1 John 5:19

19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the Evil one.

1 John 5:19 Meaning and Commentary

1 John 5:19

[And] we know that we are of God
The sons of God, and regenerated by him; this is known by the Spirit of God, which witnesses to the spirits of the saints that they are the children of God; and by the fruits and effects of regenerating grace, as love to the brethren, and the like:

and the whole world lies in wickedness;
that is, the men of the world, the greater part of the inhabitants of it, who are as they were when they came into it, not being born of God; these are addicted to sin and, wickedness; the bias of their minds is to it, they are set upon it, and give themselves up to it, are immersed in it, and are under the power of it: or "in the wicked one"; Satan, the god of this world; they are under his influence, and led according to his will, and they are governed by him, and are at his beck and command; and this is known, by sad experience, it is easy of observation;

``And cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the righteous in time to come: for this world is full of unrighteousness and infirmities.'' (2 Esdras 4:27)

1 John 5:19 In-Context

17 Any kind of wrongdoing is sin; but there is sin which is not unto death.

18 We know that no one who is a child of God lives in sin, but He who is God's Child keeps him, and the Evil one cannot touch him.

19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the Evil one.

20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we know the true One, and are in union with the true One--that is, we are in union with His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and the Life of the Ages.

21 Dear children, guard yourselves from idols.