1 John 2:19

Authorized King James Version

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐξ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐξῆλθον,

G1831

They went out

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

ἦσαν

G2258

they had been

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐξ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#10

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#11

ἦσαν

G2258

they had been

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#12

ἐξ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#13

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

#14

μεμενήκεισαν

G3306

no doubt have continued

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

#15

ἂν

G302

they would

whatsoever

#16

μεθ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#17

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

#18

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#19

ἵνα

G2443

they went out that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#20

φανερωθῶσιν

G5319

they might be made manifest

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

#21

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#22

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#23

εἰσὶν

G1526

they were

they are

#24

πάντες

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#25

ἐξ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#26

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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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