1 John 2:1

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

Τεκνία

G5040

little children

an infant, i.e., (plural figuratively) darlings (christian converts)

μου

G3450

of me

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

γράφω

G1125

write I

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἁμάρτῃ

G264

sin

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#10

ἐάν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

#11

τις

G5100

any man

some or any person or object

#12

ἁμάρτῃ

G264

sin

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

#13

παράκλητον

G3875

an advocate

an intercessor, consoler

#14

ἔχομεν

G2192

we have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#15

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,

#16

τὸν

G3588

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

#17

πατέρα

G3962

the Father

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

#18

Ἰησοῦν

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#19

Χριστὸν

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#20

δίκαιον·

G1342

the righteous

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Romans 8:34 Romans 8:34
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
— Christ maketh intercession
² Hebrews 7:25 Hebrews 7:25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
— Ever liveth to make intercession

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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