Prev1 John 2:21Next

1 John 2

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

What does 1 John 2:21 mean?

Explanation

1 John 2:21 is an affirmation from the author, traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, recognizing the recipients' understanding and adherence to the truth of the Christian faith.

In this verse, John explicitly states his confidence in the believers' knowledge of the truth. He contrasts truth with lies, underlining the belief that lies are completely incompatible with the truth; therefore, anything that is a lie cannot originate from or be part of the truth.

From a more profound perspective, this verse can be viewed as an assurance to the early Christians that their foundational beliefs, particularly about Jesus Christ and his teachings, are correct and should be held onto amidst a realm of falsehoods and deception.

Top Rated 1 John Books

Historical Context

This epistle is believed to have been written around 90-110 AD, a time when the early church was facing internal conflicts, such as Gnosticism and other diverging beliefs.

These alternative doctrines often challenged the divinity or humanity of Jesus and proposed a different understanding of salvation.

John wrote this letter to reassure and encourage believers in the truth of the Gospel that had been delivered to them by the Apostles.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, 1 John 2:21 reinforces the concept of God as the source of truth, and Jesus as the embodiment of that truth (as proclaimed in John 14:6). It emphasizes the importance of adhering to Apostolic doctrine as the true teaching, rejecting falsehood and heresy.

Some theologians may also interpret the verse to underline the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers toward truth.

Practical Applications

The teachings of 1 John 2:21 can encourage individuals to remain steadfast in their faith and convictions, even when faced with deceptive ideologies or false teachings.

It can be applied to encourage the study of scripture and a commitment to understanding and living out the principles of the Christian faith.

It also serves as a reminder to be discerning and to test everything in the light of God's truth.

Cross-References

John 8:32 - "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 17:17 - "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
John 14:6 - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Ephesians 6:14 - "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"
2 John 1:2 - "For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever."

Language Study

In this verse, the word "truth" (Greek: aletheia) signifies the reality as opposed to what is false or incorrect.

The phrase "no lie is of the truth" points out the distinct separation between the concepts of truth (aletheia) and lie (Greek: pseudos), highlighting the impossibility of reconciliation between truth and falsehood, as they are antithetical.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this concept to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, truth versus falsehood is a common theme.

For example, in ancient Egyptian religion, the goddess Ma'at represented truth, balance, and order, whereas the god Set represented chaos and lies.

The duality and opposition between truth and lies are themes found in various religions and cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

The intersection of this verse with science highlights the importance of pursuing truth and rejecting falsehood. In science, theories and ideas must be tested and proven true or false; similarly, the verse encourages individuals to discern and uphold truth.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries elaborate on the importance of this verse within the Johannine context.

For instance, the John MacArthur Study Bible notes that John wrote these words to those who were true believers, contrasting them with the false teachers and apostates of that time.

The Matthew Henry Commentary adds that John insists upon knowing the truth as the evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which teaches us all things.

These commentaries, among others, reflect a consensus that 1 John 2:21 is written to affirm the believer's knowledge of the Gospel's truth and to warn against the influence of false teachings.

1 John 2

1 John 2

What does 1 John 2:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 John 2:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?