1 John 2:4

If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The author writes to believers while concluding his chapter-long examination of how to verify genuine relationship with God. He directly addresses anyone who verbally claims divine knowledge while failing to obey.

The words — The Greek term ἐντολὰς (entolas) translates literally to "commandments," and ἔγνωκα (egnōka) means "I have known." John couples these terms to show that claimed knowledge must produce observable compliance.

The thread — The same contrast between profession and practice appears in 1 John 1:6, Titus 1:16, and James 2:14. Each passage uses behavioral outcomes to test the validity of verbal or intellectual claims.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to measure their daily conduct against divine instruction rather than relying on self-reported belief. It demands immediate correction of any gap between claimed faith and actual obedience.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Cross-references

1 John 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.
James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
1 John 2:9 If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness.
Hosea 8:2 Israel cries out to Me, “O our God, we know You!”
1 John 1:10 If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.