1JN front intro nl27 0 # Introduction to 1 John<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>#### Outline of the Book of 1 John<br><br>1. Introduction (1:1-4)<br>1. Christian living (1:5-3:10)<br>1. The command to love one another (3:11-5:12)<br>1. Conclusion (5:13-21)<br><br>#### Who wrote the Book of 1 John?<br><br>This book does not name the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the Apostle John was the author. He was also wrote of the Gospel of John.<br><br>#### What is the Book of 1 John about?<br><br>John wrote this letter to Christians at a time when false teachers were troubling them. John wrote this letter because he wanted to prevent believers from sinning. He wanted to protect believers from false teachings. And he wanted to assure believers that they were saved.<br><br>#### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "1 John" or "First John." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "The First Letter From John" or "The First Letter John Wrote." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>#### Who were the people that John spoke against?<br><br>The people John spoke against were possibly those who would become known as Gnostics. These people believed that the physical world was evil. Since they believed Jesus was divine, they denied that he was truly human. This is because they thought God would not become human since the physical body is evil. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>#### What do the words "remain," "reside," and "abide" mean in 1 John?<br><br>John often used the words "remain," "reside," and "abide" as metaphors. John spoke of a believer becoming more faithful to Jesus and knowing Jesus better as if Jesus' word "remained" in the believer. Also, John spoke of someone being spiritually joined to someone else as if the person "remained" in the other person. Christians are said to "remain" in Christ and in God. The Father is said to "remain" in the Son, and the Son is said to "remain" in the Father. The Son is said to "remain" in believers. The Holy Spirit is also said to "remain" in the believers.<br><br>Many translators will find it impossible to represent these ideas in their languages in exactly the same way. For example, John intended to express the idea of the Christian being spiritually together with God when he said, "He who says he remains in God" (1 John 2:6). The UST says, "If we say that we are in union with God," but translators will often have to find other expressions that communicate these ideas well.<br><br>In the passage, "the word of God remains in you" (1 John 2:13), the UST expresses this idea as, "you continue to obey what God commands." Many translators will find it possible to use this translation as a model.<br><br>#### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 1 John?<br><br>For the following verses, some modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.<br><br>* "And we are writing these things to you so that our joy may be complete" (1:4). Some older versions have, "And we are writing these things to you so that your joy may be complete."<br>* "And you all know the truth" (2:20). Other modern versions have, "And you all have knowledge." Some older versions have, "and you know all things."<br>* "and this is what we are!" (3:1). The ULT, UST, and most modern versions read this way. Some older versions omit this phrase.<br>* "and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God" (4:3). The ULT, UST, and most modern versions have this reading. Some older versions read, "and every spirit that does not acknowledge that Jesus has
1JN 1 intro ab9v 0 # 1 John 01 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>This is a letter that John wrote to Christians.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Christians and sin<br>In this chapter John teaches that all Christians are still sinners. But God continues to forgive a Christian's sins. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/forgive]])<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphors<br><br>In this chapter John writes that God is light. Light is a metaphor for understanding and righteousness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])<br><br>John also writes about people walking in the light or in the darkness. Walking is a metaphor for behaving or living. People who walk in the light understand what is righteous and do it. People who walk in the darkness may not understand what is righteous, and they do what is sinful.<br>
1JN 1 1 axg6 figs-you 0 General Information: The apostle John wrote this letter to believers. All instances of "you," "your," and "yours" include all believers and are plural. Here the words "we" and "us" refer to John and those who had been with Jesus. In verses 1-2 many pronouns like "that," "which," and "it" are used. They refer to "the Word of life" and "the eternal life." But, since these are names for Jesus, you can use pronouns that refer to a person like "who," "whom" or "he." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
1JN 1 1 rb73 figs-parallelism 0 which we have seen ... we have looked at This is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "which we ourselves have seen" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 1 1 gt44 τοῦ λόγου τῆς ζωῆς 1 the Word of life "Jesus, the one who causes people to live forever"
1JN 1 1 i8b4 figs-metonymy ζωῆς 1 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 1 2 la4a figs-activepassive ἡ ζωὴ ἐφανερώθη 1 the life was made known This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made the eternal life known to us" or "God made us able to know him, who is eternal life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 1 2 lyt6 figs-metonymy τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον 1 the eternal life Here, "the eternal life" refers to the one who gives that life, Jesus. Alternate translation: "the one who enables us to live forever" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 1 2 fru2 figs-activepassive καὶ ... ἐφανερώθη ... ἡμῖν 1 and which has been made known to us This was when he lived on earth. Alternate translation: "and he came to live among us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 1 3 jd7p figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Here the words "we," "us," and "our" refer to John and those who had been with Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 1 3 vw2w ὃ ἑωράκαμεν, καὶ ἀκηκόαμεν, ἀπαγγέλλομεν καὶ ὑμῖν 1 That which we have seen and heard we declare also to you "We say to you also what we have seen and heard"
1JN 1 3 tf4m ἡ κοινωνία ... ἡ ἡμετέρα 1 Our fellowship It is not clear if John is including or excluding his readers. You may translate this either way.
1JN 1 3 rxq7 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Father ... Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 1 5 djn4 figs-inclusive 0 General Information: Here the words "we" and "us" refer to all believers, including the people to whom John was writing. Unless otherwise stated, that is the meaning for the remainder of this book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
1JN 1 5 kz3i 0 Connecting Statement: From here into the next chapter, John writes about fellowship—close relationships with God and other believers.
