1 John 2:4 kjv

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 2:4 nkjv

He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 2:4 niv

Whoever says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.

1 John 2:4 esv

Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,

1 John 2:4 nlt

If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.

1 John 2 verses

1 John 2 4 Meaning

This verse declares that a person's verbal claim of "knowing God" is entirely false if that individual does not keep God's commandments. It posits that a habitual lack of obedience is evidence of a deceptive nature, directly contradicting their asserted spiritual knowledge, thereby revealing that the truth of God does not genuinely reside within them. John emphasizes that true fellowship with God is inextricably linked to righteous conduct.

1 John 2 4 Context

This verse functions as a critical ethical test within 1 John's broader purpose of distinguishing true believers from false teachers. Immediately following 1 John 2:3, which states that we know we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments, verse 4 presents the stark antithesis: claiming knowledge of God while neglecting His commands reveals a deceptive heart. John repeatedly uses such contrasts throughout the epistle (light/darkness, truth/lie, love/hate, children of God/children of the devil) to help his readers discern genuine fellowship with God.

Historically, John likely addressed nascent forms of Gnosticism or similar heresies prevalent in Asia Minor during the late first century. These false teachings often elevated special "knowledge" (gnosis) or spiritual experiences above practical ethical conduct. Such teachers might have claimed unique insight into God's nature while living in ways that contradicted Christian morality, even denying the reality of Christ's physical incarnation. John counters this directly by linking genuine knowledge of God to obedience to His revealed commands, particularly the commandment to love God and one another (1 Jn 2:7-8). This verse firmly anchors Christian knowledge and profession in a life of righteous action, exposing spiritual claims divorced from ethical living as lies.

1 John 2 4 Word analysis

• He that saith: This phrase indicates someone who makes an overt declaration or claim. It points to a verbal profession that is external, highlighting the potential for mere lip service without genuine internal conviction or action.
• I know him: (Greek: oida autou - οἶδα αὐτόν). The verb oida denotes a complete, settled, or acquired knowledge. It implies a firm understanding or intimate acquaintance. Here, it signifies a strong claim of having an established, personal relationship with God. This form of "knowing" can also encompass an intellectual understanding or perception.
• And keepeth not: (Greek: kai tas entolas autou ou tērei - καὶ τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ οὐ τηρεῖ). The negative ou indicates an absolute and factual negation, not merely a hypothetical one. The verb tērei means to guard, observe, preserve, or hold fast to. Therefore, "keepeth not" implies a habitual or characteristic failure to observe, maintain, or abide by the commandments. It suggests a lifestyle of disobedience, not just isolated lapses.
• His commandments: (Greek: tas entolas autou - τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ). These refer to God's divine instructions and precepts given to His people. In John's writings, these encompass Christ's teachings, particularly the new commandment of love (John 13:34; 1 John 2:7-8), and the call to abide in Him and believe in His name. It's the whole body of ethical and spiritual requirements for those in fellowship with God.
• Is a liar: (Greek: pseustēs estin - ψεύστης ἐστίν). This is a stark and severe judgment. A pseustēs is fundamentally a deceiver or one who speaks falsehoods, and here, it applies to their character. John asserts that the person's very being and profession are fundamentally untruthful because their life contradicts their claim.
• And the truth is not in him: (Greek: kai hē alētheia ouk estin en autō - καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν αὐτῷ). Alētheia means "truth," encompassing reality, veracity, divine authenticity, and often referring to the very person of Jesus Christ as the embodiment of truth (John 14:6). The phrase signifies a total absence of spiritual authenticity and reality concerning God within this individual. Their claim is devoid of God's character and revelation.

• He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments: This whole phrase precisely articulates a fundamental spiritual hypocrisy. It sharply contrasts a verbal assertion of intimate spiritual relationship ("I know Him") with a life demonstrating consistent disregard for divine mandates ("keepeth not His commandments"). It speaks to the disconnect between profession and practice.
• Is a liar, and the truth is not in him: These two declarative statements powerfully underscore the gravity of the spiritual condition described. To be called a "liar" is to be defined by deceit, revealing the falsity of the profession itself. The follow-up, "the truth is not in him," further elucidates this by showing that not only is the statement false, but the divine reality and genuineness ("truth") are fundamentally absent from the person's core being, thus indicating a lack of true saving relationship with God.

1 John 2 4 Bonus section

• John's theology in this epistle consistently emphasizes the inseparability of knowing God, walking in truth, and demonstrating love and obedience. This verse acts as a warning against theological claims that divorce doctrine from discipleship.
• The use of "liar" (Greek: pseustēs) is particularly strong and reflects the severe nature of spiritual falsehood that misrepresents God's character to others. It’s a term often reserved in John’s writings for opponents of the truth, even those associated with the devil, the "father of lies" (Jn 8:44).
• The contrast between inner "knowledge" and outward "keeping" (or lack thereof) implies that true spiritual transformation must manifest in ethical conduct, affirming that Christianity is not merely a set of intellectual propositions but a way of life.

1 John 2 4 Commentary

1 John 2:4 is a powerful and direct test of genuine Christian experience. John declares that mere verbal assertion of knowing God, even a deep intellectual acquaintance, is a deception if not accompanied by a life of obedience to His commands. The strength of John's language—labeling such a person a "liar"—reveals that this isn't about occasional failures, but about a pattern of life where professed knowledge of God consistently lacks the accompanying submission to His will. "His commandments" broadly refers to Christ's teachings, centrally including the commandment to love. Therefore, those who claim fellowship with God but habitually disregard the principles of God's Word or the command to love demonstrate a fundamental lack of truth within them; the very essence of God's reality and light is absent from their being. This verse firmly establishes that genuine spiritual knowledge and a relationship with God are validated not just by belief, but by a life that embodies that belief through active obedience.