Bible Strands
1 John 4:5
They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The apostle John writes to his readers, contrasting the spiritual origin of believers with that of false teachers. He addresses this distinction immediately after assuring his audience that they have overcome because God is greater than the opposing spirit.
The words — The Greek phrase ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου εἰσίν (ek tou kosmou eisin) literally renders "they are out of the world." This prepositional phrase establishes their spiritual source and dictates their worldview.
The thread — John echoes this origin theme in John 8:23 when Jesus distinguishes those "of this world" from Himself, and in John 17:14 where Jesus notes His followers are not of the world. The contrast extends to 2 Peter 2:2, which describes how false teaching defames the way of truth.
Why it lands — The text demands that readers evaluate any teaching by tracing its source to either God or the world. Listeners must recognize that alignment with divine truth naturally produces a distinct spiritual allegiance.
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
They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
Cross-references
- John 8:23 Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
- 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.
- John 17:14 I have given them Your word and the world has hated them. For they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
- John 3:31 The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all.
- John 17:16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
- 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
- Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
- Psalms 17:4 As for the deeds of men—by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
- Isaiah 30:10 They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.
- Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?