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21JNfrontintronl270# 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 come in the flesh is not of God.”<br><br>For the following passage, translators are advised to translate this as the ULT does. However, if in the translators region, there are older versions of the Bible that include this passage, the translators can include it. If it is included, it should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that it was probably not in the original version of 1 John.<br><br>* “For there are three who bear witness: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. These three are in agreement.” (5:7-8) Some older versions have, “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three are as one.”<br><br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
31JN1introab9v0# 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 Christians 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.
41JN11axg6figs-you0General 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]])
51JN11ej5xὃ…ἀκηκόαμεν1which we have heard“which we have heard him teach”
61JN11rb73figs-parallelismὃ ἑωράκαμεν…ὃ ἐθεασάμεθα1which we have seen…we have looked atThis is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “which we ourselves have seen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
71JN11gt44τοῦ λόγου τῆς ζωῆς1the Word of life“Jesus, the one who causes people to live forever”
81JN11i8b4figs-metonymyζωῆς1lifeThe 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]])
91JN12la4afigs-activepassiveἡ ζωὴ ἐφανερώθη1the life was made knownThis 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]])
101JN12jp6sἑωράκαμεν1we have seen it“we have seen him”
111JN12ih36μαρτυροῦμεν1we bear witness to it“we solemnly tell others about him”
121JN12lyt6figs-metonymyτὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον1the eternal lifeHere, “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]])
131JN12itv8ἥτις ἦν πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα1which was with the Father“who was with God the Father”
141JN12fru2figs-activepassiveἐφανερώθη ἡμῖν1which has been made known to usThis was when he lived on earth. Alternate translation: “he came to live among us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
151JN13jd7pfigs-exclusive0General 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]])
161JN13vw2wὃ ἑωράκαμεν, καὶ ἀκηκόαμεν, ἀπαγγέλλομεν καὶ ὑμῖν1That which we have seen and heard we declare also to you“We say to you also what we have seen and heard”
171JN13dw7lκοινωνίαν ἔχητε μεθ’ ἡμῶν…ἡ κοινωνία…ἡ ἡμετέρα μετὰ τοῦ Πατρὸς1have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with the Father“be our close friends. We are friends with God the Father”
181JN13tf4mἡ κοινωνία…ἡ ἡμετέρα1Our fellowshipIt is not clear if John is including or excluding his readers. You may translate this either way.
191JN13rxq7guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατρὸς…Υἱοῦ1Father…SonThese are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
201JN14xn9dἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ἡμῶν ᾖ πεπληρωμένη1so that our joy will be complete“to make our joy complete” or “to make ourselves completely happy”
211JN15djn4figs-inclusive0General 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]])
221JN15kz3i0Connecting Statement:From here into the next chapter, John writes about fellowship—close relationships with God and other believers.
231JN15cd6ffigs-metonymyὁ Θεὸς φῶς ἐστιν1God is lightThis 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]])
241JN15e9m2figs-metaphorσκοτία ἐν αὐτῷ, οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεμία1in him there is no darkness at allThis 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]])
251JN16f958figs-metaphorἐν τῷ σκότει περιπατῶμεν1walk in darknessHere “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]])
261JN17lpr3figs-metaphorἐν τῷ φωτὶ περιπατῶμεν, ὡς αὐτός ἐστιν ἐν τῷ φωτί1walk in the light as he is in the lightHere “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]])
271JN17d7d8figs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα Ἰησοῦ1the blood of JesusThis refers to the death of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
281JN17jb3eguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱοῦ1SonThis is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
291JN18gb5l0General Information:Here the words “he,” “him,” and “his” refer to God ([1 John 1:5](../01/05.md)).
301JN18enu7ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ ἔχομεν1have no sin“never sin”
311JN18m8hfπλανῶμεν1are deceiving“are tricking” or “lying to”
321JN18tt51figs-metaphorἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν1the truth is not in usThe 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]])
331JN19f68cfigs-parallelismἵνα ἀφῇ ἡμῖν τὰς ἁμαρτίας, καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀδικίας1to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousnessThese 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]])
341JN110hii2figs-explicitψεύστην ποιοῦμεν αὐτὸν1we make him out to be a liarIt 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]])
351JN110m3p1figs-metaphorὁ λόγος αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν1his word is not in us“Word” here is a metonym for “message.” Obeying and honoring Gods word is spoken of as if his word were inside the believers. Alternate translation: “we do not understand Gods word nor obey what he says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
361JN2introzjj90# 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 Gods word and truth being in people is a metaphor for people knowing and obeying Gods 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]])
371JN21u65hfigs-inclusive0General 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]])
381JN21w9ji0Connecting Statement:John continues to write about fellowship and shows that it is possible because Jesus goes between believers and the Father.
