We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

1 JOHN 4:6KJV
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1 John 4:6 (KJV)

What does 1 John 4:6 mean?

1 John 4:6 says that those who truly know God will listen to the message the apostles share, while those who do not belong to God will not accept it. This is how people can tell the difference between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians, warning them about false teachers and helping them recognize genuine teaching. John draws a clear line: people’s response to the apostles’ message reveals whether they are guided by truth or by deception. This verse fits into a larger discussion about testing spiritual claims and discerning what comes from God.

The Greek behind 1 John 4:6

  • ἀκούει (akouei, "heareth"): This Greek word means more than just hearing sounds; it often carries the sense of listening with understanding or acceptance. John is saying that true knowledge of God shows itself in a willingness to accept apostolic teaching.
  • πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας (pneuma tēs alētheias, "spirit of truth") and πνεῦμα τῆς πλάνης (pneuma tēs planēs, "spirit of error"): These phrases point to two opposing influences—one that leads people into truth, and one that leads them astray. John uses these terms to help readers see that spiritual influences can be tested by their response to the apostolic message.
  • ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ (ek tou theou, "of God"): This phrase means "from God" or "belonging to God." John uses it to draw a sharp distinction between those who are genuinely connected to God and those who are not.

Why 1 John 4:6 matters

  • 1 John 4:6 clarifies that genuine spiritual discernment is tied to accepting the apostles’ teaching, not just any spiritual experience or claim.
  • This verse helps readers understand that not all spiritual voices are equal; some lead to truth, while others lead away from it.
  • In the context of 1 John, this verse gives a practical test for distinguishing true Christian teaching from falsehood, which was a pressing issue for the early church.

Where else these words appear

“error” Greek G4106 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
  • 2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

“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.

“Hereby” Greek G5127 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
  • John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
  • Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

“truth” Greek G225 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
  • 1 Timothy 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.