1JN front intro nl27 0 # Introduction to 1 John<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>#### Outline of the Book of 1 John<br><br>1. Introduction (1:1-4)<br>1. Christian living (1:5-3:10)<br>1. The command to love one another (3:11-5:12)<br>1. Conclusion (5:13-21)<br><br>#### Who wrote the Book of 1 John?<br><br>This book does not name the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the Apostle John was the author. He was also wrote of the Gospel of John.<br><br>#### What is the Book of 1 John about?<br><br>John wrote this letter to Christians at a time when false teachers were troubling them. John wrote this letter because he wanted to prevent believers from sinning. He wanted to protect believers from false teachings. And he wanted to assure believers that they were saved.<br><br>#### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "1 John" or "First John." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "The First Letter From John" or "The First Letter John Wrote." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>#### Who were the people that John spoke against?<br><br>The people John spoke against were possibly those who would become known as Gnostics. These people believed that the physical world was evil. Since they believed Jesus was divine, they denied that he was truly human. This is because they thought God would not become human since the physical body is evil. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>#### What do the words "remain," "reside," and "abide" mean in 1 John?<br><br>John often used the words "remain," "reside," and "abide" as metaphors. John spoke of a believer becoming more faithful to Jesus and knowing Jesus better as if Jesus' word "remained" in the believer. Also, John spoke of someone being spiritually joined to someone else as if the person "remained" in the other person. Christians are said to "remain" in Christ and in God. The Father is said to "remain" in the Son, and the Son is said to "remain" in the Father. The Son is said to "remain" in believers. The Holy Spirit is also said to "remain" in the believers.<br><br>Many translators will find it impossible to represent these ideas in their languages in exactly the same way. For example, John intended to express the idea of the Christian being spiritually together with God when he said, "He who says he remains in God" (1 John 2:6). The UST says, "If we say that we are in union with God," but translators will often have to find other expressions that communicate these ideas well.<br><br>In the passage, "the word of God remains in you" (1 John 2:13), the UST expresses this idea as, "you continue to obey what God commands." Many translators will find it possible to use this translation as a model.<br><br>#### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 1 John?<br><br>For the following verses, some modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.<br><br>* "And we are writing these things to you so that our joy may be complete" (1:4). Some older versions have, "And we are writing these things to you so that your joy may be complete."<br>* "And you all know the truth" (2:20). Other modern versions have, "And you all have knowledge." Some older versions have, "and you know all things."<br>* "and this is what we are!" (3:1). The ULT, UST, and most modern versions read this way. Some older versions omit this phrase.<br>* "and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God" (4:3). The ULT, UST, and most modern versions have this reading. Some older versions read, "and every spirit that does not acknowledge that Jesus has
1JN 01 intro ab9v 0 # 1 John 01 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>This is a letter that John wrote to Christians.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Christians and sin<br>In this chapter John teaches that all Christians are still sinners. But God continues to forgive a Christian's sins. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/forgive]])<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphors<br><br>In this chapter John writes that God is light. Light is a metaphor for understanding and righteousness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])<br><br>John also writes about people walking in the light or in the darkness. Walking is a metaphor for behaving or living. People who walk in the light understand what is righteous and do it. People who walk in the darkness may not understand what is righteous, and they do what is sinful.<br>
1JN 01 01 axg6 figs-you 0 General Information: The apostle John wrote this letter to believers. All instances of "you," "your," and "yours" include all believers and are plural. Here the words "we" and "us" refer to John and those who had been with Jesus. In verses 1-2 many pronouns like "that," "which," and "it" are used. They refer to "the Word of life" and "the eternal life." But, since these are names for Jesus, you can use pronouns that refer to a person like "who," "whom" or "he." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
1JN 01 01 ej5x 0 which we have heard "which we have heard him teach"
1JN 01 01 rb73 figs-parallelism 0 which we have seen ... we have looked at This is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "which we ourselves have seen" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 01 01 gt44 0 the Word of life "Jesus, the one who causes people to live forever"
1JN 01 01 i8b4 figs-metonymy 0 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 01 02 la4a figs-activepassive 0 the life was made known This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made the eternal life known to us" or "God made us able to know him, who is eternal life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 01 02 jp6s 0 we have seen it "we have seen him"
1JN 01 02 ih36 0 we bear witness to it "we solemnly tell others about him"
1JN 01 02 lyt6 figs-metonymy 0 the eternal life Here, "the eternal life" refers to the one who gives that life, Jesus. Alternate translation: "the one who enables us to live forever" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 01 02 itv8 0 which was with the Father "who was with God the Father"
1JN 01 02 fru2 figs-activepassive 0 and which has been made known to us This was when he lived on earth. Alternate translation: "and he came to live among us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 01 03 jd7p figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Here the words "we," "us," and "our" refer to John and those who had been with Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 01 03 vw2w 0 That which we have seen and heard we declare also to you "We say to you also what we have seen and heard"
1JN 01 03 dw7l 0 have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with the Father "be our close friends. We are friends with God the Father"
1JN 01 03 tf4m 0 Our fellowship It is not clear if John is including or excluding his readers. You may translate this either way.
