1 John 2:5
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1 John 2:5 · King James Version
Meaning
When we keep and follow God's word, we are showing our dedication and obedience to Him. By doing so, we are allowing His love to work in and through us, thereby perfecting His love within us. This verse serves as a reminder that our actions and obedience to God's word are a reflection of our relationship with Him. It is through keeping His word that we can truly experience the fullness of God's love and presence in our lives. By living according to His word, we can confidently know that we are truly abiding in Him and walking in His ways. This verse emphasizes the importance of not only hearing God's word but also putting it into practice in our daily lives. When we do so, we can experience the perfect love of God and have assurance that we are in Him.
Theological Overview
According to theological interpretation, the phrase "whoso keepeth his word" refers to those who obey and follow the teachings of God. By doing so, they demonstrate their love for Him and manifest God's love in their actions. The term "perfected" used in the verse signifies the idea of completion or fulfillment. When individuals keep God's word, His love is fully realized and made complete within them. This verse also serves as a reassurance for believers, as it indicates a way to confirm their relationship with God. The phrase "hereby know we that we are in him" suggests that by keeping God's word and experiencing His perfect love, believers can have confidence that they are in a close relationship with Him. Therefore, this passage encourages believers to uphold God's teachings and experience the fullness of His love, which serves as a sign of their unity with Him.
1 John 2:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:
World English Bible
But whoever keeps his word, God’s love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him:
Douay-Rheims
But he that keepeth his word, in him in very deed the charity of God is perfected. And by this we know that we are in him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But hee that keepeth his worde, in him is the loue of God perfect in deede: hereby wee knowe that ye are in him.