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Book of 1 John - Chapter 5 - Verse 20

5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Meaning

This verse from the Bible, 1 John 5:20, emphasizes the belief that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, has come to earth to bring us understanding. By accepting Jesus Christ, we are able to know the truth and be in a relationship with God. The verse highlights the importance of knowing Him who is true, which is God, and being in His Son, Jesus Christ. It stresses the significance of recognizing Jesus as the true God and eternal life. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of having faith in Jesus Christ and the everlasting life that belief in Him brings. It encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of God and His son, and to embrace the eternal life that comes through their relationship with Him.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the importance of knowing the true God through His Son, Jesus Christ. The verse emphasizes that it is through the Son of God that believers are given the understanding and knowledge to know the true God. This understanding deepens the connection between believers and the true God, reinforcing the concept of being "in him that is true." The verse also highlights the deity of Jesus Christ, referring to Him as the true God and eternal life. This underscores the central role that Jesus plays in revealing the true nature of God and providing believers with eternal life.

Word studies on this verse may center around the term "understanding" which in the original Greek is linked to the idea of comprehension, discernment, and insight. This highlights the cognitive aspect of faith and the importance of gaining knowledge and insight into the true God through Jesus Christ. Additionally, the phrase "in him that is true" underscores the intimate relationship believers have with the true God. The concept of eternal life in this verse is also significant, indicating not just immortality but a quality of life that is unending and rooted in the true God through Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
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