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

1 JOHN 2:4KJV
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1 John 2:4 (KJV)

What does 1 John 2:4 mean?

1 John 2:4 says that anyone who claims to know God but does not keep His commandments is lying, and the truth is not in that person. The verse stresses that knowing God is shown by obeying what He commands, not just by saying we know Him.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians, warning them against self-deception and empty claims of faith. In this context, John draws a clear line between genuine relationship with God and mere words, emphasizing that real knowledge of God always results in a changed life that follows His ways.

The Greek behind 1 John 2:4

  • "know" (γινώσκω, ginōskō): This word often means more than just intellectual knowledge; it carries the sense of personal relationship or experience. John is talking about truly knowing God, not just knowing about Him.
  • "keepeth" (τηρέω, tēreō): This word means to guard, observe, or pay careful attention to. The idea is not just casual obedience but a careful, ongoing commitment to God's commandments.
  • "liar" (ψεύστης, pseustēs): John uses a strong word here, showing that claiming to know God without obedience is not just a small mistake but a serious falsehood.

Why 1 John 2:4 matters

  • 1 John 2:4 clears up the misunderstanding that belief or faith in God is only about what we say or think, rather than how we live.
  • This verse highlights John’s emphasis on the connection between faith and action, a theme that runs throughout his letter.
  • The verse helps set the tone for the rest of the passage, showing that John is deeply concerned with authentic faith that is visible in everyday choices and behavior.

Where else these words appear

“liar” Greek G5583 · used in 10 verses

  • John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • 1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
  • Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

“keepeth” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
  • 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

“him” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.