391JN21v57gfigs-metaphorτεκνία1ChildrenJohn 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]])
401JN21p49eταῦτα γράφω1I am writing these things“I am writing this letter”
411JN21bi4gκαὶ ἐάν τις ἁμάρτῃ1But if anyone sins“But when anyone sins.” This is something that is likely to happen.
421JN21stj2figs-explicitΠαράκλητον ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα, Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν δίκαιον1we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the one who is righteousThe 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]])
431JN22h8fgαὐτὸς ἱλασμός ἐστιν περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν1He 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”
441JN23el7qγινώσκομεν ὅτι ἐγνώκαμεν αὐτόν1We 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”
451JN23qn85ἐὰν τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν1if we keep his commandments“if we obey what he commands”
461JN24kmz5ὁ λέγων1The one who says“Anyone who says” or “The person who says”
471JN24q665ἔγνωκα αὐτὸν1I know God“I have a good relationship with God”
481JN24qp1jμὴ τηρῶν1does not keep“does not obey” or “disobeys”
491JN24qt4eτὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ1his commandments“what God tells him to do”
501JN24cj84figs-metaphorἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν1the truth is not in himThe 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]])
511JN25aqa4figs-idiomτηρῇ αὐτοῦ τὸν λόγον1keeps his wordTo keep someones 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]])
521JN25x88pfigs-possessionἀληθῶς ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ τετελείωται1in him truly the love of God has been perfectedThis 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: “Gods love has achieved its purpose in that persons life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
531JN25b688figs-metaphorἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐσμεν1By this we know that we are in himThe 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]])
541JN26u6lufigs-metaphorἐν αὐτῷ μένειν1remains in GodTo 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]])
551JN26x5n1figs-metaphorὀφείλει καθὼς ἐκεῖνος περιεπάτησεν, καὶ αὐτὸς περιπατεῖν1should himself also walk just as he walkedConducting ones 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]])
561JN27s5wc0Connecting Statement:John gives believers basic principles of fellowship—obedience and love.
571JN27py9gἀγαπητοί…γράφω1Beloved, I am writing“You people whom I love, I am” or “Dear friends, I am writing”
581JN27amu6οὐκ ἐντολὴν καινὴν γράφω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἐντολὴν παλαιὰν1I 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.
591JN27vz9wfigs-explicitἀπ’ ἀρχῆς1from the beginningHere, “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]])
601JN27eia9ἡ ἐντολὴ ἡ παλαιά ἐστιν ὁ λόγος ὃν ἠκούσατε1The old commandment is the word that you heard.““The old commandment is the message that you heard”
611JN28i1upπάλιν ἐντολὴν καινὴν γράφω ὑμῖν1Yet I am writing a new commandment to you“But in one way the commandment I write to you is a new commandment”
621JN28c2faὅ ἐστιν ἀληθὲς ἐν αὐτῷ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν1which is true in Christ and in you“which is true, as shown in Christs deeds and your deeds”
631JN28i8grfigs-metaphorἡ σκοτία παράγεται, καὶ τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινὸν ἤδη φαίνει1the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shiningHere “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]])
641JN29j4f70General Information:Here the word “brother” refers to a fellow Christian.
651JN29a3jtὁ λέγων1The one who says“Anyone who says” or “Someone who claims.” This does not refer to a specific person.
661JN29srl7figs-metaphorἐν τῷ φωτὶ εἶναι1he is in the lightHere 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]])
671JN29mp9ffigs-metaphorἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ἐστὶν1is in the darknessHere 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]])
681JN210q2x1figs-metaphorσκάνδαλον ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν1there 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]])
691JN211u44xfigs-metaphorἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ἐστὶν, καὶ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ περιπατεῖ1is in the darkness and walks in the darknessHere “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]])
701JN211y5csfigs-metaphorοὐκ οἶδεν ποῦ ὑπάγει1he does not know where he is goingThis 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]])
711JN211w4r2figs-metaphorἡ σκοτία ἐτύφλωσεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ1the 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]])
721JN212k1w90General 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.
731JN212in8nfigs-metaphorὑμῖν, τεκνία1you, dear childrenJohn 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]])
741JN212ed41figs-activepassiveἀφέωνται ὑμῖν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1your sins are forgivenThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God forgives your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
751JN212yjy8figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1because 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]])
761JN213kue2figs-metaphorγράφω ὑμῖν, πατέρες1I am writing to you, fathersThe 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]])
771JN213y1vmἐγνώκατε1you know“you have a relationship with”
781JN213wmt8τὸν ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς1the 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.”
