1 John 1:5

Authorized King James Version

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

and

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

αὕτη

G3778

This

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἔστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ

G3588

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

ἐπαγγελία

G1860

the message

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

ἣν

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἀκηκόαμεν

G191

we have heard

to hear (in various senses)

ἀπ'

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

ἀναγγέλλομεν

G312

declare

to announce (in detail)

#12

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

#13

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#14

ὁ

G3588

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

#15

Θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#16

φῶς

G5457

light

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

#17

ἔστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

σκοτία

G4653

darkness

dimness, obscurity (literally or figuratively)

#20

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#21

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#22

οὐκ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#23

ἔστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#24

οὐδεμία

G3762

at all

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 John's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

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