1JN 01 03 rxq7 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Father ... Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 01 04 xn9d 0 so that our joy will be complete "to make our joy complete" or "to make ourselves completely happy"
1JN 01 05 djn4 figs-inclusive 0 General Information: Here the words "we" and "us" refer to all believers, including the people to whom John was writing. Unless otherwise stated, that is the meaning for the remainder of this book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
1JN 01 05 cd6f figs-metonymy 0 God is light This is a metaphor that means that God is perfectly pure and holy. Cultures that associate goodness with light may be able to keep the idea of light without explaining the metaphor. Alternate translation: "God is purely righteous like pure light" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 01 05 e9m2 figs-metaphor 0 in him there is no darkness at all This is a metaphor that means that God never sins and is not evil in any way. Cultures that associate evil with darkness may be able to keep the idea of darkness without explaining the metaphor. Alternate translation: "in him there is nothing that is evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 01 06 f958 figs-metaphor 0 walk in darkness Here "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here "darkness" is a metaphor for "evil." Alternate translation: "do what is evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 01 07 lpr3 figs-metaphor 0 walk in the light as he is in the light Here "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here "light" is a metaphor for "good" or "right." Alternate translation: "do what is good as God is perfectly good" or "do what is right as God is perfectly right" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 01 07 d7d8 figs-metonymy 0 the blood of Jesus This refers to the death of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 01 07 jb3e guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 01 08 gb5l 0 General Information: Here the words "he," "him," and "his" refer to God ([1 John 1:5](../01/05.md)).
1JN 01 08 enu7 0 have no sin "never sin"
1JN 01 08 m8hf 0 are deceiving "are tricking" or "lying to"
1JN 01 08 tt51 figs-metaphor 0 the truth is not in us The truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be inside believers. Alternate translation: "we do not believe what God says is true" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 01 09 f68c figs-parallelism 0 to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness These two phrases mean basically the same thing. John uses them to emphasize that God will surely forgive our sins. Alternate translation: "and will completely forgive us of what we have done wrong" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 01 10 hii2 figs-explicit 0 we make him out to be a liar It is implied that a person who claims to be without sin would be calling God a liar since he said that everyone is a sinner. Alternate translation: "it is the same as calling him a liar, because he said we have all sinned" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 01 10 m3p1 figs-metaphor 0 his word is not in us "Word" here is a metonym for "message." Obeying and honoring God's word is spoken of as if his word were inside the believers. Alternate translation: "we do not understand God's word nor obey what he says" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 02 intro zjj9 0 # 1 John 02 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Antichrist<br><br>In this chapter John writes about both a specific antichrist and many antichrists. The word "antichrist" means "opposed to Christ." The antichrist is a person who will come in the last days and imitate Jesus' work, but he will do it for evil. Before this person comes, there will be many people who work against Christ; they too are called "antichrists." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/antichrist]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphor<br><br>There are several groups of similar metaphors that are used throughout this chapter.<br><br>Being in God is a metaphor for having fellowship with God, and God's word and truth being in people is a metaphor for people knowing and obeying God's word.<br><br>Walking is a metaphor for behaving, not knowing where one is going is a metaphor for not knowing how to behave, and stumbling is a metaphor for sinning.<br><br>The light is a metaphor for knowing and doing what is right, and darkness and blindness are metaphors for not knowing what is right and doing what is wrong.<br><br>Leading people astray is a metaphor for teaching people things that are not true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br>
1JN 02 01 u65h figs-inclusive 0 General Information: Here the words "we" and "us" refer to John and all believers. The words "him" and "his" could refer to God the Father or to Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
1JN 02 01 w9ji 0 Connecting Statement: John continues to write about fellowship and shows that it is possible because Jesus goes between believers and the Father.
1JN 02 01 v57g figs-metaphor 0 Children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. Alternate translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 01 p49e 0 I am writing these things "I am writing this letter"
1JN 02 01 bi4g 0 But if anyone sins "But when anyone sins." This is something that is likely to happen.
1JN 02 01 stj2 figs-explicit 0 we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the one who is righteous The word "advocate" here refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "we have Jesus Christ, the one who is righteous, who speaks to the Father and asks him to forgive us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 02 02 h8fg 0 He is the propitiation for our sins "God is no longer angry with us, because Jesus sacrificed his own life for our sins" or "Jesus is the one who sacrificed his life for our sins, so God is no longer angry with us for our sins"
1JN 02 03 el7q 0 We know that we have come to know him "We know that we know him" or "We know that we have a good relationship with him"
1JN 02 03 qn85 0 if we keep his commandments "if we obey what he commands"
1JN 02 04 kmz5 0 The one who says "Anyone who says" or "The person who says"
1JN 02 04 q665 0 I know God "I have a good relationship with God"
1JN 02 04 qp1j 0 does not keep "does not obey" or "disobeys"
1JN 02 04 qt4e 0 his commandments "what God tells him to do"
1JN 02 04 cj84 figs-metaphor 0 the truth is not in him The truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be inside the believers. Alternate translation: "he does not believe what God says is true" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 05 aqa4 figs-idiom 0 keeps his word To keep someone's word here is an idiom for to obey. Alternate translation: "does what God tells him to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 02 05 x88p figs-possession 0 in him truly the love of God has been perfected This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "the love of God" refers to a person loving God, and "perfected" represents completely or fully. Alternate translation: "it is that person who loves God completely" or 2) "the love of God" refers to God loving people, and "perfected" represents completing its purpose. Alternate translation: "God's love has achieved its purpose in that person's life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 02 05 b688 figs-metaphor 0 By this we know that we are in him The phrase "we are in him" means that the believer has fellowship with God. Alternate translation: "When we obey what God says, we can be certain that we have fellowship with him" or "By this we know that are joined to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 06 u6lu figs-metaphor 0 remains in God To remain in God means to continue to have fellowship with God. Alternate translation: "continues to have fellowship with God" or "stays joined to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 06 x5n1 figs-metaphor 0 should himself also walk just as he walked Conducting one's life is spoken of as if it were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "must live as he lived" or "should also obey God just as Jesus Christ did" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 07 py9g 0 Beloved, I am "You people whom I love, I am" or "Dear friends, I am"
1JN 02 07 amu6 0 I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment "I write to you to love one other, which is not a new thing to do but an old commandment that you had heard." John refers to Jesus' command to love one another.
