1 John 3:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →We are God's children already, and one day, when we see Him clearly, we will be made like Him.
What Does 1 John 3:2 Mean?
John holds two times together in one breath. There is the 'now,' settled and sure: 'now are we the sons of God.' Our belonging is not a hope for later but a present fact. And there is the 'not yet,' a future still wrapped in mystery: 'it doth not yet appear what we shall be.' John does not pretend to know every detail of what waits for us. Some of it is still hidden, like a gift not yet unwrapped, kept for the day God chooses.
But the one thing John is certain of is the best thing of all: 'when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.' The sight of Jesus, no longer dim or distant but face to face, will finish the work in us. To see Him clearly is to be changed into His likeness. Whatever we do not yet understand, we know the One we are becoming like, and the seeing of Him is the joy at the end of the road.
1 John 3:2 in the Original Language
phaneroō (φανερόω), 'appear' -- to be made visible, to be shown openly, to come fully into the light.
How to Apply 1 John 3:2 Today
There is comfort here for everything we do not yet know about our future. Our belonging to God is settled now, and the rest is a promise: when we see Jesus as He truly is, we will be made like Him. The unknown is held by the One we are becoming like.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 John 3:2
What does 1 John 3:2 mean?
We are God's children already, and one day, when we see Him clearly, we will be made like Him.
How can I apply 1 John 3:2 today?
There is comfort here for everything we do not yet know about our future. Our belonging to God is settled now, and the rest is a promise: when we see Jesus as He truly is, we will be made like Him. The unknown is held by the One we are becoming like.