1JN 1 5 cd6f figs-metonymy ὁ Θεὸς φῶς ἐστιν 1 God is light This is a metaphor that means that God is perfectly pure and holy. Cultures that associate goodness with light may be able to keep the idea of light without explaining the metaphor. Alternate translation: "God is purely righteous like pure light" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 1 5 e9m2 figs-metaphor σκοτία ἐν αὐτῷ, οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεμία 1 in him there is no darkness at all This is a metaphor that means that God never sins and is not evil in any way. Cultures that associate evil with darkness may be able to keep the idea of darkness without explaining the metaphor. Alternate translation: "in him there is nothing that is evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 6 f958 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ σκότει περιπατῶμεν 1 walk in darkness Here "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here "darkness" is a metaphor for "evil." Alternate translation: "do what is evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 7 lpr3 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ φωτὶ περιπατῶμεν, ὡς αὐτός ἐστιν ἐν τῷ φωτί 1 walk in the light as he is in the light Here "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here "light" is a metaphor for "good" or "right." Alternate translation: "do what is good as God is perfectly good" or "do what is right as God is perfectly right" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 7 d7d8 figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα Ἰησοῦ 1 the blood of Jesus This refers to the death of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 1 7 jb3e guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 1 8 tt51 figs-metaphor ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν 1 the truth is not in us The truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be inside believers. Alternate translation: "we do not believe what God says is true" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 9 f68c figs-parallelism ἵνα ἀφῇ ἡμῖν τὰς ἁμαρτίας, καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀδικίας 1 to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness These two phrases mean basically the same thing. John uses them to emphasize that God will surely forgive our sins. Alternate translation: "and will completely forgive us of what we have done wrong" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 1 10 hii2 figs-explicit ψεύστην ποιοῦμεν αὐτὸν 1 we make him out to be a liar It is implied that a person who claims to be without sin would be calling God a liar since he said that everyone is a sinner. Alternate translation: "it is the same as calling him a liar, because he said we have all sinned" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 1 10 m3p1 figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν 1 his word is not in us "Word" here is a metonym for "message." Obeying and honoring God's word is spoken of as if his word were inside the believers. Alternate translation: "we do not understand God's word nor obey what he says" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 intro zjj9 0 # 1 John 02 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Antichrist<br><br>In this chapter John writes about both a specific antichrist and many antichrists. The word "antichrist" means "opposed to Christ." The antichrist is a person who will come in the last days and imitate Jesus' work, but he will do it for evil. Before this person comes, there will be many people who work against Christ; they too are called "antichrists." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/antichrist]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphor<br><br>There are several groups of similar metaphors that are used throughout this chapter.<br><br>Being in God is a metaphor for having fellowship with God, and God's word and truth being in people is a metaphor for people knowing and obeying God's word.<br><br>Walking is a metaphor for behaving, not knowing where one is going is a metaphor for not knowing how to behave, and stumbling is a metaphor for sinning.<br><br>The light is a metaphor for knowing and doing what is right, and darkness and blindness are metaphors for not knowing what is right and doing what is wrong.<br><br>Leading people astray is a metaphor for teaching people things that are not true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br>
1JN 2 1 u65h figs-inclusive 0 General Information: Here the words "we" and "us" refer to John and all believers. The words "him" and "his" could refer to God the Father or to Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
1JN 2 1 w9ji 0 Connecting Statement: John continues to write about fellowship and shows that it is possible because Jesus goes between believers and the Father.
1JN 2 1 v57g figs-metaphor τεκνία 1 Children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. Alternate translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 1 stj2 figs-explicit Παράκλητον ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα, Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν δίκαιον 1 we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the one who is righteous The word "advocate" here refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "we have Jesus Christ, the one who is righteous, who speaks to the Father and asks him to forgive us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 2 h8fg αὐτὸς ἱλασμός ἐστιν περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 He is the propitiation for our sins "God is no longer angry with us, because Jesus sacrificed his own life for our sins" or "Jesus is the one who sacrificed his life for our sins, so God is no longer angry with us for our sins"
1JN 2 3 el7q γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἐγνώκαμεν αὐτόν 1 We know that we have come to know him "We know that we know him" or "We know that we have a good relationship with him"
1JN 2 4 qt4e τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ 1 his commandments "what God tells him to do"
1JN 2 4 cj84 figs-metaphor ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν 1 the truth is not in him The truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be inside the believers. Alternate translation: "he does not believe what God says is true" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 5 aqa4 figs-idiom τηρῇ αὐτοῦ τὸν λόγον 1 keeps his word To keep someone's word here is an idiom for to obey. Alternate translation: "does what God tells him to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 5 x88p figs-possession ἀληθῶς ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ τετελείωται 1 in him truly the love of God has been perfected This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "the love of God" refers to a person loving God, and "perfected" represents completely or fully. Alternate translation: "it is that person who loves God completely" or 2) "the love of God" refers to God loving people, and "perfected" represents completing its purpose. Alternate translation: "God's love has achieved its purpose in that person's life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 2 5 b688 figs-metaphor ἐν τούτῳ ... γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐσμεν 1 By this we know that we are in him The phrase "we are in him" means that the believer has fellowship with God. Alternate translation: "When we obey what God says, we can be certain that we have fellowship with him" or "By this we know that are joined to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 6 u6lu figs-metaphor 0 remains in God To remain in God means to continue to have fellowship with God. Alternate translation: "continues to have fellowship with God" or "stays joined to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 6 x5n1 figs-metaphor ὀφείλει καθὼς ἐκεῖνος περιεπάτησεν, καὶ αὐτὸς περιπατεῖν 1 should himself also walk just as he walked Conducting one's life is spoken of as if it were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "must live as he lived" or "should also obey God just as Jesus Christ did" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 7 amu6 οὐκ ἐντολὴν καινὴν γράφω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἐντολὴν παλαιὰν 1 I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment "I write to you to love one other, which is not a new thing to do but an old commandment that you had heard." John refers to Jesus' command to love one another.
