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 3:2KJV
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1 John 3:2 (KJV)

What does 1 John 3:2 mean?

1 John 3:2 says that those who trust in God are already considered God’s children, but it is not yet fully clear what they will become in the future. The verse promises that when Jesus appears, believers will become like him, because they will see him as he truly is.

John, writing to fellow Christians, reassures them of their present identity as God’s children, even though their future transformation is still a mystery. The verse highlights both the certainty of belonging to God now and the hope of a future change when Jesus is revealed, emphasizing a close relationship and a future hope that is not yet fully understood.

The Greek behind 1 John 3:2

  • "sons" (τέκνα, tekna): This word is often translated "children" and emphasizes a family relationship, not just a formal status. It suggests closeness and belonging, not just legal adoption.
  • "appear" (φανερωθῇ, phanerōthē): This word means "to be revealed" or "to become visible." It shows that what believers will be is currently hidden or not obvious, but will one day be made clear.
  • "like" (ὅμοιοι, homoioi): This word means "similar" or "of the same kind." The verse promises a real transformation to be like Jesus, not just in appearance but in some deeper way.
  • "see" (ὀψόμεθα, opsometha): This word means "to see" or "to perceive." The verse connects truly seeing Jesus with being changed to be like him, hinting at a deep, personal encounter.

Why 1 John 3:2 matters

  • 1 John 3:2 clarifies that being God’s child is a present reality, not just a future hope, which can encourage readers who feel uncertain about their standing with God.
  • The verse highlights that the full extent of what believers will become is not yet known, which can help prevent speculation or dogmatism about the future.
  • This verse connects closely to the surrounding passage’s theme of hope and transformation, showing that the Christian life is both a present identity and a future promise.

Where else these words appear

“yet” Greek G3768 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • John 7:6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
  • John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

“doth” Greek G5319 · used in 43 verses

  • Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
  • 2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

“like” Greek G3664 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
  • Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

“we” 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.