1 John 2:14

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἔγραψα

G1125

I have written

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

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

πατέρες

G3962

fathers

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

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγνώκατε

G1097

ye have known

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὸν

G3588

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

ἀπ'

G575

him that is from

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

ἀρχῆς

G746

the beginning

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

ἔγραψα

G1125

I have written

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

#10

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

#11

νεανίσκοι

G3495

young men

a youth (under forty)

#12

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#13

ἰσχυροί

G2478

strong

forcible (literally or figuratively)

#14

ἐστε

G2075

ye are

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

ὁ

G3588

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

#17

λόγος

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#18

τοῦ

G3588

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

#19

Θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#20

ἐν

G1722

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

#21

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

#22

μένει

G3306

abideth

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#24

νενικήκατε

G3528

ye have overcome

to subdue (literally or figuratively)

#25

τὸν

G3588

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

#26

πονηρόν

G4190

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 John.

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 sovereignty 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?
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?

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