1JN 2 7 vz9w figs-explicit ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 from the beginning Here, "beginning" refers to when they decided to follow Christ. Alternate translation: "from when you first believed in Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 7 eia9 ἡ ἐντολὴ ἡ παλαιά ἐστιν ὁ λόγος ὃν ἠκούσατε 1 The old commandment is the word that you heard. ""The old commandment is the message that you heard"
1JN 2 8 i1up πάλιν ἐντολὴν καινὴν γράφω ὑμῖν 1 Yet I am writing a new commandment to you "But in one way the commandment I write to you is a new commandment"
1JN 2 8 i8gr figs-metaphor ἡ σκοτία παράγεται, καὶ τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινὸν ἤδη φαίνει 1 the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining Here "darkness" is a metaphor for "evil" and "light" is a metaphor for "good." Alternate translation: "because you are ceasing to do evil and you are doing more and more good" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 9 srl7 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ φωτὶ εἶναι 1 he is in the light Here to be "in the light" is a metaphor for doing what is right. Alternate translation: "he does what is right" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 9 mp9f figs-metaphor ἐν ... τῇ σκοτίᾳ ἐστὶν 1 is in the darkness Here to be "in the darkness" is a metaphor for doing what is evil. Alternate translation: "does what is evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 10 q2x1 figs-metaphor σκάνδαλον ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν 1 there is no occasion for stumbling in him "nothing will cause him to stumble." The word "stumbling" is a metaphor that means to fail spiritually or morally. Alternate translation: "nothing will cause him to sin" or "he will not fail to do what is pleasing to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 11 u44x figs-metaphor ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ἐστὶν, καὶ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ περιπατεῖ 1 is in the darkness and walks in the darkness Here "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here to be "in the darkness" and "walks in the darkness" mean the same thing. This brings attention to how evil it is to hate a fellow believer. Alternate translation: "does what is evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 2 11 y5cs figs-metaphor οὐκ οἶδεν ποῦ ὑπάγει 1 he does not know where he is going This is a metaphor for the believer who is not living as a Christian should be living. Alternate translation: "he does not know what he should do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 11 w4r2 figs-metaphor ἡ σκοτία ἐτύφλωσεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ 1 the darkness has blinded his eyes "the darkness has made him unable to see." Darkness is a metaphor for sin or evil. Alternate translation: "sin has made it impossible for him to understand the truth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 12 k1w9 0 General Information: John explains why he is writing his letter either to different age groups or to believers with differences in maturity. Try to use similar wording for these sentences, as they are written poetically.
1JN 2 12 in8n figs-metaphor 0 you, dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "you, my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 12 ed41 figs-activepassive ἀφέωνται ὑμῖν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι 1 your sins are forgiven This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God forgives your sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 2 12 yjy8 figs-metonymy διὰ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 because of his name "his name" refers to Christ and who he is. Alternate translation: "because of what Christ has done for you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 13 kue2 figs-metaphor γράφω ὑμῖν, πατέρες 1 I am writing to you, fathers The word "fathers" here is possibly a metaphor referring to mature believers. Alternate translation: "I am writing to you, mature believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 13 y1vm ἐγνώκατε 1 you know "you have a relationship with"
1JN 2 13 wmt8 τὸν ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 the one who is from the beginning "the one who has always lived" or "the one who has always existed." It refers either to "Jesus" or to "God the Father."
1JN 2 13 wg4v figs-metaphor νεανίσκοι 1 young men This possibly refers to those who are no longer new believers but are growing in spiritual maturity. Alternate translation: "young believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 13 tfh1 figs-metaphor νενικήκατε 1 overcome The writer is speaking of the believers' refusal to follow Satan and of their frustrating his plans as if it were a matter of conquering him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 14 l74j figs-metaphor ἰσχυροί ἐστε 1 you are strong Here "strong" refers not to believers' physical strength, but to their faithfulness to Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 14 u3n8 figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν μένει 1 the word of God remains in you "Word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. The writer refers to the believers' increased faithfulness to Christ and knowledge of him as if he were speaking of God's word existing in them. Alternate translation: "God's message continues to teach you" or "you know the word of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 15 xig6 figs-metonymy μὴ ἀγαπᾶτε τὸν κόσμον, μηδὲ 1 Do not love the world nor In 2:15-17 the word "world" refers to all the things people want to do that do not honor God. Alternate translation: "Do not behave like the people in the world who do not honor God, and do not love" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 15 p56b figs-metaphor ἐάν τις ἀγαπᾷ τὸν κόσμον, οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐν αὐτῷ 1 If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him A person cannot love this world and all that dishonors God and love the Father at the same time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 18 esd9 figs-metonymy ἐσχάτη ὥρα ἐστίν 1 it is the last hour The phrase "the last hour" refers to the time just before Jesus returns. Alternate translation: "Jesus will return soon" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 18 r2vq ἀντίχριστοι πολλοὶ γεγόνασιν 1 many antichrists have come "there are many people who are against Christ"
1JN 2 18 rs4w γεγόνασιν, ὅθεν γινώσκομεν 1 have come. By this we know "have come, and because of this we know" or "have come, and because many antichrists have come, we know"
1JN 2 19 rmj7 ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξῆλθαν 1 They went out from us "They left us"
1JN 2 19 ytb1 ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἦσαν ἐξ ἡμῶν 1 but they were not from us "but they did not really belong to us anyway" or "but they were not really part of our group in the first place." The reason they were not really part of the group is that they were not believers in Jesus.
1JN 2 19 jin1 εἰ γὰρ ἐξ ἡμῶν ἦσαν, μεμενήκεισαν ... μεθ’ ἡμῶν 1 For if they had been from us they would have remained with us "We know this because they would not have left us if they really had been believers"
1JN 2 20 i3m1 figs-metaphor καὶ ὑμεῖς χρῖσμα ἔχετε ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἁγίου 1 But you have an anointing from the Holy One John speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were "an anointing" that the people have received from Jesus. The abstract noun "anointing" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "But the Holy One has anointed you" or "But Jesus Christ, the Holy One, has given you his Spirit" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 2 20 gy16 figs-explicit τοῦ Ἁγίου 1 the Holy One This refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "Jesus, the Holy One" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 20 rnw6 figs-abstractnouns 0 the truth The abstract noun "truth" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "what is true" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 2 21 r8yr figs-abstractnouns τῆς ἀληθείας 1 the truth ... no lie is from the truth The abstract noun "truth" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "what is true ... no lie comes from what is true" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 2 22 d71l figs-rquestion τίς ἐστιν ὁ ψεύστης, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἀρνούμενος ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ... ἔστιν ὁ Χριστός 1 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? "Who is the liar? Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ." John used a question to emphasize who liars are. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 2 22 d4u7 ἀρνούμενος ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ... ἔστιν ὁ Χριστός 1 denies that Jesus is the Christ "refuses to say that Jesus is the Christ" or "says that Jesus is not the Messiah"
1JN 2 22 z4t1 ὁ ... ἀρνούμενος ... τὸν Πατέρα καὶ τὸν Υἱόν 1 denies the Father and the Son "refuses to say the truth about the Father and the Son" or "rejects the Father and the Son."
