the deeds of men— by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light.