1 John 2:18

Authorized King James Version

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Παιδία

G3813

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

ἐσχάτη

G2078

the last

farthest, final (of place or time)

ὥρα

G5610

time

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐστίν

G2076

it is

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἠκούσατε

G191

ye have heard

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ

G3588

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

#10

ἀντίχριστοι

G500

antichrist

an opponent of the messiah

#11

ἔρχεται

G2064

shall come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

#14

ἀντίχριστοι

G500

antichrist

an opponent of the messiah

#15

πολλοὶ

G4183

many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#16

γεγόνασιν

G1096

are there

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#17

ὅθεν

G3606

whereby

from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)

#18

γινώσκομεν

G1097

we know

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

#19

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#20

ἐσχάτη

G2078

the last

farthest, final (of place or time)

#21

ὥρα

G5610

time

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

#22

ἐστίν

G2076

it is

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

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

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

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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