1st John Chapter 2 verse 3 Holy Bible

ASV 1stJohn 2:3

And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
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BBE 1stJohn 2:3

And by this we may be certain that we have knowledge of him, if we keep his laws.
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DARBY 1stJohn 2:3

And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
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KJV 1stJohn 2:3

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
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WBT 1stJohn 2:3


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WEB 1stJohn 2:3

This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.
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YLT 1stJohn 2:3

and in this we know that we have known him, if his commands we may keep;
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Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerses 3-6. - Thirdly, walking in the light involves obedience. Verse 3. - And herein we perceive that we know him, if we keep his commandments γινώσκομεν, we come to know, we recognize; ἐγνώκαμεν, we have come to know, we know). The token of our having this knowledge is stated hypothetically; not because, but if, we obey. To serve under another and obey him is one of the best ways of knowing his character. The knowledge is no mere intellectual apprehension, such as the Gnostic, postulated, but a moral and spiritual affection and activity. It is possible to know and hate (John 16:24). Again, the knowledge is not a mere emotional appreciation. Christianity knows nothing of piety without morality. To know Christ is to love him, and to love him is to obey and imitate him. By "keep" τῆρῶμεν is recant "keep the eye fixed upon, observe."

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) The fourth inference from the doctrine that God is Light analyses more accurately the general expression of 1John 1:7, walking in the light. If Christ is, as in 1John 2:1-2, the Paraclete and Propitiation of the world, it becomes necessary to ascertain whether He is this to us; lest, when this salvation is offered, we condemn ourselves by rejecting it. The test is, "obedience to the commandments, especially in brotherly love."(3) Hereby means, by what follows.That we know him.--Rather, have known Him (so also in 1John 2:4, I have known Him); that we have not grasped a shadow, but have been in intercourse with the living God, who reveals Himself not through speculation, but through a true inward life of man.If we keep his commandments.--Christ's--because of the reference to John 14:15. "Keep" like a precious heirloom, watching them against the inroads of our lower nature. (Comp. Matthew 19:17; Matthew 28:20; 1Timothy 6:14.) If each man's conscience was the standard of practice, confusion would again reign in morals as it reigned in the days of the Sophists at Athens. (Compare Plato's Republic, Bk. 2, Jowett's translation.) A code and an example fitted for all times and all circumstances have been given by our Lord. . . .