1 John 2:21

Authorized King James Version

I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

ἔγραψα

G1125

I have

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

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

οἴδατε

G1492

ye know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὴν

G3588

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

ἀληθείας

G225

the truth

truth

ἀλλ'

G235

but

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

#10

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#11

οἴδατε

G1492

ye know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#12

αὐτήν,

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#15

πᾶν

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

#16

ψεῦδος

G5579

lie

a falsehood

#17

ἐκ

G1537

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

#18

τῆς

G3588

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

#19

ἀληθείας

G225

the truth

truth

#20

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#21

ἔστιν

G2076

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 truth 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 truth in this particular way.

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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