1 John 2:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have written {G1125} unto you {G5213}, fathers {G3962}, because {G3754} ye have known {G1097} him that is from {G575} the beginning {G746}. I have written {G1125} unto you {G5213}, young men {G3495}, because {G3754} ye are {G2075} strong {G2478}, and {G2532} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} abideth {G3306} in {G1722} you {G5213}, and {G2532} ye have overcome {G3528} the wicked one {G4190}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You children, I have written you
because you have known the Father.
You fathers, I have written you
because you have known him who has existed from the beginning.
You young people, I have written you
because you are strong —
the Word of God remains in you,
and you have overcome the Evil One.

Berean Standard Bible

I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

American Standard Version

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him who 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 evil one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 2:14 is a profound pastoral affirmation from the Apostle John, distinguishing between two stages of spiritual maturity within the Christian community: "fathers" and "young men." It reiterates and expands upon previous assurances, commending the fathers for their deep, experiential knowledge of Christ's eternal nature, and the young men for their spiritual strength derived from the indwelling Word of God, which has enabled them to decisively overcome the wicked one. This verse serves as both an encouragement and a foundational truth for believers at various points in their faith journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a short, deeply personal section (1 John 2:12-14) where John addresses his readers with affectionate terms, often translated as "little children" (τέκνια, _teknia_), "fathers" (πατέρες, _pateres_), and "young men" (νεανίσκοι, _neaniskoi_). While the initial address to "little children" in [1 John 2:12](/1_john/2-12 "1 John 2:12 - Forgiveness of Sins") serves as a general reassurance to all believers regarding their forgiveness through Christ, verses 13-14 provide more specific commendations tailored to distinct groups. The repetition of "I have written unto you" underscores the importance of these affirmations, emphasizing John's pastoral heart and his desire to ground his readers in fundamental truths before moving on to warnings against false teachers and the call to love. The structure highlights a progression from foundational truths (forgiveness, knowing God) to active spiritual engagement (strength, overcoming).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First John was written in a period when the early Christian church was grappling with internal challenges, particularly the rise of proto-Gnostic heresies. These false teachings often denied the true humanity of Christ, emphasized secret knowledge over ethical living, and led to divisions within the community. John’s epistle serves as an antidote to these errors, reaffirming core Christian doctrines and emphasizing the importance of genuine fellowship, obedience, and love as markers of true faith. The distinctions between "fathers" and "young men" likely reflect actual demographic or spiritual segments within the congregations John was addressing, each facing unique temptations or having specific spiritual strengths to be affirmed in the face of these doctrinal threats and the pervasive influence of the "world" (as seen in [1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15-17 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World")). The call to overcome the "wicked one" would resonate deeply in a world where believers faced persecution and pressure to compromise their faith.

* **Key Themes:** First John 2:14 is rich with several key themes central to the entire epistle. It highlights **Spiritual Maturity**, differentiating between the deep, experiential knowledge of God characteristic of "fathers" and the vibrant strength of "young men." This maturity is rooted in **Knowing God**, not just intellectually but relationally, as evidenced by the fathers' intimate understanding of "him that is from the beginning." The verse also emphasizes the **Abiding Word of God** as the source of spiritual vitality and strength for the young men, underscoring the transformative power of God's truth dwelling within believers. Crucially, it speaks to the reality of **Spiritual Warfare** and the **Victory Over Evil**, affirming that believers, empowered by the Word, can and do overcome the schemes of "the wicked one." This theme of victory is foundational to John's message of assurance and perseverance, as seen in passages like [1 John 5:4-5](/1_john/5-4-5 "1 John 5:4-5 - Victory Over the World").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb (G1097) signifies a deep, experiential, and personal knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual acquaintance. When applied to the "fathers" and their knowledge of "him that is from the beginning," it implies a profound, intimate relationship with Christ developed over time, a settled and mature understanding born of sustained communion and faithfulness. It is a knowledge that transforms and grounds one's entire being.
* **Word (Greek, _lógos'_):** In this context (G3056), "the word of God" refers to the divine revelation, the message of the gospel, and the truth of God communicated to humanity. For the "young men," the fact that this _lógos_ "abideth in you" means it is not merely heard or assented to, but has taken root, dwells permanently, and actively shapes their inner lives, serving as the source of their spiritual strength and resilience against evil.
* **Overcome (Greek, _nikáō'_):** This verb (G3528) means to subdue, conquer, or get the victory. Its use in the perfect tense ("ye have overcome") indicates a decisive past action with ongoing, enduring results. For the "young men," it signifies a definitive triumph over "the wicked one," not a continuous struggle for victory, but a victory already secured and maintained through their faith and the power of the indwelling Word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning."**: John addresses spiritually mature believers, recognizing their deep, experiential knowledge of Christ, who is eternally existent and the source of all things. This knowledge is not theoretical but relational, forged through years of walking with God.
* **"I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong,"**: John shifts his address to a different group, commending them for their spiritual vigor and resilience. This strength is an active, present reality, enabling them to stand firm in their faith.
* **"and the word of God abideth in you,"**: This clause reveals the source of the young men's strength. It is not inherent but comes from the permanent indwelling of God's revealed truth within their hearts and minds, guiding and empowering them.
* **"and ye have overcome the wicked one."**: This final clause highlights the triumphant outcome of the young men's spiritual strength and the abiding Word. They have achieved a decisive victory over Satan, the personification of evil, a victory that is already accomplished and continues to hold true.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Parallelism** by addressing two distinct groups ("fathers" and "young men") with similar introductory phrases ("I have written unto you") followed by specific commendations. This structure emphasizes John's comprehensive pastoral care for the entire community. **Metaphor** is evident in the terms "fathers" and "young men," which function not merely as age categories but as symbolic representations of different stages of spiritual maturity and experience within the faith. The "wicked one" is a **Metonymy** or **Personification** for Satan and the spiritual forces of evil, against which believers contend. The **Repetition** of "I have written unto you" serves as a rhetorical device to underscore the importance and loving intent of John's message to each group. The use of the perfect tense for "have known" and "have overcome" provides a sense of **Completed Action with Enduring Results**, highlighting the security and permanence of these spiritual achievements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 2:14 profoundly articulates the dynamic nature of Christian spiritual growth and warfare. It underscores that spiritual maturity, whether characterized by deep knowledge or vibrant strength, is not a static state but a progressive journey empowered by divine grace. The "fathers" represent those who have cultivated a profound, intimate knowledge of the eternal Christ, a knowledge that anchors them in truth and provides stability. The "young men" exemplify the active, victorious life, demonstrating that strength in faith comes from allowing God's Word to dwell richly within, enabling believers to triumph over the spiritual adversary. This verse affirms the reality of spiritual conflict and the believer's assured victory through Christ, emphasizing that the Word of God is both the weapon and the foundation for overcoming evil.

