And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about Jesus telling us who God is; it's about Jesus giving us the very capacity to understand Him. That means our knowledge of God isn't a matter of cleverness or earned wisdom, but a gift directly from the Son, enabling us to truly grasp the reality of the true God.
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is wrapping up his letter, reminding believers of the certainty of their faith in Jesus Christ, especially in contrast to false teachings spreading at the time. He's just explained how we can know God's children and those who aren't, and now he’s emphasizing that Jesus Himself is the ultimate source of truth and eternal life, enabling us to truly know God. This assurance is the bedrock for living out our faith in this world.
Have you ever felt like you're searching for something real, something true? John tells us that the ability to find it isn't up to us, but a gift from God.
The Source of True Knowledge
The verse starts with a powerful statement: 'And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding.' This isn't about gaining knowledge through our own intellect or effort. It's about receiving a divine capacity to comprehend spiritual truth. Jesus' arrival wasn't just an event; it was the impartation of understanding itself. This understanding allows us to move beyond superficial beliefs and grasp the reality of God.
What We Understand
This imparted understanding has a specific focus: 'so that we may know him who is true.' The ultimate goal isn't just information about God, but a deep, relational knowledge of the authentic, reality-grounding God. It's like moving from a Wikipedia page to a personal relationship.
It's one thing to know about God, but John emphasizes something deeper – being in God. How does this connection happen, and what does it mean for our lives?
Connected to the Source
The verse continues, 'and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ.' This phrase 'we are in him' signifies a profound union and intimate connection with God. It's not just intellectual assent; it's a spiritual reality established through faith in Jesus. Because Jesus is 'in the true God,' and we are 'in' Jesus, we are simultaneously brought into relationship with the very source of truth and life.
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The Dual Identity of Jesus
This union is possible because of who Jesus is. The verse concludes by identifying Him: 'He is the true God and eternal life.' Jesus isn't just a god or a way; He is the true God. Furthermore, He is the embodiment and giver of eternal life. Our connection to the Father is inseparable from our connection to Jesus, His Son.
Understand the original words
huios tou Theou · Greek Noun
The second person of the Trinity, who took on human flesh to reveal the Father and accomplish the work of salvation.
dianoia · Greek Noun
The spiritual capacity or insight granted by the Holy Spirit to perceive, discern, and grasp spiritual truth regarding God and His revelation.
alethinos · Greek Adjective
Possessing absolute reality, faithfulness, and genuineness; an attribute belonging essentially to God alone.
aionios zoe · Greek Adjective
Life that transcends time and space; the very quality of life that belongs to God Himself, given to those who are in Christ.
This passage echoes the idea that only the unique Son, who is himself God, can reveal the Father, just as 1 John 5:20 states Jesus gives understanding to know the true God.
John 14:6Jesus declares himself to be 'the way, and the truth, and the life,' directly mirroring 1 John 5:20's affirmation that Jesus is the true God and eternal life.
Colossians 1:15-17This passage highlights Jesus' role as the image of the invisible God and the one through whom all things were created, underscoring his identity as the true God mentioned in 1 John.
1 John 1:1-3This earlier passage in the same letter emphasizes encountering the eternal life that was with the Father and now revealed in Jesus, which connects to 1 John 5:20's statement that Jesus is eternal life.
This verse isn't just about Jesus telling us who God is; it's about Jesus giving us the very capacity to understand Him. That means our knowledge of God isn't a matter of cleverness or earned wisdom, but a gift directly from the Son, enabling us to truly grasp the reality of the true God.
John is wrapping up his letter, reminding believers of the certainty of their faith in Jesus Christ, especially in contrast to false teachings spreading at the time. He's just explained how we can know God's children and those who aren't, and now he’s emphasizing that Jesus Himself is the ultimate source of truth and eternal life, enabling us to truly know God. This assurance is the bedrock for living out our faith in this world.
John is wrapping up his letter, reminding believers of the certainty of their faith in Jesus Christ, especially in contrast to false teachings spreading at the time. He's just explained how we can know God's children and those who aren't, and now he’s emphasizing that Jesus Himself is the ultimate source of truth and eternal life, enabling us to truly know God. This assurance is the bedrock for living out our faith in this world.
"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." — This verse isn't just about Jesus telling us who God is; it's about Jesus giving us the very capacity to understand Him. That means our knowledge of God isn't a matter of cleverness or earned wis…
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Last reviewed October 2026