1Jo 2:5 | JFB | STEP | 5. Not merely repeating the proposition, , or asserting the merely opposite alternative to , but expanding the "know Him" of , into "in Him, verily (not as a matter of vain boasting) is the love of (that is towards) God perfected," and "we are in Him." Love here answers to knowledge in . In proportion as we love God, in that same proportion we know Him, and vice versa, until our love and knowledge shall attain their full maturity of perfection. his word — His word is one (see on ), and comprises His " commandments, " which are many ( ). hereby —in our progressing towards this ideal of perfected love and obedience. There is a gradation: , " know Him"; , "we are in Him"; , " abideth in Him"; respectively, knowledge, fellowship, abiding constancy. [BENGEL ].

1 John 2:5

5. Not merely repeating the proposition, 1Jo 2:3, or asserting the merely opposite alternative to 1Jo 2:4, but expanding the "know Him" of 1Jo 2:3, into "in Him, verily (not as a matter of vain boasting) is the love of (that is towards) God perfected," and "we are in Him." Love here answers to knowledge in 1Jo 2:3. In proportion as we love God, in that same proportion we know Him, and vice versa, until our love and knowledge shall attain their full maturity of perfection.

his word—His word is one (see on 1Jo 1:5), and comprises His "commandments," which are many (1Jo 2:3).

hereby—in our progressing towards this ideal of perfected love and obedience. There is a gradation: 1Jo 2:3, "know Him"; 1Jo 2:5, "we are in Him"; 1Jo 2:6, "abideth in Him"; respectively, knowledge, fellowship, abiding constancy. [BENGEL].