1 John 2:22

KJV

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G5101} is {G2076} a liar {G5583} but {G1508} he that denieth {G720} that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} is {G2076}{G3756} the Christ {G5547}? He {G3778} is {G2076} antichrist {G500}, that denieth {G720} the Father {G3962} and {G2532} the Son {G5207}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who is a liar at all, if not the person who denies that Yeshua is the Messiah? Such a person is an anti-Messiah — he is denying the Father and the Son.

Berean Standard Bible

Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son.

American Standard Version

Who is the liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, even he that denieth the Father and the Son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 John 2:22 serves as a profound and direct declaration from the Apostle John, identifying a fundamental denial of Christian truth. It unequivocally labels anyone who denies Jesus as the Christ as a "liar" and further defines such a person as "antichrist," specifically because this denial inherently extends to both the Father and the Son, thereby severing the essential relationship with God. This verse underscores the non-negotiable nature of Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the inseparable unity of the Godhead, providing a critical test for discerning genuine faith from deceptive teaching within the early church and for believers across all ages.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of [1 John](/1_john/1 "The First Epistle of John") where the apostle addresses the emerging threat of false teachers, often referred to as "antichrists" in [1 John 2:18-19](/1_john/2-18-19 "1 John 2:18-19 - The Coming of Antichrist"). John has just warned his "little children" about the "last hour" and the departure of some from their fellowship, indicating a spiritual crisis. Following this, [1 John 2:20-21](/1_john/2-20-21 "1 John 2:20-21 - The Anointing from the Holy One") speaks of the believers' anointing and knowledge of the truth, setting the stage for the specific identification of falsehood in verse 22. John's immediate concern is to define the nature of this apostasy and provide a clear criterion for distinguishing truth from error, particularly concerning the person of Jesus Christ. The passage emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ and the truth, which is intrinsically linked to acknowledging Jesus' full identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written towards the close of the first century, John’s epistle confronts specific heresies that were gaining traction within Christian communities. These false teachings are widely understood to be early forms of Gnosticism or Docetism. Proto-Gnostics often posited a radical separation between the spiritual and material realms, leading them to deny either the full humanity of Jesus (Docetism, claiming He only "seemed" to have a body) or His full divinity, or to separate the "Christ spirit" from the man Jesus. For instance, some taught that the divine Christ descended upon the human Jesus at His baptism and departed before His crucifixion. John's community was grappling with these nuanced yet devastating theological distortions. The assertion that "Jesus is the Christ" directly counters these errors, affirming the unified person of Christ—both fully God and fully human—and His singular identity as the promised Messiah of Israel, a concept deeply rooted in Jewish expectation.
* **Key Themes:** [1 John 2:22](/1_john/2-22 "1 John 2:22 - Who is a Liar?") contributes significantly to several major themes throughout John's writings. Foremost is the **Core Identity of Jesus**, emphasizing that belief in "Jesus as the Christ" is the non-negotiable foundation of Christian faith. This affirms His role as the Anointed One, the Messiah, and God incarnate, who came to redeem humanity. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Truth vs. Falsehood**, unequivocally labeling those who deny this core truth as "liars," aligning their actions with the nature of the devil, who Jesus described as the [father of lies](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Father of Lies"). Thirdly, it introduces or reinforces the concept of the **Spirit of Antichrist**, which John uses to describe not only a future singular figure but also a present principle or person that opposes Christ and His truth, particularly concerning His person and work, as seen in [1 John 2:18](/1_john/2-18 "1 John 2:18 - Many Antichrists") and [1 John 4:3](/1_john/4-3 "1 John 4:3 - Spirit of Antichrist"). Finally, a crucial theological theme is the **Inseparability of Father and Son**; John asserts that denying Jesus as the Christ inherently means denying "the Father and the Son," underscoring the Trinitarian nature of God and the biblical truth that one cannot truly know or acknowledge God the Father without acknowledging Jesus the Son, as Jesus Himself declared, "[No man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way to the Father")."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **liar (Greek, _pseústēs'_):** From _pseudomai_, meaning "to lie, deceive." A _pseústēs_ is specifically a falsifier, one who utters falsehoods, or a deceiver. In John's context, it's not merely an accidental inaccuracy but a deliberate and fundamental misrepresentation of truth, particularly concerning the person of Jesus. This spiritual lying is antithetical to the nature of God, who is truth.
* **denieth (Greek, _arnéomai'_):** This verb signifies to contradict, disavow, reject, or abnegate. It implies a conscious and deliberate refusal to acknowledge or confess a truth. In this verse, it's a direct and active rejection of Jesus' identity as the Christ, which is seen as a profound act of apostasy, severing one from the core of Christian confession.
* **antichrist (Greek, _antíchristos'_):** A compound word formed from _anti_ (against, or in place of) and _Christos_ (Christ, Anointed One). An _antíchristos_ is an opponent of the Messiah or one who sets himself up in opposition to Christ. John uses this term to describe those who deny the essential truth about Jesus, particularly His incarnation and His unique relationship with the Father. It represents a spirit of opposition to divine truth revealed in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?"**: This rhetorical question immediately establishes a clear standard for identifying falsehood. John defines a "liar" not merely as someone who speaks untruths in general, but specifically as one who rejects the foundational Christian confession: that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One of God. This denial strikes at the very heart of God's redemptive plan and the unique identity of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. To deny this is to deny the central revelation of God in history.
* **"He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son."**: John intensifies the condemnation, equating the "liar" with "antichrist." This is a crucial theological statement. The denial of Jesus' messianic identity is not an isolated error; it inherently involves a denial of the Father and the Son in their inseparable relationship. One cannot truly know or acknowledge God the Father apart from His Son, Jesus Christ, through whom He has revealed Himself and accomplished salvation. Therefore, rejecting the Son is tantamount to rejecting the Father who sent Him, embodying a spirit that is fundamentally opposed to God's revealed truth and His saving work.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey his urgent message. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?"), which serves not to elicit an answer, but to emphatically state John's definitive judgment and to underscore the self-evident nature of the truth for his readers. This is immediately followed by a clear **Definition** or **Categorization**, as John explicitly defines who constitutes a "liar" and, subsequently, "antichrist." This precise labeling leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the nature of the false teaching. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast**, setting up a stark opposition between truth and falsehood, genuine confession and destructive denial, Christ and antichrist. This sharp distinction highlights the critical importance of orthodox Christology. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Polemic**, a strong and direct attack against the false teachers and their doctrines. John's language is confrontational and uncompromising, reflecting the serious spiritual threat posed by those who would undermine the person and work of Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the New Testament's emphasis on the absolute necessity of a right understanding of Jesus' person. Theologically, it affirms the **Incarnation** (God becoming flesh in Jesus) and the **Trinity** (the inseparable unity of the Father and the Son). To deny Jesus as the Christ is to reject God's ultimate self-revelation and His redemptive plan, which is intrinsically tied to the unique identity of His Son. John makes it clear that true knowledge of God the Father is mediated exclusively through the Son. This passage serves as a theological bulwark against any teaching that diminishes or distorts the full deity and humanity of Jesus, establishing a vital criterion for Christian orthodoxy and underscoring that genuine faith is rooted in the confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.