1JN 02 07 vz9w figs-explicit 0 from the beginning Here, "beginning" refers to when they decided to follow Christ. Alternate translation: "from when you first believed in Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 02 07 eia9 0 The old commandment is the word that you heard. ""The old commandment is the message that you heard"
1JN 02 08 i1up 0 Yet I am writing a new commandment to you "But in one way the commandment I write to you is a new commandment"
1JN 02 08 c2fa 0 which is true in Christ and in you "which is true, as shown in Christ's deeds and your deeds"
1JN 02 08 i8gr figs-metaphor 0 the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining Here "darkness" is a metaphor for "evil" and "light" is a metaphor for "good." Alternate translation: "because you are ceasing to do evil and you are doing more and more good" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 09 j4f7 0 General Information: Here the word "brother" refers to a fellow Christian.
1JN 02 09 a3jt 0 The one who says "Anyone who says" or "Someone who claims." This does not refer to a specific person.
1JN 02 09 srl7 figs-metaphor 0 he is in the light Here to be "in the light" is a metaphor for doing what is right. Alternate translation: "he does what is right" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 09 mp9f figs-metaphor 0 is in the darkness Here to be "in the darkness" is a metaphor for doing what is evil. Alternate translation: "does what is evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 10 q2x1 figs-metaphor 0 there is no occasion for stumbling in him "nothing will cause him to stumble." The word "stumbling" is a metaphor that means to fail spiritually or morally. Alternate translation: "nothing will cause him to sin" or "he will not fail to do what is pleasing to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 11 u44x figs-metaphor 0 is in the darkness and walks in the darkness Here "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here to be "in the darkness" and "walks in the darkness" mean the same thing. This brings attention to how evil it is to hate a fellow believer. Alternate translation: "does what is evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 02 11 y5cs figs-metaphor 0 he does not know where he is going This is a metaphor for the believer who is not living as a Christian should be living. Alternate translation: "he does not know what he should do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 11 w4r2 figs-metaphor 0 the darkness has blinded his eyes "the darkness has made him unable to see." Darkness is a metaphor for sin or evil. Alternate translation: "sin has made it impossible for him to understand the truth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 12 k1w9 0 General Information: John explains why he is writing his letter either to different age groups or to believers with differences in maturity. Try to use similar wording for these sentences, as they are written poetically.
1JN 02 12 in8n figs-metaphor 0 you, dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "you, my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 12 ed41 figs-activepassive 0 your sins are forgiven This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God forgives your sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 02 12 yjy8 figs-metonymy 0 because of his name "his name" refers to Christ and who he is. Alternate translation: "because of what Christ has done for you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 02 13 kue2 figs-metaphor 0 I am writing to you, fathers The word "fathers" here is possibly a metaphor referring to mature believers. Alternate translation: "I am writing to you, mature believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 13 y1vm 0 you know "you have a relationship with"
1JN 02 13 wmt8 0 the one who is from the beginning "the one who has always lived" or "the one who has always existed." It refers either to "Jesus" or to "God the Father."
1JN 02 13 wg4v figs-metaphor 0 young men This possibly refers to those who are no longer new believers but are growing in spiritual maturity. Alternate translation: "young believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 13 tfh1 figs-metaphor 0 overcome The writer is speaking of the believers' refusal to follow Satan and of their frustrating his plans as if it were a matter of conquering him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 14 l74j figs-metaphor 0 you are strong Here "strong" refers not to believers' physical strength, but to their faithfulness to Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 14 u3n8 figs-metaphor 0 the word of God remains in you "Word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. The writer refers to the believers' increased faithfulness to Christ and knowledge of him as if he were speaking of God's word existing in them. Alternate translation: "God's message continues to teach you" or "you know the word of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 02 15 xig6 figs-metonymy 0 Do not love the world nor In 2:15-17 the word "world" refers to all the things people want to do that do not honor God. Alternate translation: "Do not behave like the people in the world who do not honor God, and do not love" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 02 15 h2hm 0 the things that are in the world "the things that those who dishonor God want"
1JN 02 15 p56b figs-metaphor 0 If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him A person cannot love this world and all that dishonors God and love the Father at the same time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 15 s48z 0 the love of the Father is not in him "he does not love the Father"
1JN 02 16 pz3q 0 the lust of the flesh "the strong desire to have sinful physical pleasure"
1JN 02 16 x124 0 the lust of the eyes "the strong desire to have things that we see"
1JN 02 16 c3xw 0 is not from the Father "does not come from the Father" or "is not how the Father teaches us to live"
1JN 02 17 ct43 0 are passing away "pass away" or "will one day not be here"
1JN 02 18 c7td 0 Little children "Immature Christians." See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md).
1JN 02 18 esd9 figs-metonymy 0 it is the last hour The phrase "the last hour" refers to the time just before Jesus returns. Alternate translation: "Jesus will return soon" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 02 18 r2vq 0 many antichrists have come "there are many people who are against Christ"
1JN 02 18 rs4w 0 have come. By this we know "have come, and because of this we know" or "have come, and because many antichrists have come, we know"
1JN 02 19 rmj7 0 They went out from us "They left us"
1JN 02 19 ytb1 0 but they were not from us "but they did not really belong to us anyway" or "but they were not really part of our group in the first place." The reason they were not really part of the group is that they were not believers in Jesus.
1JN 02 19 jin1 0 For if they had been from us they would have remained with us "We know this because they would not have left us if they really had been believers"
1JN 02 20 k4s4 0 General Information: In the Old Testament the word "anointing" referred to pouring oil on a person to set him apart to serve God.