* [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Eternal Word")
* [Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10-17 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Armor of God")
* [James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful mirror for self-reflection and a blueprint for spiritual aspiration. Regardless of where we perceive ourselves on the spectrum of spiritual maturity—whether as "fathers" with a deep, settled knowledge of Christ, or "young men" actively engaged in spiritual battle—John's words affirm our standing and call us to growth. For those with seasoned faith, it's a reminder to continue deepening that foundational knowledge of Christ, allowing it to inform every aspect of life. For those in the vigor of their faith, it emphasizes the indispensable role of God's Word as the source of strength and the means by which we overcome the world's temptations and the enemy's schemes. It challenges all believers to cultivate an abiding relationship with the Word, recognizing that true spiritual vitality and victory flow from its indwelling presence. Our spiritual journey is marked by both contemplative knowing and active overcoming, both rooted in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I cultivate a deeper, experiential knowledge of "him that is from the beginning" in my daily life?**
* **How actively do I allow the "word of God" to "abide in me," and what practical steps can I take to deepen its indwelling presence?**
* **What specific areas of my life reflect a current struggle with "the wicked one," and how can I lean into the truth that I "have overcome" through Christ?**
* **How can those with more spiritual experience ("fathers") mentor and encourage "young men" in their spiritual strength and victory, and vice versa?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "fathers" and "young men" John addresses in this verse?**

Answer: While these terms could literally refer to different age groups, in the context of John's epistle, they are primarily understood as metaphors for different stages of spiritual maturity and experience within the Christian community. "Fathers" represent those who are spiritually mature, having a deep, settled, and experiential knowledge of Christ's eternal nature. They are seasoned believers whose faith is rooted and grounded. "Young men" represent those who are spiritually vigorous and active, perhaps newer in their faith journey but strong in their commitment, empowered by the indwelling Word of God to engage in and win spiritual battles. John addresses both groups to affirm their distinct spiritual achievements and encourage their continued growth.

**What does it mean that the "word of God abideth in you"?**

Answer: For the "word of God" (G3056, _lógos_) to "abide" (G3306, _ménō_) in you means much more than simply hearing or intellectually understanding Scripture. It signifies that God's truth, as revealed in Christ and through the Scriptures, dwells permanently and actively within a believer's heart, mind, and spirit. It is internalized, becomes a guiding principle, and is the source of spiritual strength and discernment. This indwelling Word empowers believers to resist temptation, live righteously, and overcome the forces of evil, just as Jesus emphasized the importance of His words abiding in His disciples in [John 15:7](/john/15-7 "John 15:7 - Abiding in Christ's Words").

**How have the "young men" "overcome the wicked one"? Is this a past or ongoing victory?**

Answer: The Greek verb for "overcome" (G3528, _nikáō_) is in the perfect tense (νενικήκατε, _nenikēkate_), indicating a decisive victory achieved in the past with continuing, present results. This means that the "young men" have already secured a definitive triumph over "the wicked one" (G4190, _ponērós_, referring to Satan) through their faith in Christ and the power of the indwelling Word. It's not a struggle for victory, but a living out of a victory already won. While believers still face temptations and spiritual battles, the ultimate power of the enemy has been broken, and they are equipped to stand firm and maintain their position of triumph, as highlighted in [Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 2:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "fathers" are commended for having "known him that is from the beginning," a clear reference to Christ's eternal pre-existence and divine nature, as powerfully articulated in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"). Their deep, experiential knowledge is of the very Son of God, the one through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together. The "young men" are strong because "the word of God abideth in you," a truth that points directly to Christ as the living Word (the _Logos_) made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). It is Christ, the incarnate Word, who indwells believers through the Holy Spirit ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")), empowering them with His divine strength. Furthermore, their victory over "the wicked one" is a direct participation in Christ's decisive triumph over Satan at the cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Believers overcome not by their own might, but by the power of Christ who lives in them, having already disarmed and triumphed over the forces of darkness, making their victory a present reality and an assured inheritance.

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

Psalms 119:11

¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

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.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

John 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

John 8:31

¶ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;

John 5:38

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.