1JN 2 22 pth9 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Father ... Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 2 24 xmi4 figs-you 0 General Information: Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the people to whom John wrote as well as all believers. The word "he" is emphatic and refers to Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1JN 2 24 p41e 0 Connecting Statement: John reminds believers to continue in what they have first heard.
1JN 2 24 zl8y figs-explicit ὃ ἠκούσατε ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, ἐν ὑμῖν μενέτω 1 let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you "remember and believe what you have heard from the beginning." How they heard it, what they heard, and what "the beginning" means can be made explicit: Alternate translation: "continue to trust what we have taught you about Jesus just as you have trusted since you first became believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 24 rfz8 ἐὰν ἐν ὑμῖν μείνῃ ὃ ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς ἠκούσατε 1 If what you heard from the beginning remains in you The word "remains" is talking about relationship, not salvation. Alternate translation: "If you continue to trust what we first taught you"
1JN 2 24 ty7q figs-metaphor καὶ ... ἐν τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ ἐν τῷ Πατρὶ μενεῖτε 1 also remain in the Son and in the Father To "remain in" means to continue to have fellowship with. See how translated a similar phrase to "remain in" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "also continue to have fellowship with Son and with the Father" or "also stay joined to the Son and to the Father" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 25 llj2 αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ ἐπαγγελία ... αὐτὸς ἐπηγγείλατο ἡμῖν– τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον 1 This is the promise he gave to us—eternal life. "This is what he promised to give us—eternal life" or "He has promised to cause us to live forever"
1JN 2 25 id51 figs-metonymy τὴν ζωὴν 1 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1](../01/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 26 fe44 figs-metaphor τῶν πλανώντων ὑμᾶς 1 those who would lead you astray Here "lead you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "those who want to deceive you" or "those who want to make you believe lies about Jesus Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 27 tdj7 0 Connecting Statement: Starting in verse 29, John introduces the idea of being born into God's family. The previous verses show that believers continue to sin; this part shows that believers also have the new nature, which cannot sin. It continues to show how believers can recognize each other.
1JN 2 27 qw47 ὑμεῖς 1 As for you This marks John's telling them something else about how they should live as followers of Jesus instead of following those who are against Christ.
1JN 2 27 cn2f τὸ χρῖσμα 1 the anointing This refers to "God's Spirit." See the note about "anointing" in [1 John 2:20](../02/20.md).
1JN 2 27 tb5k figs-hyperbole ὡς τὸ αὐτοῦ χρῖσμα διδάσκει ὑμᾶς περὶ πάντων 1 as his anointing teaches you everything Here the word "everything" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "because his anointing teaches you everything that you need to know" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1JN 2 27 wr63 figs-metaphor μένετε ἐν αὐτῷ 1 remain in him To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "continue to have fellowship with him" or "stay joined with him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 28 tii1 νῦν 1 Now This word is used here to mark a new part of the letter.
1JN 2 28 kjn9 figs-metaphor 0 dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 intro d8r2 0 # 1 John 03 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Children of God<br>God created all people, but people can only become children of God by believing in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])<br><br>##### Cain<br>Cain was a son of the first man, Adam, and the first woman, Eve. He was jealous of his brother and murdered him. Readers may not know who Cain was if they have not read Genesis. It may help them if you explain this to them.<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### "To know"<br>The verb "to know" is used in two different ways in this chapter. Sometimes it is used about knowing a fact, as in 3:2, 3:5, and 3:19. Sometimes it means to experience and understand someone or something, as in 3:1, 3:6, 3:16, and 3:20. Some languages have different words for these different meanings.<br><br><br>##### "He who keeps God's commandments remains in him, and God remains in him"<br>Many scholars believe this is about remaining in God's will and is not about being saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])<br>
1JN 3 1 as62 0 Connecting Statement: In this part John tells the believers about their new nature, which cannot sin.
1JN 3 1 gl8n ἴδετε ποταπὴν ἀγάπην δέδωκεν ἡμῖν ὁ Πατὴρ 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us "Think about how our Father loves us so much"
1JN 3 1 x99a τέκνα Θεοῦ κληθῶμεν 1 we should be called children of God "the Father called us his children"
1JN 3 1 fq4t διὰ τοῦτο, ὁ κόσμος οὐ γινώσκει ἡμᾶς, ὅτι οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτόν 1 For this reason, the world does not know us, because it did not know him Possible meanings are 1) "Because we are the children of God and because the world did not know God, it does not know us" or 2) "Because the world did not know God, it does not know us."
1JN 3 1 l5e7 figs-metonymy ὁ ... κόσμος οὐ γινώσκει ἡμᾶς, ὅτι οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτόν 1 the world does not know us, because it did not know him Here "the world" refers to people who do not honor God. What the world did not know can be made explicit: Alternate translation: "those who do not honor God do not know that we belong to God, because they did not know God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 2 ek9v ἀγαπητοί ... ἐσμεν 1 Beloved, we are "You people whom I love, we are" or "Dear friends, we are." See how you translated this in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1JN 3 2 anq1 figs-activepassive οὔπω ἐφανερώθη 1 it has not yet been revealed This can be stated in active form: Alternate translation: "God has not yet revealed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 3 pj6a 0 Everyone who has this hope fixed on him purifies himself just as he is pure "Everyone who confidently expects to see Christ as he really is will keep himself pure because Christ is pure"
1JN 3 5 g4ph figs-activepassive 0 Christ was revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ appeared" or "the Father revealed Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 6 j999 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ ἐν αὐτῷ μένων οὐχ 1 remains in him To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "continues to have fellowship with him" or "stays joined with him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 6 eu9c figs-doublet πᾶς ὁ ... ἁμαρτάνων οὐχ ἑώρακεν αὐτὸν, οὐδὲ ἔγνωκεν αὐτόν 1 No one ... has seen him or known him John uses the words "seen" and "known" to say that the person who sins has never met Christ in a spiritual sense. A person behaving according to his sinful nature cannot know Christ. Alternate translation: "No one ... has ever truly believed in him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1JN 3 7 ia4z figs-metaphor 0 Dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 7 wg85 figs-metaphor μηδεὶς πλανάτω ὑμᾶς 1 do not let anyone lead you astray Here "lead you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "do not let anyone fool you" or "do not let anyone deceive you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 7 v4yp 0 The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous "He who does what is right is pleasing to God just as Christ is pleasing to God."
