1 John 5:18
New International Version
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

New Living Translation
We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.

English Standard Version
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Berean Standard Bible
We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him.

Berean Literal Bible
We know that everyone having been born of God does not continue to sin, but the One having been begotten of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

King James Bible
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

New King James Version
We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

New American Standard Bible
We know that no one who has been born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.

NASB 1995
We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.

NASB 1977
We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him and the evil one does not touch him.

Legacy Standard Bible
We know that no one who has been born of God sins; but He who was begotten of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Amplified Bible
We know [with confidence] that anyone born of God does not habitually sin; but He (Jesus) who was born of God [carefully] keeps and protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Christian Standard Bible
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not sin, but the one who is born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not sin, but the One who is born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.

American Standard Version
We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.

Contemporary English Version
We are sure God's children do not keep on sinning. God's own Son protects them, and the devil cannot harm them.

English Revised Version
We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth him, and the evil one toucheth him not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We know that those who have been born from God don't go on sinning. Rather, the Son of God protects them, and the evil one can't harm them.

Good News Translation
We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them.

International Standard Version
We know that the person who has been born from God does not go on sinning. Rather, the Son of God protects them, and the evil one cannot harm them.

Majority Standard Bible
We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him.

NET Bible
We know that everyone fathered by God does not sin, but God protects the one he has fathered, and the evil one cannot touch him.

New Heart English Bible
We know that whoever is born of God does not sin, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Webster's Bible Translation
We know that whoever is born of God, sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God, keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Weymouth New Testament
We know that no one who is a child of God lives in sin, but He who is God's Child keeps him, and the Evil one cannot touch him.

World English Bible
We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
We have known that everyone who has been begotten of God does not sin, but He who was begotten of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him;

Berean Literal Bible
We know that everyone having been born of God does not continue to sin, but the One having been begotten of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Young's Literal Translation
We have known that every one who hath been begotten of God doth not sin, but he who was begotten of God doth keep himself, and the evil one doth not touch him;

Smith's Literal Translation
We know that every one born of God sins not; but he born of God keeps himself, and evil touches him not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
We know that whosoever is born of God, sinneth not: but the generation of God preserveth him, and the wicked one toucheth him not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
We know that everyone who is born of God does not sin. Instead, rebirth in God preserves him, and the evil one cannot touch him.

New American Bible
We know that no one begotten by God sins; but the one begotten by God he protects, and the evil one cannot touch him.

New Revised Standard Version
We know that those who are born of God do not sin, but the one who was born of God protects them, and the evil one does not touch them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
We know that everyone who is born of God does not sin: for he who is born of God watches himself, and the evil one does not come near him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And we know that no one who is born from God commits sin, for he who is born from God keeps his soul and The Evil One does not touch it.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
We know that whoever has been begotten of God, does not sin: but he that is begotten of God, keeps himself, and the wicked one touches him not.

Godbey New Testament
We know that every one who has been born of God, sins not; but the one having been born of God keeps himself, and the evil one does not touch him.

Haweis New Testament
We know that every one who is born of God sinneth not; but he that is born of God preserveth himself, and the wicked one toucheth him not.

Mace New Testament
we know that a true christian will not commit such a sin, for he that is the child of God keeps upon his guard, so that the wicked spirit does not approach him.

Weymouth New Testament
We know that no one who is a child of God lives in sin, but He who is God's Child keeps him, and the Evil one cannot touch him.

Worrell New Testament
We know that every one who has been begotten of God sins not; but he who was begotten of God keeps himself, and the evil one touches him not.

Worsley New Testament
We know that whosoever is born of God, doth not practise sin: but keepeth himself from it, and the wicked one doth not touch him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Concluding Remarks
17All unrighteousness is sin, yet there is sin that does not lead to death. 18We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him. 19We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.…

Cross References
John 17:15
I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.

1 John 3:9
Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.

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

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

1 Peter 1:5
who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

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

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Jude 1:24
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—

Psalm 121:7-8
The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. / The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

Psalm 97:10
Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.


Treasury of Scripture

We know that whoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not.

whosoever.

1 John 5:1,4
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him…

1 John 2:29
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

1 John 3:9
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.

keepeth.

1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

1 John 3:3
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Psalm 17:4
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

wicked.

1 John 2:13,14
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 3:12
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

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Begotten Born Child Continue Evil God's Harm Keepeth Keeps Safe Sin Sinneth Sins Touch Touched Toucheth Wicked
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Begotten Born Child Continue Evil God's Harm Keepeth Keeps Safe Sin Sinneth Sins Touch Touched Toucheth Wicked
1 John 5
1. He who loves God loves his children, and keeps his commandments;
3. which to the faithful are not grievous.
9. Jesus is the Son of God;
14. and able to hear our prayers.














