1 John 4:6 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who know God listen to the apostolic witness, distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error.
What Does 1 John 4:6 Mean?
John sets the apostles in contrast to the false prophets. We are of God; the one who knows God hears us, and the one who is not of God does not. By this we discern the spirit of truth from the spirit of error.
The response to the apostolic message reveals where people stand. Those who belong to God recognize and receive the truth taught by His messengers. This gives a way to test the spirits: do they align with the witness of those who walked with Christ? John offers his readers a sure ground for discernment, the agreement of any teaching with the truth handed down by the apostles, the spirit of truth over against the spirit of error.
1 John 4:6 in the Original Language
plane (πλάνη), 'error' -- a wandering from the truth, the deceiving spirit opposed to the spirit of truth.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 John 4:6
What does 1 John 4:6 mean?
Those who know God listen to the apostolic witness, distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error.