He abideth in Him [ε ν α υ τ ω μ ε ν ε ι ν]. To abide in God is a more common expression with John than to be in God, and marks an advance in thought. The phrase is a favorite one with John. See John 14:4 sqq.; John 6:56; 1 John 2:24; 1 John 2:27; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:6; 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:12 sq.; 15 sq. Bengel notes the gradation in the three phrases "to know Him, to be in Him, to abide in Him; knowledge, fellowship, constancy."

Ought [ο φ ε ι λ ε ι]. An obligation, put as a debt. See Luke 27:10, and on debts, Matthew 6:12. The word expresses a special, personal obligation, and not as dei must, an obligation in the nature of things. See John 20:9, and compare 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:11; 3 John 1:8.

He [ε κ ε ι ν ο ς]. Always of Christ in the Epistles of John. See ejkeinhv, referring to aJmartia sin, 1 John 5:16.

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Old Testament