1 John 2:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
γράφω
I write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#2
ὑμῖν,
unto you
to (with or by) you
#3
πατέρα
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#4
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
ἐγνώκατε
ye have known
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#6
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἀπ'
him that is from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#8
ἀρχῆς
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#9
γράφω
I write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#10
ὑμῖν,
unto you
to (with or by) you
#11
νεανίσκοι
young men
a youth (under forty)
#12
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#13
νενικήκατε
ye have overcome
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#14
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πονηρόν
the wicked one
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
#16
γράφω
I write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#17
ὑμῖν,
unto you
to (with or by) you
#18
παιδία
little children
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
#19
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#20
ἐγνώκατε
ye have known
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#21
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
πατέρα
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 John. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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