1JN 3 8 cit3 figs-metonymy ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 from the beginning This refers to the very earliest time of creation before humans first sinned. Alternate translation: "since the earliest time of creation" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 8 nq4w figs-activepassive ἐφανερώθη ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the Son of God was revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God revealed his Son" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 8 p9ks guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 3 9 ftw3 figs-activepassive πᾶς ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Whoever has been born from God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Whoever God has made his child" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 9 ps9v figs-metaphor τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 God's seed This speaks of the Holy Spirit, whom God gives to believers and who makes them able to resist sin and do what pleases God as if he were a physical seed that is planted in the earth and grows. This is sometimes referred to as the new nature. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 9 fp7x figs-activepassive ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ... γεγέννηται 1 he has been born of God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has given him new spiritual life" or "he is a child of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 10 w33l figs-activepassive ἐν τούτῳ φανερά ἐστιν τὰ τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὰ τέκνα τοῦ διαβόλου 1 In this the children of God and children of the devil are revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is how we know the children of God and the children of the devil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 10 ctk6 figs-doublenegatives 0 Whoever does not do what is righteous is not from God, neither is the one who does not love his brother The words "from God" are understood in the second part of the sentence. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "whoever does not do what is righteous is not from God; whoever does not love his brother is also not from God" or "those who do what is righteous are from God, and those who love their brothers are from God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 3 11 ved4 0 General Information: Cain and Abel were the first sons of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman.
1JN 3 11 u7il 0 Connecting Statement: Here John teaches believers how they can recognize each other by the way they live; he teaches his readers to love each other.
1JN 3 12 frz9 0 We should not be like Cain "We should not do as Cain did"
1JN 3 12 w83v τὸν ἀδελφὸν 1 brother This refers to Cain's younger brother Abel.
1JN 3 12 b1xh figs-rquestion τίνος ἔσφαξεν αὐτόν? ὅτι 1 Why did he kill him? Because John uses a question to teach his audience. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He killed him because" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 3 12 mq7x figs-ellipsis 0 his works were evil and his brother's righteous The words "works were" are also understood in the second phrase. Alternate translation: "Cain's works were evil and his brother's works were righteous" or "Cain did evil things and his brother did what was right" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 3 13 wc1m 0 my brothers "my fellow believers." John's readers were both male and female.
1JN 3 13 lq9f figs-metonymy εἰ μισεῖ ὑμᾶς ὁ κόσμος 1 if the world hates you Here the word "world" refers to the people who do not honor God. Alternate translation: "if those who do not honor God hate you who do honor God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 14 fs1x figs-metaphor μεταβεβήκαμεν ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου εἰς τὴν ζωήν 1 we have passed out of death into life The conditions of living and of being dead are spoken of as if they were physical locations from which a person could leave and go to. The abstract nouns "life" and "death" can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "we are no longer spiritually dead but are spiritually alive" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 3 14 ybc4 figs-metonymy τὴν ζωήν 1 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1](../01/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 14 qa7l μένει ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ 1 remains in death "is still spiritually dead"
1JN 3 15 mqu2 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ μισῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, ἀνθρωποκτόνος ἐστίν 1 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer John speaks of a person who hates another believer as if he were a murderer. Since people commit murder because they hate other people, God considers anyone who hates to be as guilty as someone who kills a person. Alternate translation: "Whoever hates another believer is as guilty as someone who kills a person" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 15 s3aw figs-personification πᾶς ... ἀνθρωποκτόνος ... οὐκ ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον ἐν αὐτῷ μένουσαν 1 no murderer has eternal life residing in him "Eternal life" is something God gives believers after they die, but it is also the power God gives believers in this life to help them to stop sinning and to do what please him. Here eternal life is spoken of as if it were a person that could live in someone. Alternate translation: "a murderer does not have the power of spiritual life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1JN 3 16 a2cq figs-idiom 0 Christ laid down his life for us This expression means "Christ willingly gave his life for us" or "Christ willingly died for us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 17 nlj7 0 the world's goods material possessions like money, food, or clothing
1JN 3 17 zql1 figs-metonymy 0 shuts up his heart of compassion from him Here "heart" is a metonym for "thoughts" or "emotions." Here "shuts up his heart of compassion" is a metaphor for no longer showing someone compassion. Alternate translation: "does not show him compassion" or "does not willingly help him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 17 l8u4 figs-rquestion πῶς ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ μένει ἐν αὐτῷ 1 how does the love of God remain in him? John uses a question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: "God's love is not in him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 3 18 g6uh figs-metaphor 0 My dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 18 p91w figs-doublet μὴ ἀγαπῶμεν λόγῳ, μηδὲ τῇ γλώσσῃ, ἀλλὰ ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ ἀληθείᾳ 1 let us not love in word nor in tongue, but in actions and truth The phrases "in word" and "in tongue" both refer to what a person says. The word "love" is understood in the second part of the sentence. Alternate translation: "do not just say that you love people, but show that you truly love people by helping them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 3 19 up2h 0 Connecting Statement: Here John probably means that believers' ability to love God and each other sincerely ([1 John 3:18](../03/18.md)) is a sign that their new life has indeed originated from the truth about Christ.
