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What does 1 John 5:20 mean?

We also know that God’s Son has come and given us understanding, so we can know the true God. And we’re in the true God—by being in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the real God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 - Modern Text Bible

(Jesus helps us truly know God, and being connected to him means we’re connected to the source of real, lasting life.)

Jesus came so people could actually know the true God, not just know about him. The Greek word for ‘understanding’ is dianoia, meaning deep thought or insight that changes how you see reality. This isn’t about religious trivia—it’s about real connection. The verse claims that Jesus is the one who makes God known, and that this knowledge is personal and life-changing.

This challenges the idea that God is distant, unknowable, or just a concept. It says you can have a genuine relationship with the source of everything, and that this isn’t reserved for the super-religious or the morally perfect.

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to know what’s true or connect with something bigger than yourself, this verse says you can. It’s not about memorizing rules, but about a new way of seeing and living that’s open to anyone who’s curious enough to look.