1 John 2:7

Authorized King James Version

Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀδελφοί,
G80
Brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#2
οὐκ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#3
ἐντολὴ
commandment
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#4
καινὴν
new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#5
γράφω
I write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#6
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#7
ἀλλ'
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#8
ἐντολὴ
commandment
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#9
παλαιά
The old
antique, i.e., not recent, worn out
#10
ὃν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#11
εἴχετε
ye had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#12
ἀπ'
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#13
ἀρχῆς·
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἐντολὴ
commandment
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
παλαιά
The old
antique, i.e., not recent, worn out
#18
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
λόγος
the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#21
ὃν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#22
ἠκούσατε
ye have heard
to hear (in various senses)
#23
ἀπ'
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#24
ἀρχῆς·
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

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