1 John 2:7

KJV

¶ Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

KJV (with Strong's)

Brethren {G80}, I write {G1125} no {G3756} new {G2537} commandment {G1785} unto you {G5213}, but {G235} an old {G3820} commandment {G1785} which {G3739} ye had {G2192} from {G575} the beginning {G746}. The old {G3820} commandment {G1785} is {G2076} the word {G3056} which {G3739} ye have heard {G191} from {G575} the beginning {G746}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command. On the contrary, it is an old command, which you have had from the beginning; the old command is the message which you have heard before.

Berean Standard Bible

Beloved, I am not writing to you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had from the beginning. This commandment is the message you have heard.

American Standard Version

Beloved, no new commandment write I unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: the old commandment is the word which ye heard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 John 2:7, the Apostle John reassures his readers that the fundamental truth he is conveying is not a novel doctrine but an established, foundational commandment they have known and received since the very inception of their Christian faith. He emphasizes the continuity and enduring nature of this core teaching, which is intrinsically linked to the original message of the Gospel they first heard.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows John's exhortation against loving the world and its fleeting desires, and his declaration that those who do the will of God abide forever. By stating that he writes "no new commandment," John sets up a crucial point of continuity, preparing the reader for the seemingly paradoxical statement in [1 John 2:8](/1_john/2-8 "1 John 2:8 - The New Commandment") about a "new commandment" that is simultaneously "old." This verse serves as a bridge, affirming the enduring nature of foundational Christian truth before delving into its renewed expression in Christ. It underscores that the ethical demands of the Christian life are rooted in the earliest teachings, providing stability against any emerging false doctrines that might claim new, exclusive revelations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John is writing to a community of believers, likely in Ephesus or its vicinity, facing internal challenges and external pressures. A significant issue was the rise of proto-Gnostic teachings, which often introduced novel interpretations of Christ and salvation, sometimes leading to antinomianism (disregard for moral law) or asceticism. These false teachers might have claimed superior, "new" knowledge. In this context, John's assertion that he is presenting "no new commandment" directly counters such claims, grounding the believers in the apostolic tradition they received from the start. The phrase "from the beginning" would resonate with their initial conversion experience and the foundational instruction they received, providing a bulwark against theological innovation that deviated from the original Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major themes in 1 John. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity of Divine Truth**, emphasizing that God's commands are consistent and unchanging, providing a stable foundation for faith. Secondly, it introduces the concept of the **"Old" Commandment**, which, while not explicitly named here, is understood in the broader Johannine corpus as the command to love, a theme central to John's Gospel (e.g., [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - Jesus' New Commandment")) and epistle. This love is not a new invention but a core principle from the outset of their Christian journey. Thirdly, John's repeated use of "from the beginning" underscores the **Authority of Apostolic Testimony and Foundational Revelation**. This phrase, also seen in [1 John 1:1](/1_john/1-1 "1 John 1:1 - What Was From the Beginning") and [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word"), grounds the Christian message in the historical reality of Christ and the eyewitness accounts of the apostles, contrasting with speculative or recently invented teachings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** (G1785) From *entellomai*, meaning an injunction or authoritative prescription. In biblical context, it refers to a divine command, often carrying moral or ethical weight. John's use here emphasizes its divine origin and binding nature, distinguishing it from human traditions or arbitrary rules. It signifies a directive from God that demands obedience.
* **old (Greek, _palaiós'_):** (G3820) Signifies something that has existed for a long time, not necessarily worn out, but established over time. It contrasts with *kainos* (G2537, new), which implies freshness or a new kind, rather than merely chronological newness. Here, it denotes the command's long-standing presence in their Christian experience, rooted in the initial proclamation of the Gospel.
* **beginning (Greek, _archḗ'_):** (G746) Refers to a commencement, origin, or the first point in time or order. In John's writings, it often points to the very start of creation, Christ's pre-existence, or, as here, the initial reception of the Gospel and Christian teaching. It underscores the foundational and original nature of the truth being discussed, emphasizing its apostolic authenticity and the readers' early acquaintance with it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you,"**: John addresses his readers affectionately as "Brethren" (G80, *adelphós*), indicating a familial bond and shared faith. He immediately clarifies his purpose, stating that his current instruction is not a novel or previously unheard directive. This preempts any accusation that he is introducing foreign or innovative doctrines, thereby affirming the continuity of his teaching with what they already knew.
* **"but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning."**: In contrast to a "new" command, John asserts that he is reiterating an "old commandment." This command is not new to them because they "had" (G2192, *échō*, possessed or held) it "from the beginning" (G575, *apó* G746, *archḗ*). This "beginning" refers to the point of their conversion, their initial exposure to the Gospel message, or the earliest apostolic proclamation of Christian truth. It underscores the foundational and long-standing nature of this particular command within their faith experience.
* **"The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning."**: This second clause serves to define and reinforce the identity of the "old commandment." John explicitly equates it with "the word" (G3056, *lógos*) that they "have heard" (G191, *akoúō*, perceived by hearing) "from the beginning." This "word" is the entirety of the Gospel message and the apostolic teaching that formed the basis of their faith, confirming that the commandment is not an isolated precept but an integral part of the original, comprehensive Christian revelation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Repetition** and **Emphasis**. The phrase "old commandment" is repeated twice, and "from the beginning" is also repeated, serving to deeply impress upon the reader the established and unchanging nature of the truth John is discussing. This repetition functions as a rhetorical device to underscore the continuity and foundational stability of Christian teaching, directly countering any claims of novelty from false teachers. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Anticipation** of a **Paradox** that will be fully unveiled in the subsequent verse ([1 John 2:8](/1_john/2-8 "1 John 2:8 - The New Commandment")). By stating "no new commandment," John subtly sets up the expectation for a "new" element, which he then introduces as being simultaneously "old," creating a profound theological tension that he resolves through the person and work of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 John 2:7 powerfully articulates the theological principle of the immutability of God's truth and the enduring nature of His commands. It grounds Christian ethics and doctrine not in fleeting trends or novel interpretations, but in the stable, original revelation received "from the beginning." This "old commandment," understood in the broader Johannine context as the command to love, is not a discarded relic but a living, foundational truth that has always characterized God's relationship with His people and their relationship with one another. It speaks to the integrity of the apostolic message, assuring believers that their faith is built upon a consistent and unchanging divine mandate, providing a steadfast anchor in a world prone to theological fads and deviations.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God")
* [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")
* [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - Jesus' New Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly seeking novelty and innovation, 1 John 2:7 serves as a vital reminder that the core tenets of our faith are not subject to change. It calls us to ground our spiritual lives in the "old commandment," the foundational truth of the Gospel that we have heard and embraced from the very start of our journey with Christ. This means diligently studying and adhering to the Scriptures, which preserve the apostolic teaching, and discerning between genuine, time-tested biblical truth and any teachings that deviate from it. Living out this old commandment, particularly the command to love, requires intentional effort to prioritize Christ-like character and community over fleeting cultural trends or personal preferences. It encourages a deep appreciation for the continuity of God's work throughout history and a commitment to faithfully transmit the unchanging Gospel to future generations, ensuring that the "word which ye have heard from the beginning" continues to shape and guide believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "word" or "commandment" did I hear from the beginning of my Christian walk that remains foundational to my faith today?**
* **How can I ensure that my understanding and practice of Christianity remain rooted in these "old" and enduring truths, rather than being swayed by new trends or teachings?**
* **In what ways might the "old commandment" of love challenge my current attitudes or actions towards others?**

