1 John 2:20

KJV

¶ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G2532} ye {G5210} have {G2192} an unction {G5545} from {G575} the Holy One {G40}, and {G2532} ye know {G1492} all things {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you have received the Messiah’s anointing from HaKadosh, and you know all this.

Berean Standard Bible

You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

American Standard Version

And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 2:20 offers a profound reassurance to believers amidst the rising tide of false teachings, asserting their unique spiritual endowment and inherent discernment. John emphasizes that genuine followers of Christ possess a divine "unction" or anointing from God, which grants them an intrinsic spiritual understanding of fundamental truths, enabling them to distinguish authentic faith from deceptive heresies and to remain steadfast in their confession of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a critical section of John’s first epistle, specifically [1 John 2:18-27](/1_john/2-18-27 "1 John 2:18-27 - Warning Against Antichrists and False Teachers"), where the apostle directly confronts the burgeoning threat of "antichrists" and deceivers. John has just described these adversaries as those who "went out from us, but they were not of us" ([1 John 2:19](/1_john/2-19 "1 John 2:19 - Departure of False Teachers")), indicating their former association with the Christian community before their departure due to heretical doctrines, particularly concerning the person of Jesus Christ. These false teachers denied the full humanity and divinity of Christ, a foundational truth for John. Against this backdrop of spiritual confusion and doctrinal assault, [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Believer's Anointing") serves as a powerful counter-affirmation, assuring true believers of their internal spiritual security and the divine insight that protects them from such deceptions. It sets the stage for John's subsequent exhortation to "abide in him" ([1 John 2:28](/1_john/2-28 "1 John 2:28 - Abide in Him")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church, particularly in Asia Minor where John was ministering, faced significant internal challenges from emerging Gnostic or proto-Gnostic ideologies. These groups often taught that salvation came through secret knowledge (gnosis) and denied the true incarnation of Jesus Christ, asserting either that He was not truly human or that His divine spirit only temporarily inhabited a human body. Such teachings undermined the core of the Gospel—the atoning work of God in human flesh. The cultural landscape was also marked by a diverse array of philosophical and religious systems, making it difficult for new converts to discern truth from error. John’s emphasis on an internal "unction" was crucial in a context where external authorities or elaborate philosophical arguments might have swayed believers. It underscored the direct, personal spiritual empowerment given by God to His people, enabling them to stand firm against the sophisticated deceptions of the day.

* **Key Themes:** [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Believer's Anointing") contributes significantly to several major themes in the epistle. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Anointing**, portraying the Holy Spirit's indwelling as a direct spiritual endowment from God. This "unction" is the source of the believer’s spiritual understanding and protection against error, directly linking to the idea that the Spirit "teaches you all things" ([1 John 2:27](/1_john/2-27 "1 John 2:27 - The Anointing Teaches You")). Secondly, **Spiritual Discernment** is a paramount theme; the declaration "ye know all things" points not to omniscience, but to a Spirit-given capacity to discern truth from falsehood, especially concerning the essential doctrines of Christ's person and work. This discernment is vital for identifying and resisting the "spirit of antichrist" ([1 John 4:3](/1_john/4-3 "1 John 4:3 - The Spirit of Antichrist")). Thirdly, the verse offers profound **Assurance for Believers**, comforting John’s audience that despite the presence of deceivers, they possess an internal, divine guide—the Holy Spirit—who enables them to recognize and adhere to the truth, thereby confirming their genuine faith. This assurance is foundational to John's purpose of writing, which is that believers "may know that ye have eternal life" ([1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Assurance of Eternal Life")). Finally, it implicitly underscores the eternal **Truth vs. Error** conflict, emphasizing that believers are divinely equipped to stand firm in the revealed truth of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unction (Greek, _chrîsma'_):** From G5545, this word refers to "an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment ('chrism') of the Holy Spirit." In this context, it signifies a divine anointing, a spiritual consecration and equipping that empowers believers. This term is closely related to "Christos" (Christ), meaning "Anointed One," underscoring the spiritual connection believers have to Christ through this anointing. It is widely understood to refer to the indwelling Holy Spirit, who imparts spiritual understanding and discernment.
* **Holy One (Greek, _hágios'_):** From G40, this term means "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint." In this passage, "the Holy One" refers to God Himself, specifically Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source and dispenser of this spiritual anointing. It emphasizes the divine origin, purity, and authority of the gift bestowed upon believers.
* **Know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." In the perfect tense, as used here, it denotes a settled, intuitive, and comprehensive knowledge. Coupled with "all things," it implies a spiritual understanding of essential truths, particularly those concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, which are necessary for salvation and for discerning genuine faith from heresy. This is not universal knowledge, but a spiritual intuition and discernment given by the Holy Spirit.
* **All things (Greek, _pâs'_):** From G3956, meaning "all, any, every, the whole." When combined with "know" (eídō), it indicates a comprehensive understanding of the necessary spiritual truths, particularly those pertaining to the identity of Christ and the nature of salvation. It refers to the full scope of revealed truth essential for Christian faith and life, enabling believers to recognize and reject false doctrines.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ye have an unction from the Holy One":** This clause introduces a stark contrast ("But") to the false teachers previously mentioned. It declares that genuine believers possess a unique spiritual endowment—an "unction" or anointing. This anointing is not self-generated but originates "from the Holy One," referring to God, specifically Jesus Christ, who dispenses the Holy Spirit. This signifies a divine impartation, a spiritual consecration that sets believers apart and equips them for spiritual life and understanding. It implies a direct, personal relationship with God through the Spirit.
* **"and ye know all things":** This second clause describes the immediate effect and benefit of this divine anointing. The phrase "ye know all things" does not imply omniscience in a universal sense, but rather a comprehensive spiritual knowledge and discernment concerning the essential truths of the Christian faith, particularly those related to the person of Jesus Christ. Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers possess an innate capacity to recognize and affirm divine truth and, conversely, to identify and reject spiritual error, especially concerning the core doctrines being attacked by the antichrists. This knowledge is a spiritual intuition that protects them from deception.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several literary devices in [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Believer's Anointing") to convey his message with power and clarity. Firstly, there is a clear **Contrast** established by the opening "But," which sharply distinguishes the true believers from the false teachers and antichrists discussed in the preceding verses. This rhetorical move highlights the unique spiritual advantage of the faithful. Secondly, **Metaphor** is central with the use of "unction" (χρῖσμα, _chrîsma_), which functions as a powerful **Symbolism** for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Just as oil was used for consecration and healing in ancient times, this spiritual "unction" symbolizes divine consecration, equipping, and spiritual healing from the blindness of error. This metaphor underscores the active, indwelling presence of God's Spirit in believers. Finally, the statement "ye know all things" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or perhaps **Synecdoche**, where "all things" refers to all essential spiritual truths necessary for salvation and discernment, rather than universal knowledge. This emphatic declaration provides strong **Assurance** to the audience, reinforcing their confidence in their Spirit-given ability to discern truth and stand firm against deception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The concept of the "unction from the Holy One" in [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Believer's Anointing") is deeply rooted in Old Testament imagery of anointing for kings, priests, and prophets, signifying divine appointment and empowerment. In the New Testament, this imagery is fully realized in the person of Jesus, the "Christ" or "Anointed One," and extended to all believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This anointing grants believers an internal spiritual compass, enabling them to discern truth from error, especially concerning the fundamental identity of Jesus Christ. It underscores the Spirit's role as the divine teacher and guide, ensuring that genuine believers are not left vulnerable to the deceptions of false teachers. This theological truth provides immense assurance, affirming that God Himself equips His children with the necessary spiritual insight to navigate a world filled with competing claims and to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel.