1JN 02 20 i3m1 figs-metaphor 0 But you have an anointing from the Holy One John speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were "an anointing" that the people have received from Jesus. The abstract noun "anointing" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "But the Holy One has anointed you" or "But Jesus Christ, the Holy One, has given you his Spirit" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 02 20 gy16 figs-explicit 0 the Holy One This refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "Jesus, the Holy One" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 02 20 rnw6 figs-abstractnouns 0 the truth The abstract noun "truth" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "what is true" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 02 21 r8yr figs-abstractnouns 0 the truth ... no lie is from the truth The abstract noun "truth" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "what is true ... no lie comes from what is true" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 02 22 d71l figs-rquestion 0 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? "Who is the liar? Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ." John used a question to emphasize who liars are. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 02 22 d4u7 0 denies that Jesus is the Christ "refuses to say that Jesus is the Christ" or "says that Jesus is not the Messiah"
1JN 02 22 z4t1 0 denies the Father and the Son "refuses to say the truth about the Father and the Son" or "rejects the Father and the Son."
1JN 02 22 pth9 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Father ... Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 02 23 az2y 0 has the Father "belongs to the Father"
1JN 02 23 u9ep 0 confesses the Son "speaks the truth about the Son"
1JN 02 23 k78f 0 has the Father "belongs to the Father"
1JN 02 24 xmi4 figs-you 0 General Information: Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the people to whom John wrote as well as all believers. The word "he" is emphatic and refers to Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1JN 02 24 c42w 0 As for you This marks John's telling them how they should live as followers of Jesus instead of how those against Christ live.
1JN 02 24 zl8y figs-explicit 0 let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you "remember and believe what you have heard from the beginning." How they heard it, what they heard, and what "the beginning" means can be made explicit: Alternate translation: "continue to trust what we have taught you about Jesus just as you have trusted since you first became believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 02 24 dsl7 0 what you have heard from the beginning "what we taught you about Jesus when you first became believers"
1JN 02 24 rfz8 0 If what you heard from the beginning remains in you The word "remains" is talking about relationship, not salvation. Alternate translation: "If you continue to trust what we first taught you"
1JN 02 24 ty7q figs-metaphor 0 also remain in the Son and in the Father To "remain in" means to continue to have fellowship with. See how translated a similar phrase to "remain in" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "also continue to have fellowship with Son and with the Father" or "also stay joined to the Son and to the Father" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 25 llj2 0 This is the promise he gave to us—eternal life. "This is what he promised to give us—eternal life" or "He has promised to cause us to live forever"
1JN 02 25 id51 figs-metonymy 0 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1](../01/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 02 26 fe44 figs-metaphor 0 those who would lead you astray Here "lead you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "those who want to deceive you" or "those who want to make you believe lies about Jesus Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 27 tdj7 0 Connecting Statement: Starting in verse 29, John introduces the idea of being born into God's family. The previous verses show that believers continue to sin; this part shows that believers also have the new nature, which cannot sin. It continues to show how believers can recognize each other.
1JN 02 27 qw47 0 As for you This marks John's telling them something else about how they should live as followers of Jesus instead of following those who are against Christ.
1JN 02 27 cn2f 0 the anointing This refers to "God's Spirit." See the note about "anointing" in [1 John 2:20](../02/20.md).
1JN 02 27 tb5k figs-hyperbole 0 as his anointing teaches you everything Here the word "everything" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "because his anointing teaches you everything that you need to know" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1JN 02 27 wr63 figs-metaphor 0 remain in him To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "continue to have fellowship with him" or "stay joined with him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 28 tii1 0 Now This word is used here to mark a new part of the letter.
1JN 02 28 kjn9 figs-metaphor 0 dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 02 28 zz4x 0 he appears "we see him"
1JN 02 28 lnk2 0 boldness having no fear
1JN 02 28 d4ql 0 not be ashamed before him "not be ashamed in his presence"
1JN 02 28 x7ic 0 at his coming "when he comes again"
1JN 02 29 u6er 0 has been born from him "has been born of God" or "is God's child"
1JN 03 intro d8r2 0 # 1 John 03 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Children of God<br>God created all people, but people can only become children of God by believing in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])<br><br>##### Cain<br>Cain was a son of the first man, Adam, and the first woman, Eve. He was jealous of his brother and murdered him. Readers may not know who Cain was if they have not read Genesis. It may help them if you explain this to them.<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### "To know"<br>The verb "to know" is used in two different ways in this chapter. Sometimes it is used about knowing a fact, as in 3:2, 3:5, and 3:19. Sometimes it means to experience and understand someone or something, as in 3:1, 3:6, 3:16, and 3:20. Some languages have different words for these different meanings.<br><br><br>##### "He who keeps God's commandments remains in him, and God remains in him"<br>Many scholars believe this is about remaining in God's will and is not about being saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])<br>
1JN 03 01 gl8n 0 See what kind of love the Father has given to us "Think about how our Father loves us so much"
1JN 03 01 x99a 0 we should be called children of God "the Father called us his children"
1JN 03 01 c3z8 0 children of God Here this means people who belong to God through faith in Jesus.
1JN 03 01 fq4t 0 For this reason, the world does not know us, because it did not know him Possible meanings are 1) "Because we are the children of God and because the world did not know God, it does not know us" or 2) "Because the world did not know God, it does not know us."
