2 John 1:7

Authorized King James Version

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
G3754
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
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
#3
πλάνος
G4108
a deceiver
roving (as a tramp), i.e., (by implication) an impostor or misleader
#4
εἰσῆλθον
G1525
are entered
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#5
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#6
ὁ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
κόσμον
G2889
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#8
ὁ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#10
ὁμολογοῦντες
G3670
confess
to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge
#11
Ἰησοῦν
G2424
that Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#12
Χριστὸν
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#13
ἐρχόμενον
G2064
is come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
σαρκί·
G4561
the flesh
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
#16
οὗτός
G3778
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#17
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#18
ὁ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
πλάνος
G4108
a deceiver
roving (as a tramp), i.e., (by implication) an impostor or misleader
#20
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
ὁ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἀντίχριστος
G500
an antichrist
an opponent of the messiah

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 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