1JN 3 19 qx9c ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐσμέν 1 we are from the truth "we belong to the truth" or Alternate translation: "we are living according the way Jesus taught us"
1JN 3 19 mv6c figs-metonymy πείσομεν τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 we assure our hearts The word "heart" here refers to feelings. Alternate translation: "we do not feel guilty" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 20 f594 figs-metonymy ἐὰν καταγινώσκῃ ἡμῶν ἡ καρδία 1 if our hearts condemn us Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's thoughts or consciences. Here "hearts condemn us" is a metaphor for feeling guilty. Alternate translation: "if we know that we have sinned and as a result feel guilty" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 20 lv7z figs-metonymy μείζων ἐστὶν ὁ Θεὸς τῆς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 God is greater than our hearts Here "hearts" is metonym for people's thoughts or consciences. For God to be "greater than our hearts" means that God knows more than a person. Therefore he can judge things better than a person can. The effect of this truth is probably that God is more merciful than our consciences would suppose. Alternate translation: "God knows more than we do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 21 rf96 ἀγαπητοί, ἐὰν 1 Beloved, if "You people whom I love, if" or "Dear friends, if." See how you translated this in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1JN 3 22 p3ga figs-metaphor τὰ ἀρεστὰ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ποιοῦμεν 1 do the things that are pleasing before him God's opinion is spoken of as if it depends on what he sees happen in front of himself. Alternate translation: "we do what pleases him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 23 irb3 figs-abstractnouns 0 This is his commandment: that we should believe ... just as he gave us this commandment The abstract noun "commandment" can be stated as "command." Alternate translation: "This is what God commands us to do: Believe ... just as he commanded us to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 3 23 feq7 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 3 24 we1m figs-metaphor 0 remains in him, and God remains in him To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "continues to have fellowship with him, and God continues to have fellowship with him" or "stays joined with him, and God stays joined with him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 intro l3qa 0 # 1 John 04 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Spirit<br>This word "spirit" is used in different ways in this chapter. Sometimes the word "spirit" refers to spiritual beings. Sometimes it refers to the character of something. For example "the spirit of the antichrist," "the spirit of truth," and "the spirit of error" refer to what is typical of the antichrist, truth, and error. "The Spirit" (written with a capital "S") and "the Spirit of God" refer to God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/antichrist]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Loving God<br>If people love God, they should show it in the way they live and the way they treat other people. Doing this may assure us that God has saved us and that we belong to him, but loving others does not save us. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])<br>
1JN 4 1 c9jb 0 General Information: John gives a warning against false teachers who teach against Christ's having had a human body and teachers who talk the way those who love the world talk.
1JN 4 1 h1lv ἀγαπητοί, μὴ ... πιστεύετε 1 Beloved, do not believe "You people whom I love, do not believe" or "Dear friends, do not believe." See how you translated this in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1JN 4 1 zm7f figs-metonymy μὴ παντὶ πνεύματι πιστεύετε 1 do not believe every spirit Here, the word "spirit" refers to a spiritual power or being that gives a person a message or prophecy. Alternate translation: "do not trust every prophet who claims to have a message from a spirit" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 1 l5nv figs-metonymy δοκιμάζετε τὰ πνεύματα 1 test the spirits Here, the word "spirits" refers to a spiritual power or being that gives a person a message or prophecy. Alternate translation: "think carefully about what the prophet says" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 2 e6ww figs-synecdoche ἐν ... σαρκὶ ἐληλυθότα 1 has come in the flesh Here "flesh" represents the human body. Alternate translation: "has come as a human being" or "has come in a physical body" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1JN 4 3 cda6 0 This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world "These are prophets opposed to Christ, whom you have heard are coming, and now are already in the world"
1JN 4 4 w1yr figs-metaphor 0 dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 4 tp4q figs-metonymy ὁ ἐν ... τῷ κόσμῳ 1 the one who is in the world Two possible meanings are 1) this refers to Satan. Alternate translation: "Satan, who is in the world" or "Satan, who works through those who do not obey God" or 2) this refers to worldly teachers. Alternate translation: "worldly teachers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 5 y2z8 figs-metonymy αὐτοὶ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου εἰσίν 1 They are from the world The words "are from" are a metaphor for "receive their power and authority." "The world" is a metonym ultimately for "the one who is in the world," Satan, though it is also a metonym for sinful people who gladly listen to them and so also give them authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 5 jy2h figs-metonymy 0 therefore what they say is from the world "The world" here is a metonym ultimately for "the one who is in the world," Satan, though it is also a metonym for sinful people who gladly listen to them and so also give them authority. Alternate translation: "therefore they teach what they have learned from sinful people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 5 em2t figs-metonymy καὶ ὁ κόσμος αὐτῶν ἀκούει 1 and the world listens to them The words "the world" are a metonym for people who do not obey God. Alternate translation: "so the people who do not obey God listen to them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 7 fpl5 ἀγαπητοί, ἀγαπῶμεν 1 Beloved, let us love "You people whom I love, let us love" or "Dear friends, let us love." See how you translated "Beloved" in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1JN 4 7 va6p ἀγαπῶμεν ἀλλήλους 1 let us love one another "believers are to love other believers"
1JN 4 7 zvt9 καὶ πᾶς ὁ ἀγαπῶν, ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται, καὶ γινώσκει τὸν Θεόν 1 and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God "and because those who love their fellow believers have become God's children and know him"
1JN 4 7 ec73 figs-metaphor ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ... γεγέννηται 1 born from God This is a metaphor which means someone has a relationship to God like a child to his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 8 kti1 figs-metaphor ὁ μὴ ἀγαπῶν, οὐκ ἔγνω τὸν Θεόν, ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν 1 The person who does not love does not know God, for God is love The phrase "God is love" a metaphor which means "the character of God is love." Alternate translation: "Those who do not love their fellow believers do not know God because the character of God is to love people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 9 i2b5 0 Because of this ... among us, that God has sent his only Son "Because of this ... among us: God has sent his only Son." The phrase "Because of this" refers to the phrase "that God has sent his only Son."
