By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

1 JOHN 5:2KJV
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1 John 5:2 (KJV)

What does 1 John 5:2 mean?

1 John 5:2 says that the way we know we truly love God’s children is by loving God and keeping His commandments. The verse connects love for other believers with our relationship to God and our obedience to what He asks.

The apostle John is writing to early Christian communities, reminding them that love for fellow believers is not just a feeling but is shown by living in a way that honors God. The verse points out that genuine love for others grows out of loving God and following His instructions, tying together love for people and faithfulness to God’s ways.

The Greek behind 1 John 5:2

  • "Love" (ἀγαπάω, agapaō): This word is used twice in the verse and refers to a self-giving, active kind of love, not just an emotion. It highlights that love for God and His children is shown through actions and choices.
  • "Keep" (τηρέω, tēreō): This word means to guard, observe, or pay careful attention to. In this context, it suggests that keeping God’s commandments involves watchfulness and intentionality, not just outward obedience.
  • "Children" (τέκνα, tekna): This word refers to those who are born of God, meaning fellow believers. It emphasizes the family relationship among Christians, rooted in God as their Father.

Why 1 John 5:2 matters

  • 1 John 5:2 clarifies that love for other believers is inseparable from loving God and obeying Him, correcting the idea that love can be separated from obedience.
  • The verse shows that Christian love is practical and rooted in action, not just sentiment or words.
  • This verse ties together themes from earlier in the letter, where John repeatedly connects love, obedience, and being part of God’s family, helping readers see how these ideas fit together.

Where else these words appear

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
  • Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

“keep” 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.

“this” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

“children” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
  • Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.