1 John 4:4
New International Version
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

New Living Translation
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

English Standard Version
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Berean Standard Bible
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Berean Literal Bible
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because the One in you is greater than the one in the world.

King James Bible
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

New King James Version
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

New American Standard Bible
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

NASB 1995
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

NASB 1977
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Legacy Standard Bible
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Amplified Bible
Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].

Christian Standard Bible
You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

American Standard Version
Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

Contemporary English Version
Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God's Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one who is in the world.

English Revised Version
Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Dear children, you belong to God. So you have won the victory over these people, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Good News Translation
But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world.

International Standard Version
Little children, you belong to God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Majority Standard Bible
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

NET Bible
You are from God, little children, and have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

New Heart English Bible
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.

Webster's Bible Translation
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Weymouth New Testament
As for you, dear children, you are God's children, and have successfully resisted them; for greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

World English Bible
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them; because greater is He who [is] in you, than he who is in the world.

Berean Literal Bible
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because the One in you is greater than the one in the world.

Young's Literal Translation
Ye -- of God ye are, little children, and ye have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.

Smith's Literal Translation
Ye are of God, little children, and have conquered them: for greater is he in you, than he in the world.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
You are of God, little children, and have overcome him. Because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Little sons, you are of God, and so you have overcome him. For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

New American Bible
You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

New Revised Standard Version
Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But you are of God, my children, and have overcome them: because he who is among you is greater than he who is in the world.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
You are from God, children, and you have conquered them, because he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because he that is in you, is greater than he that is in the world.

Godbey New Testament
You are of God, little children, and you have conquered them; because he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Haweis New Testament
Ye are of God, my dear children, and have overcome them; because he that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.

Mace New Testament
ye are of God, my dear children, and you have overcome them: because he that is in you, is superior to him that is in the world.

Weymouth New Testament
As for you, dear children, you are God's children, and have successfully resisted them; for greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Worrell New Testament
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He Who is in you, than he that is in the world.

Worsley New Testament
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He, that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Testing the Spirits
3and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time. 4You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 5They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them.…

Cross References
John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

1 John 5:4-5
because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. / Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4
For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Colossians 1:13
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

John 14:30
I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.


Treasury of Scripture

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

are.

1 John 4:6,16
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error…

1 John 3:9,10
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God…

1 John 5:19
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

and have.

1 John 2:13
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Romans 8:37
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

greater.

1 John 4:13,16
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit…

1 John 3:24
And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

John 10:28-30
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand…

than.

1 John 5:19
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

John 12:31
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

John 14:30
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

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1 John 4
1. He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit;
7. and exhorts to brotherly love.














You, little children
The phrase "You, little children" is a tender address from the Apostle John to the believers. The Greek word for "little children" is "τεκνία" (teknia), which conveys a sense of endearment and spiritual parenthood. John, as an elder and spiritual father, is expressing his deep affection and concern for the spiritual well-being of his readers. This term also implies a level of spiritual immaturity or vulnerability, suggesting that believers, regardless of their physical age, are always in need of guidance and protection from their Heavenly Father. Historically, this reflects the early Christian community's understanding of themselves as a family, bound together by faith and love.

are from God
The phrase "are from God" emphasizes the divine origin and identity of believers. The Greek preposition "ἐκ" (ek) indicates source or origin, affirming that believers are born of God and belong to Him. This is a profound statement of identity, reminding Christians that their spiritual lineage is rooted in God Himself. In the historical context of the early church, this was a powerful affirmation against the backdrop of a pagan society, reinforcing the idea that Christians are set apart and have a unique relationship with the Creator.

and have overcome them
The phrase "and have overcome them" speaks to the victory believers have over false prophets and the spirit of antichrist. The Greek word "νενικήκατε" (nenikēkate) is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. This suggests that the victory is both a past event and a present reality. Historically, this would have been a source of encouragement to early Christians facing persecution and false teachings, reminding them that through their faith in Christ, they have already triumphed over the spiritual forces of darkness.

because greater is He who is in you
The phrase "because greater is He who is in you" refers to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "μείζων" (meizōn) means "greater" or "mightier," emphasizing the superiority of God's power within believers compared to any external force. This is a profound theological truth that assures Christians of the omnipotence of God working in and through them. In the scriptural context, this serves as a reassurance that no matter the challenges or opposition faced, the power of God within them is greater than any adversary.

than he who is in the world
The phrase "than he who is in the world" contrasts the power of God with the power of Satan, who is often referred to as the ruler of this world. The Greek word "κόσμος" (kosmos) refers to the world system that is in opposition to God. This highlights the spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Historically, this would have been a comforting reminder to early Christians that despite the apparent power and influence of evil in the world, it is ultimately inferior to the power of God. This assurance continues to inspire believers today, encouraging them to stand firm in their faith, knowing that they are on the victorious side.

Verse 4. - Ye are of God. The ὑμεῖς is in emphatic opposition to the false teachers (comp. 1 John 2:20). They are on one side, and the apostle's readers on the other, and it is from this standpoint that they are to "prove the spirits." St. John knows nothing of any neutral position from which the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error can be criticized "with absolute impartiality." "He that is not with me is against me." This assumed neutral position is already within the domain of error. Ye have overcome them. "Them" means the false teachers; but in what sense have St. John's "little children" overcome them? He may be speaking by anticipation; confident of the victory, he writes of it as an accomplished fact (comp. John 16:33). But it is better to take the statement literally. By refusing to listen to the false teachers (John 10:8) the sheep have conquered them: the seducers have "gone out" (1 John 2:19), unable to hold their own within the fold. Nor is this wonderful: the one side have God with them, the other Satan. Ο ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ here is equivalent to ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου (Luke 12:31). Just as God is in believers and they in God, so the world is in the evil one (1 John 5:19) and the evil one in it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
You,
Ὑμεῖς (Hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

little children,
τεκνία (teknia)
Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5040: A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings.

are
ἐστε (este)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

have overcome
νενικήκατε (nenikēkate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3528: To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue.

them,
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

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

greater
μείζων (meizōn)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

He who [is]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in
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.

you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

than
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

he who [is]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in
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.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world.
κόσμῳ (kosmō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).


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NT Letters: 1 John 4:4 You are of God little children (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)
1 John 4:3
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