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.
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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?
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
Linguistic Insights
The Greek terms John uses for these groups offer subtle nuances:
Practical Application
1 John 2:13 encourages believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and growth. It reminds us that: