1 John 2:20

Authorized King James Version

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But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ But G2532
καὶ But
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑμεῖς ye G5210
ὑμεῖς ye
Strong's: G5210
Word #: 2 of 10
you (as subjective of verb)
χρῖσμα an unction G5545
χρῖσμα an unction
Strong's: G5545
Word #: 3 of 10
an unguent or smearing, i.e., (figuratively) the special endowment ("chrism") of the holy spirit
ἔχετε have G2192
ἔχετε have
Strong's: G2192
Word #: 4 of 10
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀπὸ from G575
ἀπὸ from
Strong's: G575
Word #: 5 of 10
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίου the Holy One G40
ἁγίου the Holy One
Strong's: G40
Word #: 7 of 10
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ But G2532
καὶ But
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἴδατε ye know G1492
οἴδατε ye know
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 9 of 10
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πάντα all things G3956
πάντα all things
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 10 of 10
all, any, every, the whole

Cross References

John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Proverbs 28:5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.Psalms 23:5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Acts 10:38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.Hebrews 1:9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.1 John 4:13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.Psalms 45:7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Analysis & Commentary

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. In contrast to the antichrists who departed, true believers possess divine enablement. "But ye" (kai hymeis) emphasizes contrast—unlike apostates, genuine believers have something securing them. "Have an unction" (chrisma echete)—chrisma (anointing) comes from chriō, to anoint. This refers to the Holy Spirit's presence and work in believers. The term connects to Christ (Christos, the Anointed One) and Christians (anointed ones).

"From the Holy One" (apo tou hagiou) identifies the anointing's source—the Holy One is Christ (Mark 1:24, John 6:69, Acts 3:14). Through Christ, believers receive the Spirit (John 14:26, 15:26). This anointing occurred at regeneration and conversion—the Spirit's indwelling marking believers as God's possession. Unlike Gnostic claims to special post-conversion enlightenment for elites, John teaches all believers receive the Spirit's anointing.

"And ye know all things" (kai oidate panta) doesn't mean omniscience but possession of essential truth necessary for salvation and godliness. Through the Spirit's anointing, believers know Christ, the gospel, and fundamental doctrines. This knowledge isn't exhaustive but sufficient—believers possess spiritual discernment through the Spirit to recognize and resist error. The antichrists lacked this anointing; believers possess it, enabling them to remain faithful when others depart.

Historical Context

In the Old Testament, anointing with oil symbolized the Spirit's empowering for special roles—prophets, priests, kings. The Messiah (Anointed One) would possess the Spirit without measure (Isaiah 61:1, fulfilled in Luke 4:18). New covenant promise extended this: all believers would receive the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29, fulfilled at Pentecost, Acts 2:16-18). Peter proclaimed: "the gift of the Holy Spirit" for all who repent and believe (Acts 2:38-39).

Against Gnostic elitism claiming special knowledge (gnōsis) for enlightened few, John democratizes spiritual knowledge: all Christians have the Spirit's anointing and therefore "know all things" (essential truth). This provided assurance to ordinary believers intimidated by Gnostic teachers' claimed superior knowledge. Believers need not feel inferior—they possess the Spirit, who guides into truth (John 16:13).

The Reformation emphasized the "priesthood of all believers"—all Christians have direct access to God and truth through the Spirit, not needing priestly mediators. Puritan piety developed detailed teaching on the Spirit's internal witness and illumination, enabling believers to understand Scripture and discern truth from error. John's teaching grounds this: the Spirit's anointing provides essential knowledge for Christian faith and perseverance.

Questions for Reflection

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