1 John 4:2 cpdv — The Spirit of God may be known in this way. Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh is of…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"The Spirit of God may be known in this way. Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh is of God;"

— 1 John 4:2, Catholic Public Domain Version

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1 John 4:2 in Other Translations

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1 John 4 — Context

1

Most beloved, do not be willing to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2

The Spirit of God may be known in this way. Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh is of God;

3

and every spirit who contradicts Jesus is not of God. And this one is the Antichrist, the one that you have heard is coming, and even now he is in the world.

4

Little sons, you are of God, and so you have overcome him. For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

5

They are of the world. Therefore, they speak about the world, and the world listens to them.

1 John 4:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 John 4:2 say?
1 John 4:2 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “The Spirit of God may be known in this way. Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh is of God;”
Where is 1 John 4:2 in the Bible?
1 John 4:2 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 John, chapter 4, verse 2.
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 4:2.
What translation should I read 1 John 4:2 in?
1 John 4:2 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 4:2?
1 John 4:2 reads (CPDV): “The Spirit of God may be known in this way. Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh is of God;” 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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