1-john 5:18
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
We know that whoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not.
American King James Version (AKJV)
We know that whoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not.
American Standard Version (ASV)
We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
We are certain that one who is a child of God will do no sin, but the Son of God keeps him so that he is not touched by the Evil One.
Webster's Revision
We know that whoever is born of God, sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God, keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
World English Bible
We know that whoever is born of God doesn't sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn't touch him.
English Revised Version (ERV)
We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth him, and the evil one toucheth him not.
Definitions for 1-john 5:18
Clarke's 1-john 5:18 Bible Commentary
Whosoever is born of God sinneth not - This is spoken of adult Christians; they are cleansed from all unrighteousness, consequently from all sin, 1 John 1:7-9.
Keepeth himself - That is, in the love of God, Jde 1:21, by building up himself on his most holy faith, and praying in the Holy Ghost; and that wicked one - the devil, toucheth him not - finds nothing of his own nature in him on which he can work, Christ dwelling in his heart by faith.
Barnes's 1-john 5:18 Bible Commentary
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not - Is not habitually and characteristically a sinner; does not ultimately and finally sin and perish; cannot, therefore, commit the unpardonable sin. Though he may fall into sin, and grieve his brethren, yet we are never to cease to pray for a true Christian: we are never to feel that he has committed the sin which has never forgiveness, and that he has thrown himself beyond the reach of our prayers. This passage, in its connection, is a full proof that a true Christian "will" never commit the unpardonable sin, and, therefore, is a proof that he will never fall from grace. Compare the notes at Hebrews 6:4-8; Hebrews 10:26. On the meaning of the assertion here made, that "whosoever is born of God sinneth not," see the notes at 1 John 3:6-9.
Keepeth himself - It is not said that he does it by his own strength, but he will put forth his best efforts to keep himself from sin, and by divine assistance he will be able to accomplish it. Compare the 1 John 3:3 note; Jde 1:21 note.
And that wicked one toucheth him not - The great enemy of all good is repelled in his assaults, and he is kept from falling into his snares. The word "toucheth" (ἅπτεται haptetai) is used here in the sense of harm or injure.
Wesley's 1-john 5:18 Bible Commentary
5:18 Yet this gives us no encouragement to sin: on the contrary, it is an indisputable truth, he that is born of God - That sees and loves God. Sinneth not - So long as that lovingfaith abides in him, he neither speaks nor does anything which God hath forbidden. He keepeth himself - Watching unto prayer.And, while he does this, the wicked one toucheth him not - So as to hurt him.
