1 John 2:3

Hereby. Gr. en touto, literally, “in this,” pointing forward to the qualification made in the second half of the verse, “if we keep his commandments” (cf. v. 5; ch. 3:16, 19; etc.). In his Gospel, John frequently uses a similar phrase “through this” (dia touto) to refer back to what has gone before and to carry the argument a step further (John 5:16, 18; John 8:47; etc.). But in this epistle en touto generally refers to what follows (cf. on ch. 4:9).

We do know that we know. The Greek verbs are of different tenses. To convey the distinction between these tenses the clause may be rendered, “We are knowing that we have come to know and still know.” John frequently uses the verb “to know” (John 14:7; 17:3, 25; 1 John 2:4, 5, 13; 3:1; 4:2) in connection with “God” to denote, not merely a knowledge of Him, but a personal acquaintance with Him (cf. on John 17:3). This experience is an effective barrier against the inroads of the heretical Gnostic teachings concerning Christ already referred to (see pp. 625, 626).

Him. That is, Christ, the Advocate (v. 1), the Propitiation (v. 2). A life conformed to the will of God is the only sure evidence that a person knows God. Throughout this epistle, John continues to contradict the Gnostic claim that knowledge alone is of value and that conduct is of no particular importance in determining a man’s standing with God. The apostles declare that it is not hearers of the Word who are justified, but doers thereof (Rom. 2:13; James 1:22, 23). Pious claims must be balanced by moral conduct.

Keep his commandments. The verb translated “keep” (tereo) expresses the idea of observing, or keeping close watch. Here it entails an inner purpose that results in conforming our acts with the will of God as expressed in His “commandments.” For comment on “commandments” (entolai) see on Matt. 19:17; John 14:15. John uses the phrase “keep my commandments” and its equivalent “keep my words,” or similar phrases, many times in his writings (John 14:15, 23; 1 John 3:22, 24; 5:2; 2 John 6; Rev. 3:10; 12:17).