1JN 03 01 l5e7 figs-metonymy 0 the world does not know us, because it did not know him Here "the world" refers to people who do not honor God. What the world did not know can be made explicit: Alternate translation: "those who do not honor God do not know that we belong to God, because they did not know God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 03 02 ek9v 0 Beloved, we are "You people whom I love, we are" or "Dear friends, we are." See how you translated this in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1JN 03 02 anq1 figs-activepassive 0 it has not yet been revealed This can be stated in active form: Alternate translation: "God has not yet revealed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 03 02 w2v8 0 revealed This can mean here either "told," "demonstrated," or "shown."
1JN 03 03 pj6a 0 Everyone who has this hope fixed on him purifies himself just as he is pure "Everyone who confidently expects to see Christ as he really is will keep himself pure because Christ is pure"
1JN 03 05 g4ph figs-activepassive 0 Christ was revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ appeared" or "the Father revealed Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 03 06 j999 figs-metaphor 0 remains in him To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "continues to have fellowship with him" or "stays joined with him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 03 06 eu9c figs-doublet 0 No one ... has seen him or known him John uses the words "seen" and "known" to say that the person who sins has never met Christ in a spiritual sense. A person behaving according to his sinful nature cannot know Christ. Alternate translation: "No one ... has ever truly believed in him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1JN 03 07 ia4z figs-metaphor 0 Dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 03 07 wg85 figs-metaphor 0 do not let anyone lead you astray Here "lead you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "do not let anyone fool you" or "do not let anyone deceive you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 03 07 v4yp 0 The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous "He who does what is right is pleasing to God just as Christ is pleasing to God."
1JN 03 08 uja7 0 is from the devil "belongs to the devil" or "is like the devil"
1JN 03 08 cit3 figs-metonymy 0 from the beginning This refers to the very earliest time of creation before humans first sinned. Alternate translation: "since the earliest time of creation" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 03 08 nq4w figs-activepassive 0 the Son of God was revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God revealed his Son" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 03 08 p9ks guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 03 09 ftw3 figs-activepassive 0 Whoever has been born from God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Whoever God has made his child" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 03 09 ps9v figs-metaphor 0 God's seed This speaks of the Holy Spirit, whom God gives to believers and who makes them able to resist sin and do what pleases God as if he were a physical seed that is planted in the earth and grows. This is sometimes referred to as the new nature. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 03 09 fp7x figs-activepassive 0 he has been born of God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has given him new spiritual life" or "he is a child of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 03 10 w33l figs-activepassive 0 In this the children of God and children of the devil are revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is how we know the children of God and the children of the devil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 03 10 ctk6 figs-doublenegatives 0 Whoever does not do what is righteous is not from God, neither is the one who does not love his brother The words "from God" are understood in the second part of the sentence. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "whoever does not do what is righteous is not from God; whoever does not love his brother is also not from God" or "those who do what is righteous are from God, and those who love their brothers are from God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 03 10 v1bx 0 his brother Here "brother" means fellow Christians.
1JN 03 11 ved4 0 General Information: Cain and Abel were the first sons of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman.
1JN 03 11 u7il 0 Connecting Statement: Here John teaches believers how they can recognize each other by the way they live; he teaches his readers to love each other.
1JN 03 12 frz9 0 We should not be like Cain "We should not do as Cain did"
1JN 03 12 w83v 0 brother This refers to Cain's younger brother Abel.
1JN 03 12 b1xh figs-rquestion 0 Why did he kill him? Because John uses a question to teach his audience. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He killed him because" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 03 12 mq7x figs-ellipsis 0 his works were evil and his brother's righteous The words "works were" are also understood in the second phrase. Alternate translation: "Cain's works were evil and his brother's works were righteous" or "Cain did evil things and his brother did what was right" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 03 13 wc1m 0 my brothers "my fellow believers." John's readers were both male and female.
1JN 03 13 lq9f figs-metonymy 0 if the world hates you Here the word "world" refers to the people who do not honor God. Alternate translation: "if those who do not honor God hate you who do honor God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 03 14 fs1x figs-metaphor 0 we have passed out of death into life The conditions of living and of being dead are spoken of as if they were physical locations from which a person could leave and go to. The abstract nouns "life" and "death" can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "we are no longer spiritually dead but are spiritually alive" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 03 14 ybc4 figs-metonymy 0 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1](../01/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 03 14 qa7l 0 remains in death "is still spiritually dead"
1JN 03 15 mqu2 figs-metaphor 0 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer John speaks of a person who hates another believer as if he were a murderer. Since people commit murder because they hate other people, God considers anyone who hates to be as guilty as someone who kills a person. Alternate translation: "Whoever hates another believer is as guilty as someone who kills a person" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 03 15 s3aw figs-personification 0 no murderer has eternal life residing in him "Eternal life" is something God gives believers after they die, but it is also the power God gives believers in this life to help them to stop sinning and to do what please him. Here eternal life is spoken of as if it were a person that could live in someone. Alternate translation: "a murderer does not have the power of spiritual life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1JN 03 16 a2cq figs-idiom 0 Christ laid down his life for us This expression means "Christ willingly gave his life for us" or "Christ willingly died for us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 03 17 nlj7 0 the world's goods material possessions like money, food, or clothing
1JN 03 17 b6lh 0 sees his brother in need "realizes a fellow believer needs help"
1JN 03 17 zql1 figs-metonymy 0 shuts up his heart of compassion from him Here "heart" is a metonym for "thoughts" or "emotions." Here "shuts up his heart of compassion" is a metaphor for no longer showing someone compassion. Alternate translation: "does not show him compassion" or "does not willingly help him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 03 17 l8u4 figs-rquestion 0 how does the love of God remain in him? John uses a question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: "God's love is not in him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 03 18 g6uh figs-metaphor 0 My dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 03 18 p91w figs-doublet 0 let us not love in word nor in tongue, but in actions and truth The phrases "in word" and "in tongue" both refer to what a person says. The word "love" is understood in the second part of the sentence. Alternate translation: "do not just say that you love people, but show that you truly love people by helping them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 03 19 up2h 0 Connecting Statement: Here John probably means that believers' ability to love God and each other sincerely ([1 John 3:18](../03/18.md)) is a sign that their new life has indeed originated from the truth about Christ.
