1 John 2:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

The Apostle John, in this profound verse, encapsulates the core of Christian theology: the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Following his declaration that believers have an "advocate with the Father" (1 John 2:1), John explains how Christ fulfills this role.

Context

This verse is found within the opening chapters of 1 John, where the apostle emphasizes the importance of walking in the light, confessing sins, and maintaining fellowship with God and other believers. John addresses the reality of sin in believers' lives while immediately pointing to the provision for forgiveness. He reassures his readers that despite their failures, there is a divine solution through Jesus.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Propitiation: The term "propitiation" (Greek: hilasmos) signifies an atoning sacrifice that satisfies divine justice and averts wrath, thereby reconciling God and humanity. It's not about changing God's disposition towards humanity, but about God Himself providing the perfect means for reconciliation. Christ's death on the cross serves as this ultimate sacrifice, covering the penalty for sin and making forgiveness possible. This concept is central to understanding the doctrine of atonement.
  • Christ's Unique Role: Jesus is the one and only propitiation. His perfect life and sacrificial death were necessary because humanity could not atone for its own sin. He is the bridge over the chasm of sin, offering a way back to God.
  • Universal Scope of Atonement: The phrase "not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world" is crucial. While the benefits of Christ's propitiation are applied to those who believe, the provision itself is made available to all humanity. This highlights God's immense love and desire for all people to be saved, as expressed in John 3:16 and 1 Timothy 2:4. It underscores the boundless nature of God's grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "propitiation" is hilasmos (ἱλασμός). It carries the sense of an expiation or a means of appeasing divine wrath. In biblical theology, particularly in the New Testament, it emphasizes that God Himself is the initiator and provider of this reconciliation. It's not humanity appeasing an angry deity, but God, in His love, providing the solution to sin through Christ's sacrifice. This term is also used in Hebrews 2:17 to describe Christ's high priestly work.

Reflection and Application

1 John 2:2 offers profound assurance to believers. It reminds us that our forgiveness is not based on our own merit or efforts, but entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ. This verse encourages us to:

  • Find Assurance: Knowing that Christ is our propitiation provides deep peace and assurance of salvation, even when we stumble.
  • Appreciate God's Love and Justice: It beautifully illustrates how God's perfect justice (which demands payment for sin) is perfectly met by His infinite love (which provides the payment).
  • Embrace a Worldwide Vision: The universal scope of Christ's atoning work should fuel our passion for sharing the Gospel with others, knowing that God's provision extends to "the whole world."

This verse stands as a foundational truth, affirming the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for all humanity's sins.

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.

  • 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;
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