1JN 4 9 y4m8 figs-abstractnouns ἐφανερώθη ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν 1 the love of God was revealed among us The noun "love" can be translated as a verb. This phrase can be made active. Alternate translation: "God showed that he loves us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 4 10 b39j figs-abstractnouns 0 he sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins Here "propitiation" refers to Jesus' death on the cross appeasing God's wrath against sin. The word can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "he sent his Son to be the sacrifice that appeased his wrath against our sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 4 11 g4gu εἰ οὕτως ὁ Θεὸς ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς 1 if God so loved us "since God loved us in this way"
1JN 4 11 llp5 καὶ ἡμεῖς ὀφείλομεν ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν 1 we also should love one another "believers are to love other believers"
1JN 4 12 sh9q figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς ἐν ἡμῖν μένει 1 God remains in us To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "God continues to have fellowship with us" or "God stays joined to us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 12 vt14 ἡ ἀγάπη αὐτοῦ τετελειωμένη ἐν ἡμῖν ἐστιν 1 his love is perfected in us "God's love is complete in us"
1JN 4 13 yv6s figs-metaphor ἐν ... αὐτῷ μένομεν, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ἡμῖν 1 we remain in him and he in us To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "we continue to have fellowship with God and he continues to have fellowship with us" or "we stay joined to God and he stays joined to us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 13 m69h figs-ellipsis καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ἡμῖν 1 and he in us The word "remains" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and he remains in us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 4 13 gj7p 0 By this we know ... us, because he has given Your translation may be clearer if you omit either "by this" or "because." Alternate translation: "We know ... us because he gave" or "By this we know ... us: he gave"
1JN 4 13 dge3 ὅτι ... ἐκ τοῦ Πνεύματος αὐτοῦ δέδωκεν ἡμῖν 1 because he has given us some of his Spirit "because he gave us his Spirit" or "because he has put his Holy Spirit in us." This phrase, however, does not imply that God has less of his Spirit after he has given us some.
1JN 4 14 w6mz 0 Also, we have seen and have borne witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world "And we apostles have seen the Son of God and tell everyone that God the Father has sent his Son to save people on this earth"
1JN 4 14 m7cb guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Father ... Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 4 15 nvb1 ὃς ... ὁμολογήσῃ ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God "Anyone who says the truth about Jesus, that he is the Son of God"
1JN 4 15 b6td guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 4 15 l3ft figs-metaphor τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ Θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν τῷ Θεῷ 1 God remains in him and he in God To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "God continues to have fellowship with him and he continues to have fellowship with God" or "God stays joined to him and he stays joined to God (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 15 a7rx καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν τῷ Θεῷ 1 and he in God The word "remains" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and he remains in God" (See: Ellipsis)
1JN 4 16 t5am figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς ... ἀγάπη ἐστίν 1 God is love This is a metaphor which means "the character of God is love." See how you translated this in [1 John 4:8](../04/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 16 dyr6 ὁ ... μένων ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 the one who remains in this love "those who continue to love others"
1JN 4 16 fz29 figs-metaphor ἐν ... τῷ Θεῷ μένει, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει 1 remains in God, and God remains in him To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "continues to have fellowship with God, and God continues to have fellowship with him" or "stays joined with God, and God stays joined with him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 17 ypv4 figs-activepassive ἐν τούτῳ τετελείωται ἡ ἀγάπη μεθ’ ἡμῶν, ἵνα παρρησίαν ἔχωμεν 1 Because of this, this love has been made perfect among us, so that we will have confidence This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "Because of this" refers back to [1 John 4:16](../04/16.md). Alternate translation: "Because whoever lives in love is in God and God is in him, God has made his love for us complete, and so we may have complete confidence" or 2) "Because of this" refers to "we may have confidence." Alternate translation: "We are confident that God will accept us on the day he judges everyone, so we know he has made his love for us complete" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 4 17 m76g figs-activepassive ἐν τούτῳ τετελείωται ἡ ἀγάπη μεθ’ ἡμῶν 1 this love has been made perfect among us This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has made his love for us complete" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 4 17 l78r ὅτι καθὼς ἐκεῖνός ἐστιν, καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐσμεν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ 1 because as he is, just so are we in this world "because the relationship that Jesus has with God is the same relationship we have with God in this world"
1JN 4 18 bu17 figs-personification ἀλλ’ ἡ τελεία ἀγάπη ἔξω βάλλει τὸν φόβον 1 Instead, perfect love throws out fear Here "love" is described as a person with the power to remove fear. God's love is perfect. Alternate translation: "But when our love is complete, we are no longer afraid" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1JN 4 18 yg1r figs-activepassive ὁ ... δὲ φοβούμενος, οὐ τετελείωται ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 But the one who fears has not been made perfect in love This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But when a person is afraid that God will punish him, his love is not complete" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 4 20 tfq3 τὸν ... ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ μισῇ 1 hates his brother "hates a fellow believer"
1JN 4 20 a8zh figs-doublenegatives ὁ γὰρ μὴ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, ὃν ἑώρακεν, τὸν Θεὸν, ὃν οὐχ ἑώρακεν, οὐ δύναται ἀγαπᾶν 1 the one who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen If two negative statements in a row are confusing, this can be translated differently. Alternate translation: "the one who hates his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1JN 5 intro bxm4 0 # 1 John 05 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Children born from God<br>When people believe in Jesus, God makes them his children and gives them eternal life. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])<br><br>##### Christian living<br>People who believe in Jesus should obey God's commands and love his children.<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Death<br>When John writes about death in this chapter, he refers to physical death. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]])<br><br>##### "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one"<br>The phrase "the evil one" refers to Satan. God has allowed him to rule the world, but ultimately God is in control over everything. God keeps his children safe from the evil one. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/satan]])<br>
1JN 5 1 nej3 0 General Information: John continues to teach his readers about God's love and the love believers are to have because they have this new nature from God.
