1 John 1:2

Authorized King James Version

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

(For

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζωὴν

G2222

life

life (literally or figuratively)

ἐφανερώθη

G5319

was manifested

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

(For

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἑωράκαμεν

G3708

we have seen

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

καὶ

G2532

(For

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μαρτυροῦμεν

G3140

bear witness

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

(For

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

ἀπαγγέλλομεν

G518

shew

to announce

#11

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

#12

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

ζωὴν

G2222

life

life (literally or figuratively)

#14

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

αἰώνιον

G166

that eternal

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

#16

ἥτις

G3748

which

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#17

ἦν

G2258

was

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#18

πρὸς

G4314

with

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#19

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

πατέρα

G3962

the Father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#21

καὶ

G2532

(For

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

ἐφανερώθη

G5319

was manifested

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

#23

ἡμῖν

G2254

unto us

to (or for, with, by) us

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 John. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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