Vincent Word Studies - 1 John 2:3 - 2:3

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Vincent Word Studies - 1 John 2:3 - 2:3


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Hereby (ἐν τούτῳ)

Lit., in this. Characteristic of John. See Joh 8:35; Joh 15:8; Joh 16:30; 1Jo 2:5; 1Jo 3:24; 1Jo 4:13; 1Jo 5:2; 1Jo 3:16; 1Jo 3:19; 1Jo 4:2. The expression points to what follows, “if we keep His commandments,” yet with a covert reference to that idea as generally implied in the previous words concerning fellowship with God and walking in the light.

We know (γινώσκομεν)

Or, perceive. By experience, from day to day; distinguished from οἴδαμεν we know, expressing absolute, immediate knowledge of a fact once for all. Compare 1Jo 3:2.

That we know (ὅτι ἐγνώκαμεν)

Or, more literally, have come to know. John does not use the compound forms ἐπιγινώσκειν and ἐπίγνωσις (see on Mat 7:16. See Luk 1:4; Act 4:13; Rom 1:28; Eph 1:17, etc.), nor the kindred word γνῶσις knowledge (Luk 1:77; Rom 2:20, etc.).

We keep His commandments (τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν)

A phrase peculiar to John and occurring elsewhere only Mat 19:17; 1Ti 6:14. In 1Co 7:19, we find τήρησις ἐντολῶν the keeping of the commandments. On τηρέω to keep, see on 1Pe 1:5.