We know
This phrase emphasizes the certainty and assurance that believers possess. The Greek word "οἴδαμεν" (oidamen) implies a deep, intuitive knowledge that comes from a relationship with God. In the context of 1 John, this knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, rooted in the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

that anyone born of God
The phrase "born of God" refers to the spiritual rebirth that occurs when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Greek term "γεννηθεὶς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ" (gennetheis ek tou Theou) highlights the divine origin of this new life. This concept is foundational in Christian theology, emphasizing that believers are not merely improved versions of their old selves but are entirely new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

does not keep on sinning
The Greek verb "ἁμαρτάνει" (hamartanei) is in the present tense, indicating a continuous action. This suggests that while believers may still sin, they do not live in a habitual state of sin. The transformative power of being "born of God" breaks the dominion of sin, aligning with Paul's teaching in Romans 6:14 that sin shall not be the master over those under grace.

the One who was born of God
This phrase refers to Jesus Christ, the unique Son of God. The Greek "ὁ γεννηθεὶς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ" (ho gennetheis ek tou Theou) underscores His divine nature and mission. Jesus, as the incarnate Word, is both fully God and fully man, uniquely qualified to mediate between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

protects him
The Greek word "τηρεῖ" (tērei) means to guard or keep watch over. This protection is not merely physical but spiritual, ensuring that the believer is safeguarded from ultimate spiritual harm. Jesus' role as protector is a recurring theme in Scripture, reflecting His promise in John 10:28-29 that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand.

and the evil one
The term "ὁ πονηρός" (ho ponēros) refers to Satan, the adversary of God and His people. Throughout the New Testament, Satan is depicted as a real and personal being who opposes God's purposes. However, his power is limited and ultimately defeated through Christ's death and resurrection.

cannot touch him
The Greek word "ἅπτεται" (haptetai) implies a grasp or hold. In this context, it signifies that the evil one cannot lay hold of or possess the believer. This assurance is rooted in the believer's union with Christ, who has overcome the world (John 16:33) and disarmed the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15).

(3) SOME PRACTICAL POINTS RECAPITULATED (1John 5:18-21).

(a)God's sons do not sin (1John 5:18).

St. John refers back to "that ye may know" in 1John 5:13, and sums up three points from former portions of the Epistle, describing the true consciousness of the Christian. Each begins with "We know."

(18) Sinneth not.--There is no reason to supply "unto death." (Comp. the Note on 1John 3:9.) St. John means strongly to insist, in this the solemn close of his Letter, that the true ideal Christian frame is the absence of wilful sin. Stumbles there may be, even such as need the prayers of friends, but intentional lawlessness there cannot be. . . .

Verses 18-21. - With three solemn asseverations and one equally solemn charge the Epistle is brought to a close. "Can we be certain of any principles in ethics? St. John declares that we can. He says that he has not been making probable guesses about the grounds of human actions, the relations of man to God, the nature of God himself. These are firings that he knows. Nay, he is not content with claiming this knowledge himself. He uses the plural pronoun; he declares that his disciples, his little children, know that which he knows" (Maurice). Verse 18. - We know; οἴδαμεν, as in 1 John 3:2, 14, and John 21:24, which should be compared with this passage. These expressions of Christian certitude explain the undialectical character of St. John's Epistles as compared with those of St. Paul. What need to argue and prove when both he and his readers already knew and believed? We must have "begotten" in both clauses, as in the Revised Version, not "born" in one and "begotten" in the other, as in the Authorized Version. In the Greek there is a change of tense ὁ γεγεννημένος and ὁ γεννηθείς, but no change of verb. The whole should run, "We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not, but the Begotten of God keepeth him." For the perfect participle, comp. 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:1, 4; 1 John 3:6, 8: it expresses him who has come to be, and still continues to be, a son of God. The aorist participle occurs nowhere else in St. John: it expresses him who, without relation to time past or present, is the Son of God. The reading αὐτόν is preferable to ἑαυτόν. The Vulgate has conservat eum, not conserver seipsum, which Calvin adopts. The eternal Son of the Father preserves the frail children of the Father from the common foe, so that the evil one toucheth them not. The verb for "touch ἅπτεσθαι is the same as in "Touch me not" (John 20:17). In both cases "touch" is somewhat too weak a rendering; the meaning is rather, "lay hold of," "hold fast." The Magdalene wished, not merely to touch, but to hold the Lord fast, so as to have his bodily presence continually. And here the meaning is that, though the evil one may attack the children of God, yet he cannot get them into his power.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We know
Οἴδαμεν (Oidamen)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

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

anyone
πᾶς (pas)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

born
γεγεννημένος (gegennēmenos)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1080: From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.

of
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.

does not keep on sinning;
ἁμαρτάνει (hamartanei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 264: Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.

the [One who]
(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.

was born
γεννηθεὶς (gennētheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1080: From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.

of
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.

protects
τηρεῖ (tērei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

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.

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

the
(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.

evil [one]
πονηρὸς (ponēros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

cannot touch
ἅπτεται (haptetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 680: Prop: I fasten to; I lay hold of, touch, know carnally. Reflexive of hapto; properly, to attach oneself to, i.e. To touch.

him.
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.


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NT Letters: 1 John 5:18 We know that whoever is born (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)
1 John 5:17
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