1 John 2:4 web — One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him.

World English Bible

"One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him."

— 1 John 2:4, World English Bible

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1 John 2:4 in Other Translations

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1 John 2 — Context

1

My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.

2

And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

3

This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.

4

One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him.

5

But whoever keeps his word, God's love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him:

6

he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.

7

Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.

1 John 2:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 John 2:4 say?
1 John 2:4 in the World English Bible reads: “One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him.”
Where is 1 John 2:4 in the Bible?
1 John 2:4 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 John, chapter 2, verse 4.
Who wrote 1 John?
1 John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of 1 John about?
John writes to help believers know they have eternal life. Three tests run through the letter: do you walk in the light, love one another, and confess that Jesus is the Christ come in the flesh? Where these are present, assurance follows.
What are the major themes of 1 John?
1 John explores themes including Assurance, Love, Light, Truth vs. Error, Eternal Life. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 John 2:4.
What translation should I read 1 John 2:4 in?
1 John 2:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 John 2:4?
1 John 2:4 reads (WEB): “One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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