1 John 3:2 kjv

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

1 John 3:2 nkjv

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

1 John 3:2 niv

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

1 John 3:2 esv

Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

1 John 3:2 nlt

Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.

1 John 3 verses

1 John 3 2 Meaning

1 John 3:2 reveals the present status and future destiny of believers. Currently, we are unequivocally identified as "children of God," a truth established by divine love and adoption. However, our ultimate glorious state has not yet been fully disclosed or manifested. The verse then declares a certainty: upon the future appearing of Christ, believers will undergo a complete transformation, becoming "like Him." This future conformity to Christ's likeness is intrinsically linked to the direct, unmediated vision of Him "as He is," suggesting a profound and transforming encounter.

1 John 3 2 Context

1 John 3 begins by emphasizing the immense, undeserved love of God the Father, by which believers are not merely called but are "children of God" (1 Jn 3:1). This opening verse grounds the believer's identity in divine adoption and the reality of this present relationship. Verse 2 extends this profound truth into the eschatological future, articulating the glorious, albeit presently undefined, destiny awaiting these children of God. It directly follows the declaration of present sonship and precedes the call to present purity, motivated by this future hope (1 Jn 3:3). The chapter as a whole contrasts those who practice righteousness as a mark of their divine birth with those who practice sin, showing the distinguishing characteristics of true children of God versus children of the devil. Historically, this epistle may have been addressing nascent Gnostic tendencies that denied the material world or the full humanity of Christ, which could subtly impact the understanding of future bodily transformation. John reinforces that our physical and spiritual identity is tied to the incarnate Christ and our ultimate transformation will involve both aspects.

1 John 3 2 Word analysis

• Beloved (Greek: ἀγαπητοί, agapētoi): A term of endearment used frequently by John, underscoring the loving relationship between the author and his readers, as well as between God and believers. It sets a tone of affectionate assurance.
• now (Greek: νῦν, nyn): Emphasizes the immediate, present reality. It highlights that the status of "children of God" is not merely a future hope but a current truth, in contrast to the future manifestation of what they will be.
• are we children of God (Greek: τέκνα θεοῦ ἐσμεν, tekna theou esmen): A foundational statement of identity. "Children" (tekna) implies biological connection or shared nature, emphasizing a deep, intimate, and secure relationship established by God's will, not merely adopted outsiders. It denotes a real family relationship with God.
• and it has not yet appeared (Greek: καὶ οὔπω ἐφανερώθη, kai oupō ephanerōthē): Signifies that our full, future glorious state, though certain, is presently undisclosed, hidden, or unmanifested to human understanding or sight. It's not that nothing is known, but that its full expression or glory is awaited.
• what we will be (Greek: τί ἐσόμεθα, ti esometha): Refers to the specific nature and extent of the believer's future glory, transformation, and physical/spiritual state at Christ's coming. Its exact form is a divine mystery.
• We know that (Greek: οἴδαμεν ὅτι, oidamen hoti): Introduces a definite and certain truth, something known through divine revelation and conviction, not mere speculation.
• when He appears (Greek: ἐὰν φανερωθῇ ἐκεῖνος, ean phanerōthē ekeinos): Points to the Parousia, the second coming of Jesus Christ. "He" refers unambiguously to Christ, whose appearing will mark the culmination of salvation history. The verb phaneroō (to appear/be manifested) connects to "it has not yet appeared" for us, but it will appear for Him.
• we will be like Him (Greek: ὅμοιοι αὐτῷ ἐσόμεθα, homoioi autō esometha): The profound outcome of Christ's appearing. "Like Him" (homoios) denotes a profound conformity to Christ's very nature and image, specifically in glory and purity, mirroring His resurrection body and divine character, though still distinct as creatures. It is a transformation of nature and form, not equality in divinity.
• because (Greek: ὅτι, hoti): Introduces the reason or ground for this likeness. The seeing is the means by which the likeness is accomplished.
• we will see Him as He is (Greek: ὀψόμεθα αὐτὸν καθώς ἐστιν, opsometha auton kathōs estin): The transforming cause of our likeness. This seeing is not merely intellectual or conceptual but a direct, unmediated, and comprehensive vision of Christ's true being, unveiled and without impediment. Such a profound encounter will have an inherently transforming effect on the beholder.

Words-Group Analysis

• Beloved, now are we children of God: This phrase encapsulates both the tender, intimate relationship believers have with God currently and their divine status as His very own. It anchors identity in the present reality of adoption and love, not just a future promise.
• and it has not yet appeared what we will be: Highlights the present mystery surrounding the exact glorious form and extent of the believer's future state. While our current identity is clear, our ultimate glorification remains largely hidden from our understanding, creating an element of anticipation.
• We know that when He appears, we will be like Him: A rock-solid certainty about the future. The pivotal event is Christ's Parousia, and the guaranteed outcome is complete conformity to His nature and glory. This "knowing" provides hope and shapes the believer's outlook.
• because we will see Him as He is: This explains the mechanism of transformation. The direct, unmediated, and full vision of Christ's true, unveiled glory and character will have such a powerful, sanctifying effect that it will cause the beholder to be transformed into His likeness. It suggests a transformative encounter where knowledge and vision merge into likeness.

1 John 3 2 Bonus section

• The phaseroō (appearing/manifesting) language used for Christ's return connects beautifully with His first advent, where God "was manifested in the flesh" (1 Tim 3:16). Just as He appeared in humility then, He will appear in glory for us.
• The phrase "children of God" (τέκνα θεοῦ, tekna theou) denotes not just adopted status but a genuine spiritual birthright, highlighting an ontological connection to God, implying a shared nature that is developed and perfected.
• The "seeing Him as He is" is crucial to understanding the mechanics of glorification. It's not a mere observation but an experiential and transforming encounter, a concept also present in Paul's theology of glorification "from one degree of glory to another" as we behold the Lord's glory (2 Cor 3:18). This "seeing" completes and perfects the work of regeneration begun in the believer.

1 John 3 2 Commentary

1 John 3:2 is a profound statement on Christian eschatology and identity. It declares a present reality: "now we are children of God." This identity is not aspirational but factual, established by God's loving initiative (1 Jn 3:1). Yet, the full expression of what this means, our glorified state, "has not yet appeared." This acknowledged mystery provides space for both wonder and humble submission to God's undisclosed plan.

The certainty comes with the revelation of Christ: "when He appears, we will be like Him." This phrase underscores the telos, the ultimate purpose of our salvation and sanctification—to be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29). This likeness to Christ refers to a glorious transformation, affecting both body (Phil 3:21) and character, manifesting perfect righteousness and purity. It is not an equality in deity but a profound spiritual and physical glorification, a perfected participation in His image.

The basis for this transformation is found in the final clause: "because we will see Him as He is." This implies more than mere visual recognition; it signifies an immediate, unhindered, and complete comprehension and encounter with Christ in His full, unveiled glory and being. Such an overwhelming, unmediated vision is inherently transforming, purifying, and perfecting. It is the fulfillment of seeing God face-to-face (1 Cor 13:12), bringing about the ultimate saturation in His perfect essence and reflection of His character. This hope, far from encouraging passivity, fuels a proactive pursuit of holiness (1 Jn 3:3), knowing that our future perfection hinges on our communion with Him.