1JN 5 2 ukc7 0 Because of this we know that we love God's children, when we love God and do his commandments. "When we love God and do what he commands, then we know that we love his children"
1JN 5 3 ve87 αὕτη γάρ ἐστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἵνα τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν 1 For this is love for God: that we keep his commandments "Because when we do what he commands, that is true love for God"
1JN 5 4 g3uw νικᾷ τὸν κόσμον 1 overcomes the world "has victory over the world," "succeeds against the world," or "refuses to do the evil things unbelievers do"
1JN 5 4 yq2d figs-metonymy τὸν κόσμον 1 the world This passage uses "the world" to refer to all the sinful people and the evil systems in the world. Alternate translation: "everything in the world that is against God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 4 tf9x 0 And this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith "And this is what gives us the power to resist whatever would lead us to sin against God: our faith" or "And it is our faith that gives us the power to resist whatever would lead us to sin against God"
1JN 5 5 qm85 figs-rquestion τίς ἐστιν ... ὁ νικῶν τὸν κόσμον 1 Who is the one who overcomes the world? John used this question to introduce something he wanted to teach. Alternate translation: "I will tell you who overcomes the world:" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 5 5 db4f ὁ ... πιστεύων ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God This does not refer to a specific person but to anyone who believes this. Alternate translation: "Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God"
1JN 5 5 drv2 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 5 6 js27 figs-metonymy οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἐλθὼν δι’ ὕδατος καὶ αἵματος, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός 1 This is the one who came by water and blood: Jesus Christ "Jesus Christ is the one who came by water and blood." Here "water" is probably a metonym for the baptism of Jesus, and "blood" stands for Jesus' death on the cross. Alternate translation: "God showed that Jesus Christ is his son at Jesus' baptism and his death on the cross" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 6 bdl4 figs-metonymy 0 He came not only by water, but also by water and blood Here "water" is probably a metonym for the baptism of Jesus, and "blood" stands for Jesus' death on the cross. Alternate translation: "God did not show us Jesus was his son just through his baptism, but through his baptism and his death on the cross" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 9 k2de figs-explicit εἰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων λαμβάνομεν, ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ Θεοῦ μείζων ἐστίν 1 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater The translator can state more clearly the implied reason about why we should believe what God says: Alternate translation: "If we believe what people say, then we should believe what God says because he always tells the truth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 9 ai6a figs-idiom τὴν μαρτυρίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων λαμβάνομεν 1 receive the witness of men The idiom to "receive the witness" means to believe what another person testifies concerning something that he has seen. The abstract noun "witness" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "believe what men testify" or "believe what men say about what they have seen" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 9 nxq1 τὴν μαρτυρίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων ... ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ Θεοῦ μείζων ἐστίν 1 the witness of God is greater the witness of God is more important and more reliable
1JN 5 9 gt7u guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ ... Υἱοῦ 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 5 10 gkj1 ὁ πιστεύων εἰς τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἔχει τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἐν αὑτῷ 1 Anyone who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself "Whoever believes in Jesus knows for sure Jesus is the Son of God"
1JN 5 10 sii2 ὅτι οὐ πεπίστευκεν ... τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν μεμαρτύρηκεν ὁ Θεὸς περὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 because he has not believed the witness that God has given concerning his Son "because he has not believed that God has told the truth about his Son"
1JN 5 11 k2qn figs-abstractnouns ζωὴν 1 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1](../01/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 11 u1w5 αὕτη ... ἡ ... ζωὴ ἐν τῷ Υἱῷ αὐτοῦ ἐστιν 1 this life is in his Son "this life is through his Son" or "we will live forever if we are joined with his Son" or "we will live forever if we are united with his Son"
1JN 5 11 sz21 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τῷ Υἱῷ 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 5 12 st2z figs-metaphor ὁ ἔχων τὸν Υἱὸν, ἔχει τὴν ζωήν; ὁ μὴ ἔχων τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, τὴν ζωὴν οὐκ ἔχει 1 The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life Being in a close relationship to the Son is spoken of as having the Son. Alternate translation: "He who believes in the Son of God has eternal life. He who does not believe in the Son of God does not have eternal life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 13 uwm2 0 General Information: This begins the end of John's letter. He tells his readers the last purpose for his letter and gives them some final teachings.
1JN 5 13 wns6 figs-metonymy τοῖς πιστεύουσιν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 to you who believe in the name of the Son of God Here "name" is a metonym for the Son of God. Alternate translation: "to you who trust in the Son of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 13 gg32 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 5 14 yj31 figs-abstractnouns αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ παρρησία ... ἔχομεν πρὸς αὐτόν: ὅτι 1 this is the confidence we have before him, that The abstract noun "confidence" can be stated as "confident." Alternate translation: "we are confident in God's presence because we know that" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 15 ev49 οἴδαμεν ὅτι ... ἔχομεν τὰ αἰτήματα ἃ ᾐτήκαμεν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 we know that we have whatever we have asked of him "we know that we will receive that for which we have asked God"
1JN 5 16 myf6 figs-abstractnouns ζωήν 1 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1](../01/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 16 q1me θάνατον 1 death This refers to eternal death, that is, eternity spent away from God's presence.
1JN 5 18 f9y9 0 Connecting Statement: John closes his letter, reviewing what he has said about the new nature of believers, which cannot sin, and he reminds them to keep themselves from idols.
1JN 5 19 n9ig figs-metaphor τῷ πονηρῷ 1 the whole world lies in the power of the evil one Lying in someone's power represents being controlled or ruled by him. Alternate translation: "the whole world is controlled by the evil one" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 19 eh5z figs-metonymy ὁ κόσμος ὅλος 1 the whole world Here "world" is a way in which some biblical writers refer to the people living in the world who are in rebellion against God and to the world system that is affected in every way by the corrupting power of sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 20 je13 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 5 20 n1nh δέδωκεν ἡμῖν διάνοιαν 1 has given us understanding "has enabled us to understand the truth"
1JN 5 20 ge7c figs-metaphor ἐσμὲν ἐν τῷ Ἀληθινῷ 1 we are in him who is true Being "in" someone represents having a close relationship with him, that is being united to him or belonging to him. The phrase "him who is true" refers to the true God, and the phrase "in his Son Jesus Christ" explains how we are in him who is true. Alternate translation: "we are united to him who is true by being united to his Son Jesus Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 20 hvr7 τὸν Ἀληθινόν 1 him who is true "the true one" or "the real God"
1JN 5 20 w5yl οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς 1 This one is the true God Possible meanings are 1) "This one" refers to Jesus Christ, or 2) "This one" refers to the one true God.
1JN 5 20 dz3s figs-metonymy καὶ ... ζωὴ αἰώνιος 1 and eternal life He is called "eternal life" becasue he gives us eternal life. Alternate translation: "and the one who gives eternal life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 21 i3rw figs-metaphor τεκνία 1 Children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 21 hn4y φυλάξατε ἑαυτὰ ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων 1 keep yourselves from idols "stay away from idols" or "do not worship idols"
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