And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

1 JOHN 4:3KJV
Know the Bible

1 John 4:3 (KJV)

What does 1 John 4:3 mean?

1 John 4:3 says that anyone who does not openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come as a real human being is not from God; instead, this attitude or spirit is what the Bible calls "antichrist," which John warns is already present in the world. The verse draws a clear line between those who truly belong to God and those who oppose or deny a central truth about Jesus.

John, writing to early Christian communities, is addressing confusion and false teachings about who Jesus really is. Some people were claiming that Jesus was not truly human, and John insists that denying Jesus came "in the flesh" is a serious error. He warns his readers that this kind of denial is not just a mistake, but actually reflects the spirit of "antichrist"—a term he uses for anyone or anything that stands against Christ.

The Greek behind 1 John 4:3

  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "spirit"): This word refers to an attitude, influence, or spiritual force, not just a ghost or being. Here, John uses it to mean the inner source or motivation behind a person's teaching about Jesus.
  • ὁμολογέω (homologeō, "confesseth"): This Greek word means to openly declare or acknowledge. John is not talking about private belief, but about a public, clear statement that Jesus Christ came as a real person.
  • ἐν σαρκί (en sarki, "in the flesh"): This phrase means "in a physical body" or "as a human being." John is emphasizing that Jesus was not just a spirit or idea, but truly became human.
  • ἀντίχριστος (antichristos, "antichrist"): This term means "against Christ" or "opponent of Christ." John uses it for anyone or any teaching that denies the true identity of Jesus.

Why 1 John 4:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that belief in the real, physical coming of Jesus is a non-negotiable part of Christian faith, countering early teachings that tried to separate Jesus' divinity from his humanity.
  • John is warning his readers to be alert for teachings or influences—even within their own communities—that undermine or deny who Jesus truly is.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in 1 John about testing what people say about Jesus, encouraging believers to be discerning and not accept every claim or teaching without careful thought.

Where else these words appear

“antichrist” Greek G500 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
  • 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.
  • 2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

“confesseth” Greek G3670 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
  • Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

“already” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
  • John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

“flesh” Greek G4561 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  • Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
  • Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.