This verse isn't just about knowing God; it's about a relational knowing, one that's proven by our actions. The most striking thing is how it reverses our typical thinking: we don't keep commandments to get God's love or to earn salvation, but rather, our obedience confirms the genuine relationship we already have with Him. It’s a vital distinction – our outward walk is the evidence of our inward connection.
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is writing to reassure believers who might be doubting their faith. He’s just established that true fellowship with God means walking in the light, and now he’s giving them a practical way to test if their claims of knowing God are genuine. Keeping His commands isn't about earning salvation, but it's the natural outflow of a real relationship with Him, proving that their spiritual experience is authentic.
It's easy to say we know God. But John points to a deeper reality. How do we move beyond simply intellectual assent to a genuine, knowing relationship?
This verse is a powerful statement from John. He's not talking about a fleeting feeling or a simple agreement with facts. He's defining true knowledge of God.
Beyond Head Knowledge
Think about knowing someone really well in real life. You don't just know their birthday or favorite color. You understand their character, their desires, their priorities. You often learn this by how they act, what they value, and how they treat others.
John says the same is true with God. Our obedience to His commands isn't a way to earn our way into knowing Him. Instead, it's the evidence, the fruit, the outward sign that we already have a genuine connection with Him. If our lives consistently ignore what God says, it raises a serious question about the depth of our claimed knowledge of Him.
Why are God's commands the litmus test for knowing Him? What do these 'rules' actually tell us about the One who gave them?
It's crucial to understand why keeping commandments demonstrates a knowledge of God. It's not about blind rule-following. God's commands are not arbitrary burdens; they are reflections of His own perfect character and loving will for us.
Living Like God
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When we strive to obey God's commands, we are essentially aligning ourselves with His very nature. His commands reveal His holiness, His justice, His mercy, and His love. By seeking to live according to them, we are learning His ways and participating in His life.
Consider the greatest commandment: to love God and love our neighbor. Living this out requires us to see people as God sees them, to value what He values, and to act with His compassion. This pursuit naturally draws us closer to understanding and experiencing who God is.
Understand the original words
entolē · Greek Noun
The set of moral or ritual instructions given by God to His people; in the New Testament, it refers to Christ's teachings and the moral requirements of the new covenant.
alētheia · Greek Noun
That which conforms to reality, God's nature, and the revelation of His word; it is the antithesis of falsehood and a defining characteristic of the Christian life.
agapē · Greek Noun
The divine quality of selfless, sacrificial, and covenantal love (agape) that originates from God and defines His character and actions toward humanity.
teleioō · Greek Verb
Brought to a goal, finished, mature, or fully realized; in a spiritual sense, it refers to the spiritual growth or moral maturity achieved through obedience and abiding in Christ.
Jesus directly states that loving Him is shown by keeping His commands, reinforcing the idea that obedience is a genuine sign of relationship.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13This passage shows that knowing God involves fearing Him, loving Him, and serving Him by keeping His commands, echoing the deep connection between knowledge of God and obedience.
1 John 3:24This verse in the same letter emphasizes that abiding in God is demonstrated by keeping His commandments, further solidifying the link between inward reality and outward action.
Matthew 7:21Jesus' teaching here powerfully illustrates that simply saying 'Lord, Lord' isn't enough; true relationship is proven by doing the will of the Father, aligning with John's point about knowing God through obedience.
This verse isn't just about knowing God; it's about a relational knowing, one that's proven by our actions. The most striking thing is how it reverses our typical thinking: we don't keep commandments to get God's love or to earn salvation, but rather, our obedience confirms the genuine relationship we already have with Him. It’s a vital distinction – our outward walk is the evidence of our inward connection.
John is writing to reassure believers who might be doubting their faith. He’s just established that true fellowship with God means walking in the light, and now he’s giving them a practical way to test if their claims of knowing God are genuine. Keeping His commands isn't about earning salvation, but it's the natural outflow of a real relationship with Him, proving that their spiritual experience is authentic.
John is writing to reassure believers who might be doubting their faith. He’s just established that true fellowship with God means walking in the light, and now he’s giving them a practical way to test if their claims of knowing God are genuine. Keeping His commands isn't about earning salvation, but it's the natural outflow of a real relationship with Him, proving that their spiritual experience is authentic.
"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God i…" — This verse isn't just about knowing God; it's about a relational knowing, one that's proven by our actions. The most striking thing is how it reverses our typical thinking: we don't keep comman…
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Last reviewed October 2026
