1 John 5 19

1 John 5:19 kjv

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

1 John 5:19 nkjv

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

1 John 5:19 niv

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

1 John 5:19 esv

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

1 John 5:19 nlt

We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.

1 John 5 verses

1 John 5 19 Meaning

This verse conveys a profound spiritual truth: believers are distinctly separated from the fallen world and originate from God through spiritual birth, whereas the entirety of the unbelieving world remains under the pervasive influence and dominion of evil, often understood as the Evil One or Satan. It draws a clear and stark dichotomy between those who are "of God" and "the world" caught in moral and spiritual corruption.

1 John 5 19 Context

First John chapter 5 is built on themes of assurance and triumph through faith. It affirms that belief in Jesus as the Christ leads to being "born of God" (v. 1) and empowers believers to "overcome the world" (v. 4) through their faith. The chapter then discusses God's testimony about His Son and the eternal life found in Him (vv. 6-12), leading into three key "we know" statements that solidify Christian confidence (vv. 18-20).

Verse 19 is the second of these "we know" statements. It directly follows the assurance that those "born of God" do not habitually sin and are guarded from the Evil One (v. 18). Building on this personal protection, verse 19 broadens the scope to the fundamental dichotomy between the regenerated believer's source (God) and the unbelieving world's prevailing condition (under evil). Historically and culturally, this affirmed the nascent Christian community's distinct identity amidst a pagan Roman world rife with idolatry, immorality, and various spiritualistic beliefs, some of which downplayed the reality of sin or the evil influence in the world. John implicitly contrasts the truth revealed in Christ with these prevalent worldviews.

1 John 5 19 Word analysis

• We know (οἴδαμεν, oidamen): This Greek verb indicates a complete, intuitive, and certain knowledge, not mere conjecture or opinion. It implies a divinely imparted understanding, a spiritual certainty experienced by true believers. This "we know" serves as a foundational pillar of Christian assurance within 1 John, forming a trilogy of similar affirmations (1 Jn 5:18, 19, 20) that underpin the epistle's message.
• that we are of God (ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐσμέν, hoti ek tou Theou esmen):
  • of God (ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ek tou Theou): The preposition ek (from, out of) denotes origin or source. It refers to a spiritual birth, a new creation by God (cf. Jn 1:13), making believers truly belong to God by nature and not merely by affiliation. This phrase fundamentally defines the identity and spiritual DNA of those who trust in Christ.
  • we are (ἐσμέν, esmen): A strong statement of being, emphasizing a settled reality.
• and (καὶ, kai): Serves as a strong connective, introducing a contrasting truth that complements the first. It highlights the vast, dualistic separation.
• the whole world (ὁ κόσμος ὅλος, ho kosmos holos):
  • the world (ὁ κόσμος, ho kosmos): In Johannine theology, "world" often refers not to God's physical creation or humanity as individuals God loves (Jn 3:16), but to the organized system of human society in rebellion against God, alienated from divine truth and ethics. It embodies sinful human culture, values, and institutions opposed to Christ.
  • whole (ὅλος, holos): Emphasizes the universal scope of this spiritual condition. It is a pervasive reality, not merely a segment of society.
• lies (κεῖται, keitai): This verb suggests a passive state, a permanent position or condition. The world is prostrate, laid out, or situated in wickedness, indicating a fixed state of subjugation rather than a temporary struggle. It is inherently embedded or submerged in it.
• in wickedness (ἐν τῷ πονηρῷ, en tō ponērō):
  • in (ἐν, en): Signifies pervading presence, control, and inherent state. The world is not just affected by evil, but deeply immersed or existing within its dominion.
  • wickedness (τῷ πονηρῷ, tō ponērō): This Greek term can be neuter ("evil" or "evil system") or masculine ("the Evil One," i.e., Satan). Given John's frequent portrayal of the devil as a powerful opposing force (Jn 8:44; 1 Jn 3:8, 10; 5:18), and the personalistic context of 1 Jn 5:18 ("the evil one does not touch him"), scholarly consensus overwhelmingly favors the masculine interpretation. Thus, the whole world lies under the direct power, control, and influence of the Evil One, Satan. This highlights the reality of a spiritual enemy.

1 John 5 19 Bonus section

• The "We Know" Trilogy: 1 John 5:19 forms the central part of three key "we know" statements (vv. 18, 19, 20) that define the reality of the believer's life and contrast it with the world.
  • v. 18: We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. (Focus on protection from habitual sin and the Evil One's grip.)
  • v. 19: We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness. (Focus on identity and the world's spiritual state.)
  • v. 20: And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (Focus on knowing Christ as the source of truth and eternal life.)Together, these verses build a comprehensive picture of Christian assurance based on a true relationship with God and understanding of spiritual realities.
• Implications for Christian Life: This verse, by painting a clear spiritual picture, informs a believer's approach to the world. It compels Christians to recognize the ongoing spiritual battle and to rely on God for strength. It underscores the importance of a clear Christian worldview and ethical conduct that diverges from worldly norms. While the world is under evil influence, it is also the mission field to which Christ sends His followers, urging compassion for those lost in spiritual darkness, not condemnation.

1 John 5 19 Commentary

1 John 5:19 provides an unequivocal statement of spiritual reality: true believers have a divine origin, being born "of God," while the vast unbelieving world is tragically situated "in" and under the complete sway of "the Evil One." This verse firmly establishes the essential spiritual antithesis between the redeemed and the unredeemed. It underscores that Christians are distinct; their source is heavenly, conferring a new nature and a protected status, as highlighted in the preceding verse. In stark contrast, the unbelieving world, in its totality, is presented as being prostrate, under the dominion of Satan, who blinds minds and fosters deception. This doesn't mean that individuals in the world are inherently evil in their nature, but rather that the dominant system and spiritual atmosphere in which they live are influenced and controlled by a spiritual adversary. This truth is not intended to foster disdain for unbelievers, but to illuminate the desperate spiritual need of humanity outside of Christ and to emphasize the precious reality of redemption and belonging to God. It informs believers' understanding of spiritual warfare and their calling to be light in a world shrouded in darkness.