1JN 03 19 qx9c 0 we are from the truth "we belong to the truth" or Alternate translation: "we are living according the way Jesus taught us"
1JN 03 19 mv6c figs-metonymy 0 we assure our hearts The word "heart" here refers to feelings. Alternate translation: "we do not feel guilty" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 03 20 f594 figs-metonymy 0 if our hearts condemn us Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's thoughts or consciences. Here "hearts condemn us" is a metaphor for feeling guilty. Alternate translation: "if we know that we have sinned and as a result feel guilty" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 03 20 lv7z figs-metonymy 0 God is greater than our hearts Here "hearts" is metonym for people's thoughts or consciences. For God to be "greater than our hearts" means that God knows more than a person. Therefore he can judge things better than a person can. The effect of this truth is probably that God is more merciful than our consciences would suppose. Alternate translation: "God knows more than we do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 03 21 rf96 0 Beloved, if "You people whom I love, if" or "Dear friends, if." See how you translated this in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1JN 03 22 p3ga figs-metaphor 0 do the things that are pleasing before him God's opinion is spoken of as if it depends on what he sees happen in front of himself. Alternate translation: "we do what pleases him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 03 23 irb3 figs-abstractnouns 0 This is his commandment: that we should believe ... just as he gave us this commandment The abstract noun "commandment" can be stated as "command." Alternate translation: "This is what God commands us to do: Believe ... just as he commanded us to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 03 23 feq7 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 03 24 we1m figs-metaphor 0 remains in him, and God remains in him To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "continues to have fellowship with him, and God continues to have fellowship with him" or "stays joined with him, and God stays joined with him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 04 intro l3qa 0 # 1 John 04 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Spirit<br>This word "spirit" is used in different ways in this chapter. Sometimes the word "spirit" refers to spiritual beings. Sometimes it refers to the character of something. For example "the spirit of the antichrist," "the spirit of truth," and "the spirit of error" refer to what is typical of the antichrist, truth, and error. "The Spirit" (written with a capital "S") and "the Spirit of God" refer to God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/antichrist]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Loving God<br>If people love God, they should show it in the way they live and the way they treat other people. Doing this may assure us that God has saved us and that we belong to him, but loving others does not save us. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])<br>
1JN 04 01 c9jb 0 General Information: John gives a warning against false teachers who teach against Christ's having had a human body and teachers who talk the way those who love the world talk.
1JN 04 01 h1lv 0 Beloved, do not believe "You people whom I love, do not believe" or "Dear friends, do not believe." See how you translated this in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1JN 04 01 zm7f figs-metonymy 0 do not believe every spirit Here, the word "spirit" refers to a spiritual power or being that gives a person a message or prophecy. Alternate translation: "do not trust every prophet who claims to have a message from a spirit" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 04 01 l5nv figs-metonymy 0 test the spirits Here, the word "spirits" refers to a spiritual power or being that gives a person a message or prophecy. Alternate translation: "think carefully about what the prophet says" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 04 02 e6ww figs-synecdoche 0 has come in the flesh Here "flesh" represents the human body. Alternate translation: "has come as a human being" or "has come in a physical body" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1JN 04 03 cda6 0 This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world "These are prophets opposed to Christ, whom you have heard are coming, and now are already in the world"
1JN 04 04 w1yr figs-metaphor 0 dear children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 04 04 avj3 0 have overcome them "have not believed the false teachers"
1JN 04 04 j5ve 0 the one who is in you is "God, who is in you, is"
1JN 04 04 tp4q figs-metonymy 0 the one who is in the world Two possible meanings are 1) this refers to Satan. Alternate translation: "Satan, who is in the world" or "Satan, who works through those who do not obey God" or 2) this refers to worldly teachers. Alternate translation: "worldly teachers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 04 05 y2z8 figs-metonymy 0 They are from the world The words "are from" are a metaphor for "receive their power and authority." "The world" is a metonym ultimately for "the one who is in the world," Satan, though it is also a metonym for sinful people who gladly listen to them and so also give them authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 04 05 jy2h figs-metonymy 0 therefore what they say is from the world "The world" here is a metonym ultimately for "the one who is in the world," Satan, though it is also a metonym for sinful people who gladly listen to them and so also give them authority. Alternate translation: "therefore they teach what they have learned from sinful people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 04 05 em2t figs-metonymy 0 and the world listens to them The words "the world" are a metonym for people who do not obey God. Alternate translation: "so the people who do not obey God listen to them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 04 07 qp8k 0 General Information: John continues to teach about the new nature. He teaches his readers about God's love and loving one another.
1JN 04 07 fpl5 0 Beloved, let us love "You people whom I love, let us love" or "Dear friends, let us love." See how you translated "Beloved" in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1JN 04 07 va6p 0 let us love one another "believers are to love other believers"
1JN 04 07 zvt9 0 and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God "and because those who love their fellow believers have become God's children and know him"
1JN 04 07 c6w6 0 for love is from God "because God causes us to love each other"
1JN 04 07 ec73 figs-metaphor 0 born from God This is a metaphor which means someone has a relationship to God like a child to his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 04 08 kti1 figs-metaphor 0 The person who does not love does not know God, for God is love The phrase "God is love" a metaphor which means "the character of God is love." Alternate translation: "Those who do not love their fellow believers do not know God because the character of God is to love people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 04 09 i2b5 0 Because of this ... among us, that God has sent his only Son "Because of this ... among us: God has sent his only Son." The phrase "Because of this" refers to the phrase "that God has sent his only Son."