### FAQ
**What is the "old commandment" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in [1 John 2:7](/1_john/2-7 "1 John 2:7 - The Old Commandment"), the broader context of John's writings, particularly his Gospel and this epistle, strongly indicates that the "old commandment" is the command to love. This is made clearer in [1 John 2:8](/1_john/2-8 "1 John 2:8 - The New Commandment"), where John states that a "new commandment" is also true in Christ and in believers, referring to the love demonstrated by Jesus. Jesus himself gave this command to his disciples in [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - Jesus' New Commandment") ("A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another") and [John 15:12](/john/15-12 "John 15:12 - Command to Love One Another"). It is "old" because it was present from the beginning of their Christian experience and has roots in the Old Testament law ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")). It is "new" in its fresh expression, empowerment, and ultimate example found in Christ.

**What does John mean by "from the beginning"?**

Answer: The phrase "from the beginning" (Greek: *apó archḗ*) is a significant Johannine theme, appearing frequently in his writings. In [1 John 2:7](/1_john/2-7 "1 John 2:7 - From the Beginning"), it primarily refers to the initial point when the readers first heard and embraced the Gospel message. It signifies their conversion experience and the foundational apostolic teaching they received upon becoming believers. This emphasis on the original message serves to validate the authenticity of the truth John is reiterating, contrasting it with any novel or erroneous doctrines that might be circulating. It connects their current faith back to the authoritative, original proclamation of Christ and His teachings, as seen in passages like [1 John 1:1](/1_john/1-1 "1 John 1:1 - What Was From the Beginning").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "old commandment" of [1 John 2:7](/1_john/2-7 "1 John 2:7 - The Old Commandment") finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in Jesus Christ. While the command to love God and neighbor was present from the Old Testament ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God") and [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")), Jesus redefined, intensified, and perfectly embodied it, making it the supreme hallmark of His disciples. He declared, "[A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - Jesus' New Commandment")" ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - Jesus' New Commandment")). This seemingly "new" command is paradoxically "old" because it embodies the eternal character of God, who is love ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is Love")). Christ did not abolish the old but fulfilled it by perfectly demonstrating divine love through His life, His sacrificial death on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")), and His resurrection. His incarnation made the abstract command tangible and accessible, and His indwelling Spirit empowers believers to live out this love, transforming it from a mere legal requirement into a vibrant, relational reality ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Love Poured Out by the Spirit")). Thus, the "word which ye have heard from the beginning" is ultimately the word of Christ, the living embodiment of God's unchanging love and the source of our ability to obey this foundational commandment.

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

Mark 12:29

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Mark 12:34

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question].

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.

1 John 3:11

¶ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

2 John 1:5

¶ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

2 John 1:6

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.