* [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher")
* [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")
* [1 Corinthians 2:10-16](/1_corinthians/2-10-16 "1 Corinthians 2:10-16 - The Spirit Reveals God's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Believer's Anointing") offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers in every age. In a world saturated with information, misinformation, and diverse spiritual claims, the assurance that we possess an "unction from the Holy One" is invaluable. It reminds us that we are not left to our own intellectual devices to navigate the complexities of spiritual truth. The indwelling Holy Spirit serves as our ultimate teacher and guide, illuminating God's Word and granting us the spiritual discernment needed to test all things and hold fast to what is good. This does not negate the need for diligent study of Scripture or engagement with sound theological teaching; rather, it means that the Spirit works in and through these means, opening our eyes to truth and guarding us from error. Our reliance on this divine anointing should foster confidence, humility, and a deep sense of security in our faith, knowing that God Himself empowers us to recognize and stand firm in the truth of Jesus Christ, even when surrounded by spiritual deception.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of an "unction from the Holy One" deepen your understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need the Holy Spirit's discernment to "know all things" (i.e., essential truths)?**
* **How can you actively cultivate a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit's teaching and guidance in your daily walk?**
* **What are some practical steps you can take to test spiritual claims and teachings, relying on the Spirit's anointing?**

### FAQ

**Does "ye know all things" mean believers are omniscient?**

Answer: No, the phrase "ye know all things" in [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Believer's Anointing") does not imply that believers possess universal knowledge or omniscience. Instead, it refers to a comprehensive spiritual understanding of the essential truths of the Christian faith, particularly those concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the context of John's epistle, where false teachers were denying core doctrines, this "knowledge of all things" signifies the Spirit-given ability to discern truth from error regarding fundamental Christian beliefs. It’s a spiritual intuition and discernment that protects believers from heresy, allowing them to recognize and affirm the true Gospel.

**What is the "unction from the Holy One"?**

Answer: The "unction from the Holy One" (Greek: _chrîsma_) refers to the anointing of the Holy Spirit that every true believer receives upon conversion. This is a divine endowment, a spiritual consecration and equipping from God, specifically from Jesus Christ, who is "the Holy One." This anointing signifies the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who serves as the believer's divine teacher, guide, and seal. It is this anointing that enables believers to understand spiritual truths, to discern between genuine and false teachings, and to remain steadfast in their faith, as further explained in [1 John 2:27](/1_john/2-27 "1 John 2:27 - The Anointing Teaches You").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Believer's Anointing") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ, the true "Anointed One" (Christos). Just as Old Testament kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil to signify their divine appointment and empowerment, Jesus Himself was uniquely anointed by God with the Holy Spirit for His messianic mission ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed by God")). He is "the Holy One of God" ([John 6:69](/john/6-69 "John 6:69 - Peter's Confession of Christ")) from whom all spiritual blessings flow. The "unction" that believers receive is a participation in Christ's own anointing, a sharing in His Spirit. Through His death, resurrection, and ascension, Christ poured out His Spirit on His followers ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit")), thereby empowering them with the same divine discernment and knowledge that enables them to recognize Him as Lord and to distinguish His truth from all falsehood. This anointing is a tangible expression of our union with Christ, ensuring that as His body, we are equipped to uphold and proclaim the truth of who He is, standing firm against any spirit that denies Him ([1 John 4:2-3](/1_john/4-2-3 "1 John 4:2-3 - Discerning Spirits")). It is through Christ that we receive this precious gift, which secures our spiritual understanding and confirms our identity as His own.

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

John 14:26

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

2 Corinthians 1:21

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God;

2 Corinthians 1:22

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Proverbs 28:5

¶ Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things].

Psalms 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.