1 John 2:6

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 1 John 2:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.
1 John 2:6 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 John 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He that saith he abideth in him, &c.] As all do that are in him; once in Christ, and always in Christ; they are set as a seal on his arm and heart, which can never be removed; they are in his arms, and can never be plucked from thence; and are members of him, and can never be disunited from him: or dwelleth in him, as in (<430656>John 6:56); that is, by faith; who under a sense of sin and danger have fled to Christ, as to a strong tower and place of defence, where they dwell safely, peaceably, pleasantly, and comfortably, enjoying whatever is necessary for them. The Syriac and Ethiopic versions read, “he that saith I am in him”; loved by him, chosen in him, united to him, a member of his,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“abideth--implying a condition lasting, without intermission, and without end. He that saith . . . ought--so that his deeds may be consistent with his words. even as he--Believers readily supply the name, their hearts being full of Him (compare Joh 20:15). "Even as He walked" when on earth, especially in respect to love. John delights in referring to Christ as the model man, with the words, "Even as He," &c. "It is not Christ's walking on the sea, but His ordinary walk, that we are called on to imitate" [LUTHER].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He that saith, he abideth in him - Greek, “remains” in him; that is, abides or remains in the belief of his doctrines, and in the comfort and practice of religion. The expression is one of those which refer to the intimate union between Christ and his people. A great variety of phrase is employed to denote that. For the meaning of this word in John, see the notes at 1 John 3:6. Ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked - Ought to live and act as he did. If he is one with him, or professes to be united to him, he ought to imitate him in all things. Compare John 13:15. See also the notes at 1 John 1:6. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He that saith he abideth in him - which implies a durable state; a constant, lasting knowledge of, and communion with, him. Ought himself - Otherwise they are vain words. So to walk, even as he walked - In the world. As he, are words that frequently occur in this epistle. Believers having their hearts full of him, easily supply his name. 1 John 2:7”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that saith: Jo1 2:4, Jo1 1:6 he: Jo1 2:28, Jo1 3:6; Joh 15:4-6 to walk: Jo1 1:7; Psa 85:13; Mat 11:29; Joh 13:15; Co1 11:1; Eph 5:2; Pe1 2:21 1 John 2:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification