1 John 2:4

4 He that says, I know him, and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

1 John 2:4 Meaning and Commentary

1 John 2:4

He that saith I know him
God or Christ, as the Gnostics did, who pretended to great, even perfect, knowledge of divine things:

and keepeth not his commandments;
which the above persons had no regard to, and as many who profess great light and knowledge in our days show no concern for:

is a liar;
he contradicts what he says, and gives the lie to it; for though in words he professes to know God, in works he denies him, and which betrays his ignorance of him:

and the truth is not in him;
there is no true knowledge of God and Christ in him; nor is the truth of the Gospel in his heart, however it may be in his head; nor is the truth of grace in him, for each of these lead persons to obedience. The Ethiopic version renders it, "the truth of God is not with him"; (See Gill on 1 John 1:8).

1 John 2:4 In-Context

2 and *he* is the propitiation for our sins; but not for ours alone, but also for the whole world.

3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that says, I know him, and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

5 but whoever keeps his word, in him verily the love of God is perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him.

6 He that says he abides in him ought, even as *he* walked, himself also [so] to walk.