1 John 2:3
New International Version
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.

New Living Translation
And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.

English Standard Version
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.

Berean Standard Bible
By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.

Berean Literal Bible
And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we should keep His commandments.

King James Bible
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

New King James Version
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

New American Standard Bible
By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

NASB 1995
By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

NASB 1977
And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

Legacy Standard Bible
And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

Amplified Bible
And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings).

Christian Standard Bible
This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands.

American Standard Version
And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Contemporary English Version
When we obey God, we are sure we know him.

English Revised Version
And hereby know we that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We are sure that we know Christ if we obey his commandments.

Good News Translation
If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him.

International Standard Version
This is how we can be sure that we have come to know him: if we continually keep his commandments.

Majority Standard Bible
By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.

NET Bible
Now by this we know that we have come to know God: if we keep his commandments.

New Heart English Bible
This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.

Webster's Bible Translation
And by this we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Weymouth New Testament
And by this we may know that we know Him--if we obey His commands.

World English Bible
This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and in this we know that we have known Him, if we may keep His commands;

Berean Literal Bible
And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we should keep His commandments.

Young's Literal Translation
and in this we know that we have known him, if his commands we may keep;

Smith's Literal Translation
And in this we know that we have known him, if we should keep his commands.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And by this we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And we can be sure that we have known him by this: if we observe his commandments.

New American Bible
The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments.

New Revised Standard Version
Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And by this we sense that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And by this we know that we do know him, if we keep his commandments.

Godbey New Testament
And in this we know that we have known him, if we are keeping his commandments.

Haweis New Testament
And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Mace New Testament
if we keep his commandments, that is a proof that we know him.

Weymouth New Testament
And by this we may know that we know Him--if we obey His commands.

Worrell New Testament
And in this we know that we have known Him, if we keep His commandments.

Worsley New Testament
And by this we know that we have known Him, if we keep his commandments.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Our Advocate
2He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. 4If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.…

Cross References
John 14:15
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

John 14:21
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”

John 15:10
If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.

John 8:31
So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.

John 15:14
You are My friends if you do what I command you.

Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

James 2:17-18
So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. / But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

James 1:22
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.

Luke 6:46
Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?

Romans 2:13
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.

Hebrews 5:9
And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him

1 Peter 1:14-16
As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. / But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

2 John 1:6
And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.

Revelation 14:12
Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints, who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Deuteronomy 5:10
but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.


Treasury of Scripture

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

hereby.

1 John 2:4-6
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him…

1 John 3:14,19
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death…

1 John 4:13
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

we know.

Isaiah 53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

if we.

1 John 3:22,23
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight…

1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Psalm 119:6,32
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments…

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Commandments Commands Hereby Laws Obey Sure
1 John 2
1. He comforts them against the sins of infirmity.
3. Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;
9. to love our brothers;
15. and not to love the world.
18. We must beware of antichrists;
20. from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life.














By this
This phrase introduces a method of assurance for believers. In the Greek, "ἐν τούτῳ" (en toutō) suggests a definitive means or evidence. Historically, the early church faced challenges of false teachings, and John provides a clear criterion for genuine faith. This assurance is not based on feelings or subjective experiences but on observable actions.

we can be sure
The Greek word "γινώσκομεν" (ginōskomen) implies a deep, experiential knowledge. This is not mere intellectual assent but a confident understanding rooted in relationship. In the conservative Christian perspective, assurance of salvation is a key tenet, emphasizing that believers can have certainty in their faith through the evidence of their lives.

that we have come to know Him
"To know" in this context is from the Greek "ἐγνώκαμεν" (egnōkamen), indicating a completed action with ongoing results. This knowledge is relational, not just factual. In the biblical context, knowing God is akin to the intimate relationship described in the Old Testament between God and His people, characterized by covenant faithfulness and love.

if we keep
The word "keep" translates from the Greek "τηρῶμεν" (tērōmen), meaning to guard or observe. It implies a continuous, diligent effort. This is not a passive state but an active commitment to live according to God's will. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of obedience to the Torah, now fulfilled in Christ's commandments.

His commandments
The term "commandments" (ἐντολάς, entolas) refers to the teachings and instructions of Jesus. In the conservative Christian view, these are not burdensome laws but life-giving directives that reflect God's character and will. The commandments are rooted in love, as Jesus summarized the law in loving God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). This obedience is a response to the grace received through Christ, not a means to earn salvation.

(5) The fourth inference from the doctrine that God is Light analyses more accurately the general expression of 1John 1:7, walking in the light. If Christ is, as in 1John 2:1-2, the Paraclete and Propitiation of the world, it becomes necessary to ascertain whether He is this to us; lest, when this salvation is offered, we condemn ourselves by rejecting it. The test is, "obedience to the commandments, especially in brotherly love."

(3) Hereby means, by what follows.

That we know him.--Rather, have known Him (so also in 1John 2:4, I have known Him); that we have not grasped a shadow, but have been in intercourse with the living God, who reveals Himself not through speculation, but through a true inward life of man.

If we keep his commandments.--Christ's--because of the reference to John 14:15. "Keep" like a precious heirloom, watching them against the inroads of our lower nature. (Comp. Matthew 19:17; Matthew 28:20; 1Timothy 6:14.) If each man's conscience was the standard of practice, confusion would again reign in morals as it reigned in the days of the Sophists at Athens. (Compare Plato's Republic, Bk. 2, Jowett's translation.) A code and an example fitted for all times and all circumstances have been given by our Lord. . . .

Verses 3-6. - Thirdly, walking in the light involves obedience. Verse 3. - And herein we perceive that we know him, if we keep his commandments γινώσκομεν, we come to know, we recognize; ἐγνώκαμεν, we have come to know, we know). The token of our having this knowledge is stated hypothetically; not because, but if, we obey. To serve under another and obey him is one of the best ways of knowing his character. The knowledge is no mere intellectual apprehension, such as the Gnostic, postulated, but a moral and spiritual affection and activity. It is possible to know and hate (John 16:24). Again, the knowledge is not a mere emotional appreciation. Christianity knows nothing of piety without morality. To know Christ is to love him, and to love him is to obey and imitate him. By "keep" τῆρῶμεν is recant "keep the eye fixed upon, observe."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
By
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

this
τούτῳ (toutō)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

we can be sure
γινώσκομεν (ginōskomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

we have come to know
ἐγνώκαμεν (egnōkamen)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

Him:
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

we keep
τηρῶμεν (tērōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

commandments.
ἐντολὰς (entolas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785: An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.


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NT Letters: 1 John 2:3 This is how we know that we (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)
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