We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

1 JOHN 5:18KJV
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1 John 5:18 (KJV)

What does 1 John 5:18 mean?

1 John 5:18 says that anyone who is born of God does not continue in sin, but instead, the one born of God guards himself, and the evil one cannot touch him. This verse emphasizes a changed way of living for those who belong to God and a kind of spiritual protection from evil.

The apostle John is writing to early Christian believers, reassuring them about the difference between those who truly belong to God and those who do not. The verse highlights the idea that being "born of God" leads to a new pattern of life, where ongoing sin is not the norm, and where God’s people are kept safe from the power of the evil one.

The Greek behind 1 John 5:18

  • "γεννάω" (gennaō, G1080) — This word is used for both "born" and "begotten" in the verse. It means to be brought into life or fathered, pointing to a new spiritual birth that changes a person’s relationship to sin.
  • "ἁμαρτάνω" (hamartanō, G264) — Translated "sinneth," this word means to commit sin. The Greek grammar here often suggests a continuous or habitual action, so the verse is likely saying that those born of God do not keep on sinning as a way of life.
  • "τηρέω" (tēreō, G5083) — Translated "keepeth," this word means to guard or protect. It shows an active role in watching over oneself, not just a passive state.
  • "ἅπτω" (haptō, G680) — Translated "toucheth," this word means to lay hold of or grasp. In this context, it suggests that the evil one cannot gain a controlling hold on the one who is born of God.

Why 1 John 5:18 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that Christians never sin at all; instead, it points to a new direction in life where ongoing, willful sin is no longer characteristic.
  • The verse emphasizes that being "born of God" is not just a label but a real change that results in a new way of living and a kind of spiritual safeguarding.
  • 1 John 5:18 connects to the wider message of 1 John, which reassures believers about their identity in God and the reality of spiritual opposition, while also stressing God’s power to protect those who are His.

Where else these words appear

“toucheth” Greek G680 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
  • Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

“sinneth” Greek G264 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
  • 1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

“born” Greek G1080 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Acts 7:20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

“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.