Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on the "liar" part, but what's really striking here is the connection between knowing God and obeying Him. John is saying that genuine knowledge of God isn't just intellectual assent; it's proven and expressed through our actions, specifically our obedience to His commands. If there's a disconnect between what we claim to believe and how we live, the "truth"—meaning the very essence of God's reality—isn't actually in us.
Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is challenging believers to discern true faith from false claims, explaining that genuine knowledge of God is proven by obedience to His commands. He’s just described Jesus as the atoning sacrifice and advocate for believers, and now he’s emphasizing that this saving relationship isn’t just intellectual assent, but a transformed life that reflects God’s character through obedience. Those who claim to know God but live in defiance of His will reveal a fundamental disconnect from His truth.
It's easy to say we know someone, especially someone as great as God. But what does it really mean to know Him? This verse gives us a stark, non-negotiable test.
John is cutting through any pretense. He's not talking about intellectual agreement or saying the right words. True knowledge of God isn't just information; it's transformative.
John doesn't pull any punches here. He calls the person who claims to know God but disobeys a 'liar' and states 'the truth is not in him.' What does this severe language mean for us?
This isn't about God being harsh; it's about the serious nature of our relationship with Him.
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Understand the original words
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.
John was writing to believers who were facing challenges from within their communities – likely individuals claiming to know God but living contrary to His commands, possibly influenced by early forms of Gnosticism which emphasized secret knowledge over ethical behavior.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus Christ completes his earthly ministry, teaching about God's kingdom and the importance of obedience, culminating in his death and resurrection.
c. AD 33 - 60s
Early Church Growth and Apostolic Teaching
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spread the gospel, establish churches, and provide foundational teaching for the burgeoning Christian communities.
c. AD 60s— this verse
Potential Date for 1 John
The Apostle John likely writes his letters, including 1 John, from Ephesus during a period when false teachings were beginning to challenge the integrity of Christian belief and practice.
c. AD 90s - 100
John's Later Ministry and Writings
John continues to minister and writes his Gospel and Revelation, further emphasizing themes of love, truth, and the divinity of Christ against emerging heresies.
Jesus Himself connects loving Him with obeying His commands, echoing John's strong assertion here that true knowledge of God is demonstrated through obedience.
Matthew 7:21-23This passage shows Jesus warning against those who claim to know Him but practice lawlessness, highlighting that outward religious claims are meaningless without internal obedience.
1 John 1:6This verse directly contrasts claiming to have fellowship with God while walking in darkness (disobedience), reinforcing the idea that truth and obedience are inseparable.
Deuteronomy 11:26-28The Old Testament Law already established a clear connection between obedience to God's commands and receiving His blessings, framing disobedience as a rejection of His authority.
It's easy to focus on the "liar" part, but what's really striking here is the connection between knowing God and obeying Him. John is saying that genuine knowledge of God isn't just intellectual assent; it's proven and expressed through our actions, specifically our obedience to His commands. If there's a disconnect between what we claim to believe and how we live, the "truth"—meaning the very essence of God's reality—isn't actually in us.
John is challenging believers to discern true faith from false claims, explaining that genuine knowledge of God is proven by obedience to His commands. He’s just described Jesus as the atoning sacrifice and advocate for believers, and now he’s emphasizing that this saving relationship isn’t just intellectual assent, but a transformed life that reflects God’s character through obedience. Those who claim to know God but live in defiance of His will reveal a fundamental disconnect from His truth.
John is challenging believers to discern true faith from false claims, explaining that genuine knowledge of God is proven by obedience to His commands. He’s just described Jesus as the atoning sacrifice and advocate for believers, and now he’s emphasizing that this saving relationship isn’t just intellectual assent, but a transformed life that reflects God’s character through obedience. Those who claim to know God but live in defiance of His will reveal a fundamental disconnect from His truth.
"Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him," — It's easy to focus on the "liar" part, but what's really striking here is the connection between knowing God and obeying Him. John is saying that genuine knowledge of God isn't just intellectual…
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Last reviewed October 2026