1 John 2:1

KJV

¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

KJV (with Strong's)

My {G3450} little children {G5040}, these things {G5023} write I {G1125} unto you {G5213}, that {G3363} ye sin {G264} not {G3363}. And {G2532} if {G1437} any man {G5100} sin {G264}, we have {G2192} an advocate {G3875} with {G4314} the Father {G3962}, Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} the righteous {G1342}:

Complete Jewish Bible

My children, I am writing you these things so that you won’t sin. But if anyone does sin, we have Yeshua the Messiah, the Tzaddik, who pleads our cause with the Father.

Berean Standard Bible

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

American Standard Version

My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 2:1 offers profound pastoral guidance and theological comfort, assuring believers of God's provision for sin. John, addressing his spiritual "little children," initially exhorts them to avoid sin, emphasizing the pursuit of holiness. However, immediately acknowledging the reality of human fallibility, he swiftly pivots to the glorious truth that if a believer does sin, they have a perfect, righteous advocate in Jesus Christ, who stands before God the Father on their behalf, ensuring forgiveness and restoration. This verse beautifully balances the call to righteous living with the assurance of divine grace and intercession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition and theological anchor within John's epistle. It immediately follows [1 John 1:8-10](/1_john/1-8-10 "1 John 1:8-10 - Confession of Sin"), where the apostle directly confronts the denial of sin among believers, asserting that "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" ([1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Acknowledging Sin")). Having established the universal reality of sin, [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Our Advocate") then provides the divine solution and comfort for when sin occurs. It also sets the stage for the subsequent declaration of Christ as the propitiation for sins in [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ the Propitiation"), forming a seamless argument for God's grace and forgiveness through Christ's atoning work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's first epistle was likely written in the late first century AD, addressing Christian communities facing internal and external challenges. A significant internal threat was the rise of proto-Gnostic teachings, which often denied the true humanity of Jesus (docetism) and promoted a dualistic worldview that could lead to ethical laxity or asceticism. These false teachers might have claimed to be sinless or minimized the gravity of sin, believing that spiritual knowledge (gnosis) transcended moral conduct. John's emphasis on both the reality of sin and the necessity of Christ's advocacy directly counters such errors, grounding faith in the historical Jesus and the ethical implications of His sacrifice. The concept of an "advocate" (parakletos) would have resonated with the legal systems of the Greco-Roman world, where individuals would employ a legal counsel to plead their case.
* **Key Themes:** [1 John](/1_john "The First Epistle of John") is rich with foundational Christian themes, and [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Our Advocate") contributes significantly to several of them. Foremost is the **nature of sin** and its reality in the believer's life, balanced with the **provision of grace and forgiveness** through Christ. The verse underscores the **pastoral care** of the apostle, evident in his tender address "My little children." It highlights the **person and work of Jesus Christ** as the righteous advocate and intercessor, a theme central to the New Testament's understanding of salvation and ongoing sanctification. Furthermore, it subtly reinforces the **unity of the Godhead**, presenting Jesus's unique access and relationship "with the Father," a concept deeply explored in [John's Gospel](/john "The Gospel According to John"), such as in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sin (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** From G264, this verb literally means "to miss the mark." Figuratively, it denotes erring, especially morally. In this context, it refers to any action, thought, or omission that falls short of God's perfect standard, highlighting the human propensity to deviate from righteousness. John uses this term to acknowledge the unfortunate reality of a believer's transgression.
* **write (Greek, _gráphō'_):** From G1125, this primary verb means "to grave," specifically to write, or figuratively, to describe. Here, it emphasizes John's deliberate act of communicating truth to his spiritual children, underscoring the authoritative and intentional nature of his pastoral instruction and theological exposition.
* **righteous (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From G1342, this adjective describes someone equitable in character or act; by implication, innocent or holy. Applied to Jesus Christ, it affirms His perfect moral purity, sinlessness, and conformity to God's will. His righteousness is the very basis for His qualification to serve as an advocate for sinful humanity before a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not."**: John opens with a deeply affectionate and paternal address, "My little children" (Greek: _teknía_), signifying his spiritual authority and tender care for his readers. The primary purpose of his writing is explicitly stated: to prevent them from sinning. This is not a naive expectation of sinless perfection, but a clear exhortation to strive for holiness and to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ, pursuing a life that pleases God.
* **"And if any man sin,"**: This clause immediately introduces a crucial realistic concession. John, with pastoral wisdom, acknowledges the inevitable reality that despite the earnest call to avoid sin, believers will, at times, fall short. The "if" does not imply uncertainty but rather a condition that is regrettably common, setting the stage for the divine provision that follows. It underscores the ongoing struggle with sin even for those who are regenerate.
* **"we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"**: This is the glorious heart of the verse, offering profound comfort. The phrase "we have" (Greek: _échō_) denotes a present, continuous possession. The term "advocate" (Greek: _paráklētos_) refers to one called alongside to help, a legal counsel, an intercessor, or a comforter. Here, Jesus is presented as our defense attorney, interceding on our behalf before God the Father. His qualification for this role is His perfect nature: "Jesus Christ the righteous." His sinless life and atoning death are the foundation upon which His advocacy rests, ensuring that His plea for us is always valid and effective.

