5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Other Translations of 1 John 5:5

King James Version

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

English Standard Version

5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

The Message

5 The person who wins out over the world's ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.

New King James Version

5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

New Living Translation

5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 John 5:5

Commentary on 1 John 5:1-5

(Read 1 John 5:1-5)

True love for the people of God, may be distinguished from natural kindness or party attachments, by its being united with the love of God, and obedience to his commands. The same Holy Spirit that taught the love, will have taught obedience also; and that man cannot truly love the children of God, who, by habit, commits sin or neglects known duty. As God's commands are holy, just, and good rules of liberty and happiness, so those who are born of God and love him, do not count them grievous, but lament that they cannot serve him more perfectly. Self-denial is required, but true Christians have a principle which carries them above all hinderances. Though the conflict often is sharp, and the regenerate may be cast down, yet he will rise up and renew his combat with resolution. But all, except believers in Christ, are enslaved in some respect or other, to the customs, opinions, or interests of the world. Faith is the cause of victory, the means, the instrument, the spiritual armour by which we overcome. In and by faith we cleave to Christ, in contempt of, and in opposition to the world. Faith sanctifies the heart, and purifies it from those sensual lusts by which the world obtains sway and dominion over souls. It has the indwelling Spirit of grace, which is greater than he who dwells in the world. The real Christian overcomes the world by faith; he sees, in and by the life and conduct of the Lord Jesus on earth, that this world is to be renounced and overcome. He cannot be satisfied with this world, but looks beyond it, and is still tending, striving, and pressing toward heaven. We must all, after Christ's example, overcome the world, or it will overcome us to our ruin.