1 John 2:23

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

Whosoever {G3956} denieth {G720} the Son {G5207}, the same hath {G2192} not {G3761} the Father {G3962}:(but) he that acknowledgeth {G3670} the Son {G5207} hath {G2192} the Father {G3962} also {G2532}.

Everyone who denies the Son is also without the Father, but the person who acknowledges the Son has the Father as well.

Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that confesseth the Son hath the Father also.

1 John 2:23 is a pivotal verse that succinctly states a foundational truth of Christian doctrine: the inseparable nature of the Father and the Son, and the necessity of acknowledging Jesus for a true relationship with God.

Context

This verse is found within John's first epistle, a letter deeply concerned with distinguishing true believers from false teachers who were emerging in the early church. John writes to assure believers of their salvation and to warn them against those who deny the true identity of Jesus Christ. Specifically, in 1 John 2:18-22, John introduces the concept of "antichrist" and those who deny that Jesus is the Christ. Verse 23 serves as a direct consequence of such denial, emphasizing that denying the Son inherently means denying the Father.

Key Themes

  • The Inseparable Godhead: John asserts that one cannot claim to know or have fellowship with God the Father while simultaneously denying God the Son. This highlights the unity and co-equality of the Father and the Son within the Trinity.
  • The Essentiality of Jesus: Acknowledging Jesus Christ—His person, His divine nature, His atonement, and His role as the Messiah—is presented as non-negotiable for a genuine relationship with God. This aligns with Jesus' own words in John 14:6, "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
  • Warning Against False Doctrine: The verse directly addresses the dangers of theological error, particularly concerning the person of Christ. Those who deny Him are not merely mistaken; they are fundamentally separated from God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "denieth" is arneomai (ἀρνέομαι), meaning to reject, repudiate, or disown. It implies a conscious and deliberate refusal to acknowledge truth. Conversely, "acknowledgeth" comes from homologeo (ὁμολογέω), which means to confess, agree with, or declare openly. It signifies an open, unwavering confession of faith and alignment with truth.

It's worth noting that the parenthetical phrase in the KJV, "[(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also]," while theologically sound and consistent with John's message, is not present in some of the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts. It was likely added by later scribes to provide a clear antithetical balance to the first part of the verse, reinforcing the positive truth that having the Son means having the Father.

Theological Significance

This verse underpins the core Christian belief in the deity of Jesus Christ and the unity of the Godhead. It demonstrates that understanding and accepting Jesus' true identity is not an optional theological detail but a foundational prerequisite for salvation and knowing God. To deny the Son is to misunderstand God's very nature and His plan of redemption, making true fellowship impossible.

Practical Application

  • Discernment: Believers are called to be vigilant and discerning, testing spirits and doctrines to ensure they align with the truth about Jesus Christ (1 John 4:1).
  • Confession: This verse encourages a bold and unwavering confession of Jesus as Lord and Son of God. Our public declaration of faith is a vital aspect of our relationship with Him.
  • Sound Doctrine: It underscores the critical importance of sound biblical teaching about the person of Christ. Error in this area has eternal consequences.
  • Abiding in Christ: Ultimately, John's exhortation is to abide in what you have heard from the beginning, ensuring that our faith remains rooted in the true Son of God.
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 4:15

    Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

  • John 8:19

    Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

  • John 10:30

    I and [my] Father are one.

  • John 5:23

    That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

  • John 15:23

    He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

  • John 15:24

    If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

  • 2 John 1:9

    Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
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