* [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"): This passage profoundly articulates the pre-existence, deity, and incarnation of Jesus as the Word, establishing the foundational truth that Jesus is God.
* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Peter's Confession"): Peter's confession, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," is presented as a divinely revealed truth upon which the church is built, echoing the core confession John defends.
* [2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "Deceivers Who Deny Jesus Christ"): This verse from John's second epistle reiterates the warning against deceivers who "confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh," directly linking the denial of the incarnation to the spirit of antichrist.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 2:22](/1_john/2-22 "1 John 2:22 - Who is a Liar?") remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to spiritual vigilance and doctrinal clarity. In a world saturated with diverse spiritual claims and interpretations, John's stark warning compels us to critically examine all teachings, especially those pertaining to the person of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that genuine faith is not merely an emotional experience but is anchored in objective truth about who Jesus is: the Christ, the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. This verse challenges us to cultivate a robust understanding of biblical Christology, enabling us to discern subtle deviations from truth that can undermine the very foundation of our salvation and relationship with God. It also encourages us to stand firm in defending these core doctrines, recognizing that attacks on Jesus' identity are ultimately attacks on God Himself. Our ability to recognize and resist the "spirit of antichrist" in its various manifestations depends on our unwavering commitment to the truth revealed in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Son of God, impact my daily life, worship, and interactions with others?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might modern thought, cultural trends, or even some religious teachings deny or diminish the full identity of Jesus as the Christ, the Father, and the Son?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment and to consistently test teachings against the truth of Scripture, as encouraged by John?**

