But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

1 JOHN 2:5KJV
Know the Bible

1 John 2:5 (KJV)

What does 1 John 2:5 mean?

1 John 2:5 says that if someone keeps God’s word, then God’s love is truly made complete in that person, and this is how we can know that we belong to Him. The verse points to obedience as the sign that God’s love has reached its goal in someone’s life.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians, encouraging them to recognize genuine faith. The verse connects obeying God’s teachings with experiencing the fullness of God’s love. John is not just talking about knowing the right things, but about living them out—showing that real relationship with God is seen in action, not just words.

The Greek behind 1 John 2:5

  • The word “keepeth” (τηρέω, tēreō) means to guard, observe, or pay careful attention to. This suggests more than just following rules—it’s about holding onto God’s word as something precious.
  • “Perfected” (τελειόω, teleioō) means brought to completion or maturity. God’s love isn’t just present, but has reached its intended purpose when someone lives out His word.
  • “Hereby” (ἐν τούτῳ, en toutō) literally means “in this,” pointing to the evidence or proof—obedience is the clear sign that a person is truly in God.

Why 1 John 2:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that love for God is not just a feeling or a claim, but is shown by a life shaped by His word.
  • It emphasizes that assurance of being “in Him” comes from seeing God’s love completed in practical obedience, not just from belief or knowledge.
  • The verse ties together the themes of love, obedience, and assurance that run throughout 1 John, showing that they are deeply connected in the Christian life.

Where else these words appear

“verily” Greek G230 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
  • Luke 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
  • John 7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

“is” Greek G5048 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
  • Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
  • Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

“are” Greek G2070 · used in 51 verses

  • Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
  • Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
  • Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

“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.