Hereby
The Word Hereby in Scripture
The word "hereby" appears in older English translations of the Bible, particularly the King James Version, as a translation of various Hebrew and Greek expressions meaning "by this," "in this," or "by this means." While modern translations typically replace it with clearer phrasing, the concept behind "hereby" is significant: it introduces a marker or test by which something can be known or verified.
Hereby in the Old Testament
In Genesis 42:15, Joseph uses the word when testing his brothers: "Hereby ye shall be proved," translating the Hebrew phrase meaning "by this." Joseph was establishing a concrete test to verify his brothers' claims about their family. This usage shows that "hereby" introduces a demonstrable criterion, a way of establishing truth through evidence rather than mere assertion.
Hereby in John's Epistles
The most theologically significant uses of "hereby" occur in the First Epistle of John, where the apostle repeatedly uses the Greek phrases "by this" or "in this" to identify marks of genuine Christian faith. These occurrences form a series of spiritual tests:
- "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 John 2:3)
- "Hereby know we that we are in him" (1 John 2:5)
- "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16)
- "Hereby we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:13)
These statements provide believers with objective criteria for assessing the reality of their relationship with God.
Paul's Use of the Concept
In 1 Corinthians 4:4, Paul writes, "I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified," using the Greek phrase meaning "in this" to discuss the limitations of self-examination. Paul acknowledges that his own clear conscience does not constitute final vindication; only the Lord's judgment matters. This usage shows that "hereby" can also mark the boundaries of what a particular test can prove.
The Tests of Life
John's repeated use of "hereby" creates what theologians have called the "tests of life" — practical criteria for distinguishing genuine faith from false profession. These tests include obedience to God's commands (1 John 2:3), love for fellow believers (1 John 3:14, 19), confession of Christ (1 John 4:2), and the presence of the Spirit (1 John 4:13). Together, they provide a comprehensive framework for spiritual self-assessment that remains relevant for believers today.
From Archaic Word to Living Principle
While "hereby" as a word has largely disappeared from modern English usage, the principle it represents is timeless. The Bible consistently teaches that authentic faith produces visible evidence. Jesus taught that trees are known by their fruit (Matthew 7:16-20), and James insisted that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Every "hereby" in Scripture points toward the same truth: genuine relationship with God is not invisible but manifests in concrete, observable ways.
Biblical Context
Hereby appears in Genesis 42:15, 1 Corinthians 4:4, and extensively in 1 John (2:3, 2:5, 3:16, 3:19, 3:24, 4:2, 4:6, 4:13). In John's epistles, it introduces tests for verifying genuine faith, love, and knowledge of God. In Genesis, it introduces a concrete test of truth.
Theological Significance
The concept behind 'hereby' establishes that biblical faith is verifiable through evidence. John's epistles use it to create objective tests of spiritual life: obedience, love, confession of Christ, and the Spirit's presence. This teaches that genuine faith produces observable fruit and provides believers with criteria for assurance of salvation.
Historical Background
The word 'hereby' in English reflects the formal register of the King James Version (1611). The underlying Greek phrase 'en touto' (in this) was a common demonstrative construction in Koine Greek. John's literary style of presenting tests of faith through repeated 'by this' formulations is distinctive among New Testament writers and may reflect a teaching method designed for oral instruction in early Christian communities.