Definition: [And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 John 5:19. It's a really important one with a lot of meaning! Here's what it says in simpler terms: “And we know that we are of God.” "We" means we , as believers – those who have been saved by Jesus Christ. “Know” means to understand something. So, we understand that we’re part of something greater than ourselves. “The whole world lieth in wickedness” “The whole world” refers to all of humanity – everyone, everywhere. It's the entire planet and its inhabitants. “lieth” is a verb form that means “to lie down” or “to be in a state of.” It suggests a state of being. “in wickedness” means in a state of moral wrongness, evil, or corruption. It describes the general condition of the world – a place where people are often acting badly and not following God’s will. So, putting it all together: This verse essentially says that we , as believers, are fundamentally connected to God. And because we're connected to God, the whole world – humanity – is in a state of being very wrong or evil. What does this mean for us? It’s a powerful message about: Our Salvation: We are chosen and saved by God through Jesus Christ. This means we have a special relationship with Him. Hope for the Future: It's a call to be vigilant – to actively fight against evil and wickedness – because it suggests that the world is heading towards a time of darkness and moral decline. In short, this verse emphasizes our unique identity as children of God and urges us to remain steadfast in our faith and work for good. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you a different way of interpreting it? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of 1 John?