#### Literary Devices
John masterfully employs several literary devices to convey his message. The opening phrase, "My little children," is a powerful example of **Apostrophe** and establishes a tender, **Pastoral Tone**, immediately drawing the reader into a relationship of trust and affection with the author. This familial language creates an intimate bond, making the subsequent instruction and comfort more impactful. The verse also presents a stark **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** between the ideal (not sinning) and the reality (if any man sin), highlighting the tension inherent in the Christian life. This tension is resolved by the introduction of Jesus Christ as the "advocate," a **Metaphor** for a legal representative or intercessor. The very structure of the verse, moving from exhortation to concession to divine provision, demonstrates John's skillful use of **Rhetorical Progression**, guiding the reader from a sense of responsibility to one of profound assurance and hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the tension between God's call to holiness and the reality of human sin, while simultaneously providing the ultimate solution in Christ. It affirms that while believers are commanded to strive for a life free from sin, their standing before God is not contingent upon perfect performance, but upon the continuous, intercessory work of Jesus Christ. This concept of Christ as an advocate underscores His ongoing high priestly ministry, where He continually pleads the case of His redeemed people before the Father, based on His finished work on the cross. It is a profound assurance that even when we stumble, our relationship with God is secure through Christ's unceasing mediation, preventing condemnation and ensuring restoration.

* [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")
* [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 2:1 is a wellspring of both challenge and comfort for the believer. It challenges us to take seriously the call to holiness, reminding us that the Christian life is not a license to sin, but a pursuit of righteousness, motivated by love for God. We are to actively strive to avoid sin, aligning our lives with God's perfect will. Yet, in our inevitable failures, this verse offers immense comfort: we are not left defenseless or without hope. Jesus Christ, our righteous Advocate, stands ready to intercede for us. This truth should lead us to a posture of humble confession, knowing that when we acknowledge our sins, we have a faithful and just God who forgives us through the perfect work of His Son. It fosters a deep sense of security and encourages us to run to Him, not away from Him, in our moments of weakness, trusting in His unfailing grace and advocacy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tension between "that ye sin not" and "if any man sin" shape your understanding of Christian living?**
* **What does it mean practically to have Jesus Christ as your "advocate with the Father"?**
* **How does the truth of Christ's righteousness impact your confidence in approaching God after you have sinned?**
* **In what ways might understanding Christ's advocacy motivate you to pursue holiness more earnestly, rather than less?**

### FAQ

**What is an "advocate" in the biblical sense, and why is Jesus called one?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "advocate" is _paráklētos_ (παράκλητος), which literally means "one called alongside to help." In a legal context, it refers to a defense attorney, a legal counsel, or an intercessor. Jesus is called our advocate because He stands before God the Father on our behalf, pleading our case when we sin. He is uniquely qualified for this role because of His perfect, sinless life and His atoning death on the cross, which fully satisfied God's righteous demands against sin. Unlike a human advocate, Jesus doesn't just argue for our innocence; He *is* our innocence, having borne our guilt. His advocacy ensures that believers, though imperfect, remain in a reconciled relationship with God, as highlighted in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession").

**Does 1 John 2:1 imply that believers can achieve sinless perfection in this life?**

Answer: No, [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Our Advocate") does not imply sinless perfection. While the first part of the verse, "that ye sin not," expresses God's ideal and the believer's aspiration for holiness, the immediate follow-up, "And if any man sin," clearly acknowledges the reality of ongoing sin in the lives of believers. John has already stated in [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Acknowledging Sin") that "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." The purpose of the verse is not to demand unattainable perfection but to provide comfort and a solution for when believers inevitably stumble, pointing them to Christ's ongoing intercession. It balances the call to strive for holiness with the provision of grace for human frailty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 2:1 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing Jesus as the essential bridge between a holy God and sinful humanity. He is not merely a historical figure or a moral teacher, but our living, active "advocate" with the Father. This role is a direct fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system and the prophetic promises of a mediator. Just as the High Priest in the Old Covenant interceded for the people, Jesus, as our great High Priest, "ever liveth to make intercession" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). His advocacy is rooted in His perfect righteousness and His once-for-all sacrifice, which serves as the "propitiation for our sins" ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ the Propitiation")), effectively satisfying God's wrath and making forgiveness possible. Therefore, when we confess our sins, we are not appealing to an impersonal law, but to a personal, righteous Savior who stands in our place, ensuring that "there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). This verse beautifully illustrates the ongoing, active nature of Christ's redemptive work, not just at conversion, but throughout the believer's journey, securing our standing before God through His continuous grace and intercession.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 2:5

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Romans 8:34

Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Hebrews 7:24

But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

Hebrews 7:26

For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;