What does 1 John 5:19 mean?

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 1 John 5:19

Explanation

1 John 5:19, found in the New Testament, is a declaration by the Apostle John regarding the spiritual condition of the world and the contrasting state of believers. The verse separates the identity of Christian believers, who are “of God,” from the rest of the world, which lies “in wickedness.” The literal interpretation is straightforward: John is emphasizing the distinction between those who follow God and the rest of the world which is under the influence of evil. Deeper meanings might suggest an awareness of the spiritual battle between good and evil, and the assurance for believers that they belong to God and not to the wicked world system.

Historical Context

The Epistle of 1 John was likely written at a time when early Christians faced internal and external challenges, including false teachings, persecution, and the need to distinguish between true faith and heresy. The community to which John was writing may have been struggling with Gnostic beliefs, which separated the spiritual from the material and often led to a lack of moral accountability. John wrote this letter to assure the community about the certainty of salvation and to encourage them to live out their faith while discerning truth from false doctrine.

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Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, 1 John 5:19 is seen as an affirmation of the sovereignty of God over true believers and the pervasive presence of sin in the world. Different viewpoints might interpret the “wickedness” or “evil” mentioned in the verse in various ways. For instance, Calvinists might see this as evidence of total depravity, while Arminians might emphasize the role of free will in humanity’s fall into wickedness. Some theologians may also discuss the concept of the “world” as the system of values and practices that are opposed to God’s will.

Practical Applications

This verse can provide encouragement and a call to vigilance for believers. In practice, it can serve as a reminder to Christians to continually discern their actions and thoughts, aligning them with God’s teachings and not the sinful inclinations of the world. It also calls for a commitment to spiritual growth and awareness of the negative influences in society that could detract from one’s faith.

Cross-References

• John 17:14 – “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
• James 4:4 – “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
• Romans 12:2 – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Language Study

The original Greek text provides important nuances to the words used in 1 John 5:19. The word translated as “lieth” is κεῖται (keitai), which can also mean “is placed” or “is set,” suggesting a state of being under the influence or control. “Wickedness” or “evil” comes from the Greek word πονηρίᾳ (ponēria), which conveys the idea of malice, depravity, or malignancy, indicating not merely individual acts of sin but an underlying condition of corruption.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a world filled with wickedness and a righteous remnant is not unique to Christianity. Many religious traditions have similar teachings. For example, Zoroastrianism has the dualistic concept of the world being a battlefield between the good spirit Ahura Mazda and the evil spirit Angra Mainyu. The belief in a corrupt world system versus a divine order is also noted in Gnosticism, which influenced second-century Christian thought.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, discussions on morality and its origins often enter the realms of evolutionary biology, psychology, and sociology. While science does not provide a moral framework per se, it can offer insights into the development of moral instincts and how societies form their ethical codes. The idea that the “whole world lieth in wickedness” can be examined through these disciplines to understand the prevalence of certain behaviors from a biological and social standpoint.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars interpret 1 John 5:19 differently based on their doctrinal leanings. Some suggest John is reinforcing the reality of spiritual warfare and the influence of the evil one. Commentators like Matthew Henry have pointed out that not only individuals but societal systems can be corrupt. Others, such as John Wesley, focused on the assurance this verse provides to believers, knowing their true belonging is with God. Contemporary scholarship tends to place the verse within the Johannine community’s context, facing pressures from false teachings, and sees it as an encouragement to maintain faith amidst adversity.