### FAQ
**What does "denieth that Jesus is the Christ" mean specifically?**

Answer: To "deny that Jesus is the Christ" means to reject His unique and divinely appointed identity as the promised Messiah (the "Anointed One" of God), the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. In John's day, this denial often took the form of proto-Gnostic or Docetic beliefs, which either separated the divine "Christ-spirit" from the human Jesus, denied His full humanity, or denied His full divinity. For John, this was not a minor theological disagreement but a fundamental rejection of who God revealed Himself to be in Jesus. It undermines the entire Christian message of salvation, which hinges on Jesus being the true and only Christ. The purpose of John's Gospel, for instance, is that readers "might believe that [Jesus] is the Christ, the Son of God" ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")).

**Is "antichrist" only a future figure, or does John use the term differently?**

Answer: While the Bible speaks of a future, singular "man of lawlessness" or "Antichrist" who will oppose God (e.g., [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")), John uniquely uses the term "antichrist" to describe both a spirit and specific individuals who are already at work in the world. In [1 John 2:18](/1_john/2-18 "1 John 2:18 - Many Antichrists"), he states, "even now are there many antichrists." This indicates that the spirit of antichrist—which fundamentally opposes Christ and His truth, particularly concerning His incarnation and identity—is an active force throughout history. [1 John 4:3](/1_john/4-3 "1 John 4:3 - Spirit of Antichrist") further clarifies that "every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist." So, for John, "antichrist" refers to anyone or any teaching that denies the true person of Jesus Christ.

**Why is denying the Father and the Son so significant?**

Answer: Denying the Father and the Son is profoundly significant because it strikes at the very heart of the nature of God and the means of salvation. The Bible reveals God as a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three distinct persons in one divine essence. John emphasizes the inseparable unity and relationship between the Father and the Son. Jesus Himself declared, "[No man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way to the Father")." Therefore, to deny the Son is to deny the Father who sent Him and revealed Himself through Him. One cannot claim to know or worship God the Father while rejecting Jesus, His unique Son and the sole mediator between God and humanity. This denial severs one's connection to the true God and His saving grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 2:22](/1_john/2-22 "1 John 2:22 - Who is a Liar?") finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. This verse underscores the absolute centrality of Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Anointed One, who is the full and final revelation of God. The "liar" is one who denies this truth, precisely because Jesus is the embodiment of truth, the one through whom the invisible God is made known. As [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") states, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." To deny Jesus as the Christ is to deny God's definitive self-disclosure and His redemptive plan, which culminates in the Son. Jesus perfectly revealed the Father, declaring, "[He that hath seen me hath seen the Father](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")." His life, miraculous works, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection unequivocally confirm His identity as the Christ, the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and the very image of the invisible God, as articulated in [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Image of the Invisible God"). He is God's final word to humanity, through whom He has spoken in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Thus, the confession that "Jesus is the Christ" is not merely a theological statement but the recognition of God's saving act in history, through the one in whom "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")).

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

2 John 1:7

¶ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

1 John 4:3

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

1 John 2:18

¶ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Jude 1:4

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:20

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1 John 2:23

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.]

1 John 1:6

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: