1 John 2:2

KJV

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he {G846} is {G2076} the propitiation {G2434} for {G4012} our {G2257} sins {G266}: and {G1161} not {G3756} for {G4012} ours {G2251} only {G3440}, but {G235} also {G2532} for {G4012} the sins of the whole {G3650} world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, he is the kapparah for our sins — and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

Berean Standard Bible

He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

American Standard Version

and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 2:2 profoundly declares Jesus Christ as the singular "propitiation" for humanity's sins, signifying His atoning sacrifice that satisfies divine justice and reconciles God with humanity. This pivotal verse not only affirms the efficacy of Christ's work for believers but also powerfully extends its provision to encompass "the sins of the whole world," underscoring the boundless scope of God's redemptive love and the universal availability of salvation through Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate"), where John introduces Jesus as our "Advocate with the Father." The transition from advocate to propitiation is seamless and logical: Christ can advocate for us precisely because He has already dealt with the sin that separates us from God. The broader context of [1 John 1](/1_john/1 "1 John 1 - Walking in the Light and Confessing Sins") emphasizes the reality of sin even for believers, the necessity of walking in the light, and the cleansing power of Christ's blood. John is reassuring his readers that despite their inevitable stumbles, God has provided a complete and sufficient remedy for sin through Christ, ensuring continued fellowship and forgiveness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was likely written towards the end of the first century, addressing a community facing emerging false teachings, particularly proto-Gnosticism. These heresies often denied the true humanity of Christ, minimized the reality of sin, or suggested a path to salvation through special knowledge rather than through Christ's atoning work. By emphasizing Christ as the propitiation for sins, John directly counters any notion that human effort or esoteric knowledge could bridge the gap with God. The concept of propitiation (hilasmos) would resonate with both Jewish readers familiar with sacrificial atonement in the Old Testament and Gentile readers acquainted with the idea of appeasing deities, though John redefines it as God's own initiative.
* **Key Themes:** [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ the Propitiation") is central to several major themes in John's epistle and broader New Testament theology. It highlights the **nature of atonement**, specifically that Christ's death was a substitutionary sacrifice that satisfied God's righteous demands against sin. It underscores **God's justice and love**, demonstrating how both attributes are perfectly upheld in the cross: justice demands payment for sin, and love provides that payment. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **universal scope of Christ's provision for salvation**, indicating God's desire for all humanity to be reconciled to Him, echoing themes found in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World") and [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to Be Saved").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hamartía (Greek, _hamartía'_):** This word, translated as "sins," refers to a missing of the mark, a deviation from God's perfect standard, or a transgression against His law. In the biblical context, it encompasses not just individual acts of wrongdoing but also the inherent state of rebellion against God, a fundamental brokenness in human nature. John consistently emphasizes the reality and seriousness of sin throughout his epistle, making Christ's work as propitiation all the more essential.
* **kósmos (Greek, _kósmos'_):** Translated as "world," this term signifies an orderly arrangement or decoration, but in the New Testament, it frequently refers to humanity as a whole, or more specifically, humanity alienated from God and hostile to His purposes. In [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ the Propitiation"), it denotes the entirety of fallen humanity for whom Christ's atoning work was provided, emphasizing the expansive, universal reach of God's redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he is the propitiation for our sins":** This clause establishes the core theological truth. The term "propitiation" (Greek: _hilasmos_) refers to an atoning sacrifice that satisfies divine justice and averts wrath, thereby reconciling God and humanity. It is crucial to understand that this is not humanity appeasing an angry deity, but rather God Himself, in His love, providing the means of reconciliation through Christ's sacrificial death. Jesus, by offering Himself, fully met the righteous demands of God's holy law against sin, making forgiveness and restoration possible for "our sins"—referring specifically to the sins of believers.
* **"and not for ours only":** This phrase serves as a transition, clarifying that the scope of Christ's propitiatory work is not limited solely to those who have already come to faith. While the benefits of atonement are applied to believers, the provision itself extends beyond this immediate group.
* **"but also for [the sins of] the whole world":** This powerful declaration expands the scope of Christ's propitiation to all humanity. It emphasizes the universal sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. God's provision for salvation through Christ is offered to all people, demonstrating His immense love and desire for all to be reconciled to Him. This does not imply universal salvation, but rather that Christ's death is sufficient for all, and its saving efficacy is applied to those who believe.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Juxtaposition** to highlight the expansive nature of Christ's atoning work. The contrast between "our sins" (referring to believers) and "the sins of the whole world" emphasizes that while the benefits are received by faith, the provision itself is universally sufficient. This rhetorical move broadens the reader's perspective from an individual or community-centric view of salvation to a global one. The central **Theological Terminology** of "propitiation" (hilasmos) is a profound theological concept, carrying the weight of Old Testament sacrificial systems and New Testament fulfillment, concisely encapsulating the essence of Christ's reconciling death. Furthermore, the phrase "the whole world" functions as a **Synecdoche**, where "world" stands in for "all people" or "all humanity," representing the inhabitants rather than merely the physical globe, thereby underscoring the comprehensive reach of God's saving grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The concept of propitiation in [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ the Propitiation") is a cornerstone of biblical theology, beautifully illustrating the profound intersection of God's perfect justice and His infinite love. Sin, by its very nature, incurs God's righteous wrath and creates an insurmountable barrier between humanity and a holy God. Propitiation means that Christ's sacrifice fully absorbed and satisfied that wrath, turning it away from us. It is not about changing God's disposition, as if He were an angry deity needing to be appeased by human effort, but rather about God Himself, in His sovereign love, providing the means to uphold His own holiness while simultaneously extending mercy and reconciliation to a fallen humanity. This divine initiative underscores the depth of God's grace, making forgiveness and fellowship possible without compromising His righteous character.

* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")
* [Hebrews 2:17](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Christ's High Priestly Propitiation")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ the Propitiation") offers profound assurance and a powerful call to mission. For the believer, it is a bedrock truth that anchors our hope and peace: our forgiveness and reconciliation with God are not dependent on our fluctuating performance or merit, but entirely on the finished, perfect work of Jesus Christ. When we stumble, this verse reminds us that we have a propitiation, a complete covering for our sins, which prevents despair and encourages repentance and renewed fellowship. Furthermore, the expansive declaration that Christ is the propitiation "for the sins of the whole world" should ignite within us a passionate, outward-looking vision for evangelism and global missions. It reminds us that God's heart is for all people, and His provision is sufficient for every nation, tribe, and tongue. This truth compels us to participate in His redemptive plan, sharing the good news of this universal propitiation with those who have not yet heard or believed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ as propitiation deepen your assurance of salvation and freedom from guilt?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or expand your view of God's love and justice, seeing them perfectly met in Christ?**
* **How should the universal scope of Christ's atoning work impact your personal commitment to sharing the Gospel and supporting global missions?**

### FAQ
**What does "propitiation" mean, and how does it relate to God's wrath?**

Answer: The term "propitiation" (Greek: _hilasmos_) refers to an atoning sacrifice that satisfies divine justice and thereby averts wrath. In the biblical context, particularly with Christ's work, it means that Jesus' death on the cross fully absorbed the righteous judgment and wrath of God against sin. It's crucial to understand that this is not humanity appeasing an angry deity, but rather God Himself, in His boundless love, providing the perfect sacrifice through His Son to deal with sin according to His own holy standards. Christ's propitiation means that God's wrath, which sin justly deserves, has been fully satisfied and turned away from those who believe, allowing for reconciliation and peace with God.

**Does "the whole world" in this verse mean that everyone will be saved?**

Answer: No, the phrase "the whole world" in [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ the Propitiation") refers to the *sufficiency* and *provision* of Christ's atoning work, not its automatic application to every individual. It means that Christ's sacrifice is universally sufficient to cover the sins of all humanity, and God's desire is for all to be saved, as seen in [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to Be Saved"). However, the *efficacy* or *application* of this propitiation is conditioned upon individual faith and repentance. Only those who personally receive Christ and believe in Him are reconciled to God and experience the saving benefits of His propitiatory work ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ") and [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Belief and Condemnation")). Therefore, while the provision is for the whole world, salvation is for those who believe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ the Propitiation") stands as a profound declaration of Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus Christ is not merely an advocate but *the* propitiation, the complete and final sacrifice that perfectly satisfies God's righteous demands against sin. This truth finds its roots deep in the Old Testament, where countless sacrifices foreshadowed the coming Lamb of God, whose blood would truly atone for sin ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - Day of Atonement") and [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). Christ's death on the cross, therefore, is the culmination of all these types and shadows, the definitive act by which God's justice was upheld and His wrath against sin was fully absorbed by His beloved Son. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus perfectly embodied the sacrificial system, offering Himself once for all ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once for All Sacrifice")). His propitiatory work demonstrates that God's love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death")) and His holiness are not in conflict but are perfectly reconciled in the person and work of Christ. It is through Him alone that humanity, both "ours" (believers) and "the whole world," can find forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life, because [He who knew no sin became sin for us](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us"), that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

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 John 4:14

¶ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

John 1:29

¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

John 4:42

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard [him] ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;