1 John 2:13

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

I write {G1125} unto you {G5213}, fathers {G3962}, because {G3754} ye have known {G1097} him that is from {G575} the beginning {G746}. I write {G1125} unto you {G5213}, young men {G3495}, because {G3754} ye have overcome {G3528} the wicked one {G4190}. I write {G1125} unto you {G5213}, little children {G3813}, because {G3754} ye have known {G1097} the Father {G3962}.

You fathers, I am writing you
because you have known him who has existed from the beginning.
You young people, I am writing you
because you have overcome the Evil One.

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.

I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father.

Context of 1 John 2:13

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, addresses various aspects of Christian life, emphasizing love, truth, and fellowship with God. Chapters 1 and 2 lay foundational truths about walking in light, confessing sin, and the advocacy of Christ. Verse 13 is part of a larger section (1 John 2:12-14) where John directly addresses different groups within the Christian community, using familial terms to denote stages of spiritual maturity or distinct spiritual experiences. This repetition highlights the pastoral care and specific messages John has for each group, reinforcing key spiritual principles.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Stages of Spiritual Maturity: John categorizes believers into "fathers," "young men," and "little children," reflecting a progression in their spiritual journey. This isn't necessarily about physical age but about depth of knowledge, experience, and spiritual strength.
  • Knowing God: Both "fathers" and "little children" are characterized by their knowledge of God. For the "fathers," it's a deep, abiding knowledge of Him who is from the beginning (referring to Jesus Christ, the eternal Word). For "little children," it's the foundational, intimate knowledge of God as their loving Father, a primary truth of the Christian faith.
  • Overcoming Evil: "Young men" are commended for their victory over "the wicked one" (ho ponēros, referring to Satan). This speaks to the active spiritual warfare inherent in the Christian life and the strength given by God to resist and conquer temptation and the devil's schemes. Their victory underscores the power available to believers to resist the devil and see him flee.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek terms John uses for these groups offer subtle nuances:

  • "Fathers" (patéres): Implies spiritual maturity, wisdom, and deep experience with Christ. They have a settled, profound understanding of eternal truths.
  • "Young Men" (neanískoi): Denotes spiritual vigor, strength, and an active engagement in the spiritual battle. They are not merely learners but doers, actively confronting evil.
  • "Little Children" (teknía): This term, used affectionately by John, signifies a foundational, trusting relationship with God as Father. It can refer to new converts or those still growing into deeper truths, emphasizing their dependence and initial intimacy with God.

Practical Application

1 John 2:13 encourages believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and growth. It reminds us that:

  • Spiritual growth is a process: We all begin as "little children" learning foundational truths, grow into "young men" engaging in spiritual battles, and ideally mature into "fathers" with deep, settled knowledge of God.
  • Our identity in Christ is secure: Regardless of our stage, our relationship with God is primary. For all, knowing God, whether as Father or as the eternal Christ, is central.
  • Victory over evil is possible: The commendation of "young men" serves as an encouragement that through faith and God's power, believers can indeed overcome the world and its evil influences. It's a call to active faith and spiritual vigilance.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 14:7

    If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

  • 1 John 2:14

    I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

  • Luke 10:22

    All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and [he] to whom the Son will reveal [him].

  • 1 John 1:1

    ¶ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

  • 1 John 4:4

    ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

  • 1 John 5:4

    For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

  • 1 John 5:5

    Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

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