1JN 04 09 y4m8 figs-abstractnouns 0 the love of God was revealed among us The noun "love" can be translated as a verb. This phrase can be made active. Alternate translation: "God showed that he loves us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 04 09 wxf8 0 so that we would live because of him "to enable us to live eternally because of what Jesus did"
1JN 04 10 v1zv 0 In this is love "God showed us what real love is"
1JN 04 10 b39j figs-abstractnouns 0 he sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins Here "propitiation" refers to Jesus' death on the cross appeasing God's wrath against sin. The word can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "he sent his Son to be the sacrifice that appeased his wrath against our sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 04 11 i4tf 0 Beloved, if "You people whom I love, if" or "Dear friends, if." See how you translated this in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1JN 04 11 g4gu 0 if God so loved us "since God loved us in this way"
1JN 04 11 llp5 0 we also should love one another "believers are to love other believers"
1JN 04 12 sh9q figs-metaphor 0 God remains in us To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "God continues to have fellowship with us" or "God stays joined to us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 04 12 vt14 0 his love is perfected in us "God's love is complete in us"
1JN 04 13 yv6s figs-metaphor 0 we remain in him and he in us To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "we continue to have fellowship with God and he continues to have fellowship with us" or "we stay joined to God and he stays joined to us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 04 13 m69h figs-ellipsis 0 and he in us The word "remains" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and he remains in us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 04 13 gj7p 0 By this we know ... us, because he has given Your translation may be clearer if you omit either "by this" or "because." Alternate translation: "We know ... us because he gave" or "By this we know ... us: he gave"
1JN 04 13 dge3 0 because he has given us some of his Spirit "because he gave us his Spirit" or "because he has put his Holy Spirit in us." This phrase, however, does not imply that God has less of his Spirit after he has given us some.
1JN 04 14 w6mz 0 Also, we have seen and have borne witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world "And we apostles have seen the Son of God and tell everyone that God the Father has sent his Son to save people on this earth"
1JN 04 14 m7cb guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Father ... Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 04 15 nvb1 0 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God "Anyone who says the truth about Jesus, that he is the Son of God"
1JN 04 15 b6td guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 04 15 l3ft figs-metaphor 0 God remains in him and he in God To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "God continues to have fellowship with him and he continues to have fellowship with God" or "God stays joined to him and he stays joined to God (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 04 15 a7rx 0 and he in God The word "remains" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and he remains in God" (See: Ellipsis)
1JN 04 16 t5am figs-metaphor 0 God is love This is a metaphor which means "the character of God is love." See how you translated this in [1 John 4:8](../04/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 04 16 dyr6 0 the one who remains in this love "those who continue to love others"
1JN 04 16 fz29 figs-metaphor 0 remains in God, and God remains in him To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: "continues to have fellowship with God, and God continues to have fellowship with him" or "stays joined with God, and God stays joined with him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 04 17 ypv4 figs-activepassive 0 Because of this, this love has been made perfect among us, so that we will have confidence This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "Because of this" refers back to [1 John 4:16](../04/16.md). Alternate translation: "Because whoever lives in love is in God and God is in him, God has made his love for us complete, and so we may have complete confidence" or 2) "Because of this" refers to "we may have confidence." Alternate translation: "We are confident that God will accept us on the day he judges everyone, so we know he has made his love for us complete" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 04 17 m76g figs-activepassive 0 this love has been made perfect among us This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has made his love for us complete" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 04 17 l78r 0 because as he is, just so are we in this world "because the relationship that Jesus has with God is the same relationship we have with God in this world"
1JN 04 18 bu17 figs-personification 0 Instead, perfect love throws out fear Here "love" is described as a person with the power to remove fear. God's love is perfect. Alternate translation: "But when our love is complete, we are no longer afraid" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1JN 04 18 sq7k 0 because fear has to do with punishment "because we would be afraid only if we thought that he would punish us"
1JN 04 18 yg1r figs-activepassive 0 But the one who fears has not been made perfect in love This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But when a person is afraid that God will punish him, his love is not complete" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 04 20 tfq3 0 hates his brother "hates a fellow believer"
1JN 04 20 a8zh figs-doublenegatives 0 the one who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen If two negative statements in a row are confusing, this can be translated differently. Alternate translation: "the one who hates his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1JN 05 intro bxm4 0 # 1 John 05 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Children born from God<br>When people believe in Jesus, God makes them his children and gives them eternal life. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])<br><br>##### Christian living<br>People who believe in Jesus should obey God's commands and love his children.<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Death<br>When John writes about death in this chapter, he refers to physical death. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]])<br><br>##### "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one"<br>The phrase "the evil one" refers to Satan. God has allowed him to rule the world, but ultimately God is in control over everything. God keeps his children safe from the evil one. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/satan]])<br>
1JN 05 01 nej3 0 General Information: John continues to teach his readers about God's love and the love believers are to have because they have this new nature from God.
1JN 05 01 h8if 0 is born from God "is a child of God"
1JN 05 02 ukc7 0 Because of this we know that we love God's children, when we love God and do his commandments. "When we love God and do what he commands, then we know that we love his children"
1JN 05 03 ve87 0 For this is love for God: that we keep his commandments "Because when we do what he commands, that is true love for God"
1JN 05 03 uik3 0 his commandments are not burdensome "what he commands is not difficult"
1JN 05 03 c5z1 0 burdensome "heavy" or "crushing" or "difficult"
1JN 05 04 i2bf 0 everyone who is born from God overcomes "all children of God overcome"
1JN 05 04 g3uw 0 overcomes the world "has victory over the world," "succeeds against the world," or "refuses to do the evil things unbelievers do"
1JN 05 04 yq2d figs-metonymy 0 the world This passage uses "the world" to refer to all the sinful people and the evil systems in the world. Alternate translation: "everything in the world that is against God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 05 04 tf9x 0 And this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith "And this is what gives us the power to resist whatever would lead us to sin against God: our faith" or "And it is our faith that gives us the power to resist whatever would lead us to sin against God"
1JN 05 05 qm85 figs-rquestion 0 Who is the one who overcomes the world? John used this question to introduce something he wanted to teach. Alternate translation: "I will tell you who overcomes the world:" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 05 05 db4f 0 The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God This does not refer to a specific person but to anyone who believes this. Alternate translation: "Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God"
1JN 05 05 drv2 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 05 06 js27 figs-metonymy 0 This is the one who came by water and blood: Jesus Christ "Jesus Christ is the one who came by water and blood." Here "water" is probably a metonym for the baptism of Jesus, and "blood" stands for Jesus' death on the cross. Alternate translation: "God showed that Jesus Christ is his son at Jesus' baptism and his death on the cross" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 05 06 bdl4 figs-metonymy 0 He came not only by water, but also by water and blood Here "water" is probably a metonym for the baptism of Jesus, and "blood" stands for Jesus' death on the cross. Alternate translation: "God did not show us Jesus was his son just through his baptism, but through his baptism and his death on the cross" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 05 09 k2de figs-explicit 0 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater The translator can state more clearly the implied reason about why we should believe what God says: Alternate translation: "If we believe what people say, then we should believe what God says because he always tells the truth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 05 09 ai6a figs-idiom 0 receive the witness of men The idiom to "receive the witness" means to believe what another person testifies concerning something that he has seen. The abstract noun "witness" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "believe what men testify" or "believe what men say about what they have seen" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 05 09 nxq1 0 the witness of God is greater the witness of God is more important and more reliable
1JN 05 09 gt7u guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 05 10 gkj1 0 Anyone who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself "Whoever believes in Jesus knows for sure Jesus is the Son of God"
1JN 05 10 j255 0 has made him out to be a liar "has called God a liar"
1JN 05 10 sii2 0 because he has not believed the witness that God has given concerning his Son "because he has not believed that God has told the truth about his Son"
1JN 05 11 bi7k 0 And the witness is this "This is what God says"
1JN 05 11 k2qn figs-abstractnouns 0 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1](../01/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 05 11 u1w5 0 this life is in his Son "this life is through his Son" or "we will live forever if we are joined with his Son" or "we will live forever if we are united with his Son"
1JN 05 11 sz21 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 05 12 st2z figs-metaphor 0 The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life Being in a close relationship to the Son is spoken of as having the Son. Alternate translation: "He who believes in the Son of God has eternal life. He who does not believe in the Son of God does not have eternal life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 05 13 uwm2 0 General Information: This begins the end of John's letter. He tells his readers the last purpose for his letter and gives them some final teachings.
1JN 05 13 ezl8 0 these things "this letter"
1JN 05 13 wns6 figs-metonymy 0 to you who believe in the name of the Son of God Here "name" is a metonym for the Son of God. Alternate translation: "to you who trust in the Son of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 05 13 gg32 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 05 14 yj31 figs-abstractnouns 0 this is the confidence we have before him, that The abstract noun "confidence" can be stated as "confident." Alternate translation: "we are confident in God's presence because we know that" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 05 14 at5n 0 if we ask anything according to his will "if we ask for the things that God desires"
1JN 05 15 ev49 0 we know that we have whatever we have asked of him "we know that we will receive that for which we have asked God"
1JN 05 16 sc1f 0 his brother "fellow believer"
1JN 05 16 myf6 figs-abstractnouns 0 life The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1](../01/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 05 16 q1me 0 death This refers to eternal death, that is, eternity spent away from God's presence.
1JN 05 18 f9y9 0 Connecting Statement: John closes his letter, reviewing what he has said about the new nature of believers, which cannot sin, and he reminds them to keep themselves from idols.
1JN 05 18 l7h8 0 the evil one cannot harm him The phrase "the evil one" refers to Satan, the devil.
1JN 05 19 n9ig figs-metaphor 0 the whole world lies in the power of the evil one Lying in someone's power represents being controlled or ruled by him. Alternate translation: "the whole world is controlled by the evil one" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 05 19 eh5z figs-metonymy 0 the whole world Here "world" is a way in which some biblical writers refer to the people living in the world who are in rebellion against God and to the world system that is affected in every way by the corrupting power of sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 05 20 je13 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 05 20 n1nh 0 has given us understanding "has enabled us to understand the truth"
1JN 05 20 ge7c figs-metaphor 0 we are in him who is true Being "in" someone represents having a close relationship with him, that is being united to him or belonging to him. The phrase "him who is true" refers to the true God, and the phrase "in his Son Jesus Christ" explains how we are in him who is true. Alternate translation: "we are united to him who is true by being united to his Son Jesus Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 05 20 hvr7 0 him who is true "the true one" or "the real God"
1JN 05 20 w5yl 0 This one is the true God Possible meanings are 1) "This one" refers to Jesus Christ, or 2) "This one" refers to the one true God.
1JN 05 20 dz3s figs-metonymy 0 and eternal life He is called "eternal life" becasue he gives us eternal life. Alternate translation: "and the one who gives eternal life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 05 21 i3rw figs-metaphor 0 Children John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 05 21 hn4y 0 keep yourselves from idols "stay away from idols" or "do not worship idols"
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