791JN213wg4vfigs-metaphorνεανίσκοι1young menThis 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]])
801JN213tfh1figs-metaphorνενικήκατε1overcomeThe 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]])
811JN214l74jfigs-metaphorἰσχυροί ἐστε1you are strongHere “strong” refers not to believers physical strength, but to their faithfulness to Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
821JN214u3n8figs-metaphorὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν μένει1the 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 Gods word existing in them. Alternate translation: “Gods 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]])
831JN215xig6figs-metonymyμὴ ἀγαπᾶτε τὸν κόσμον, μηδὲ1Do not love the world norIn 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]])
841JN215h2hmτὰ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ1the things that are in the world“the things that those who dishonor God want”
851JN215p56bfigs-metaphorἐάν τις ἀγαπᾷ τὸν κόσμον, οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐν αὐτῷ1If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in himA 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]])
861JN215s48zοὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐν αὐτῷ1the love of the Father is not in him“he does not love the Father”
871JN216pz3qἡ ἐπιθυμία τῆς σαρκὸς1the lust of the flesh“the strong desire to have sinful physical pleasure”
881JN216x124ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῆς σαρκὸς…ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν1the lust of the eyes“the strong desire to have things that we see”
891JN216c3xwοὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ Πατρός1is not from the Father“does not come from the Father” or “is not how the Father teaches us to live”
901JN217ct43παράγεται1are passing away“pass away” or “will one day not be here”
911JN218fi2k0Connecting Statement:John warns about those who are against Christ.
921JN218c7tdπαιδία1Little children“Immature Christians.” See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md).
931JN218esd9figs-metonymyἐσχάτη ὥρα ἐστίν1it is the last hourThe 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]])
941JN218r2vqἀντίχριστοι πολλοὶ γεγόνασιν1many antichrists have come“there are many people who are against Christ”
951JN218rs4wγεγόνασιν, ὅθεν γινώσκομεν1have come. By this we know“have come, and because of this we know” or “have come, and because many antichrists have come, we know”
961JN219rmj7ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξῆλθαν1They went out from us“They left us”
971JN219ytb1ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἦσαν ἐξ ἡμῶν1but 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.
981JN219jin1εἰ γὰρ ἐξ ἡμῶν ἦσαν, μεμενήκεισαν ἂν μεθ’ ἡμῶν1For 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”
991JN220k4s40General Information:In the Old Testament the word “anointing” referred to pouring oil on a person to set him apart to serve God.
1001JN220i3m1figs-metaphorκαὶ ὑμεῖς χρῖσμα ἔχετε ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἁγίου1But you have an anointing from the Holy OneJohn 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]])
1011JN220gy16figs-explicitτοῦ Ἁγίου1the Holy OneThis refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus, the Holy One” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1021JN221r8yrfigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀλήθειαν…πᾶν ψεῦδος ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας οὐκ ἔστιν1the truth…no lie is from the truthThe 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]])
1031JN222d71lfigs-rquestionτίς ἐστιν ὁ ψεύστης, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἀρνούμενος ὅτι Ἰησοῦς οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ Χριστός1Who 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]])
1041JN222d4u7ἀρνούμενος ὅτι Ἰησοῦς οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ Χριστός1denies that Jesus is the Christ“refuses to say that Jesus is the Christ” or “says that Jesus is not the Messiah”
1051JN222z4t1ὁ ἀρνούμενος τὸν Πατέρα καὶ τὸν Υἱόν1denies the Father and the Son“refuses to say the truth about the Father and the Son” or “rejects the Father and the Son.”
1061JN222pth9guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατέρα…Υἱόν1Father…SonThese are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1071JN223u9epὁ ὁμολογῶν τὸν Υἱὸν1confesses the Son“speaks the truth about the Son”
1081JN223k78fτὸν Πατέρα ἔχει1has the Father“belongs to the Father”
1091JN224xmi4figs-you0General 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]])
1101JN224p41e0Connecting Statement:John reminds believers to continue in what they have first heard.
1111JN224c42wὑμεῖς1As for youThis marks Johns telling them how they should live as followers of Jesus instead of how those against Christ live.
1121JN224zl8yfigs-explicitὃ ἠκούσατε ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, ἐν ὑμῖν μενέτω1let 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]])
1131JN224dsl7ὃ ἠκούσατε ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς1what you have heard from the beginning“what we taught you about Jesus when you first became believers”
1141JN224rfz8ἐὰν ἐν ὑμῖν μείνῃ ὃ ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς ἠκούσατε1If what you heard from the beginning remains in youThe word “remains” is talking about relationship, not salvation. Alternate translation: “If you continue to trust what we first taught you”
1151JN224ty7qfigs-metaphorκαὶ…ἐν τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ ἐν τῷ Πατρὶ μενεῖτε1also remain in the Son and in the FatherTo “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]])
1161JN225llj2αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ ἐπαγγελία ἣν αὐτὸς ἐπηγγείλατο ἡμῖν– τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον1This 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”
1171JN225id51figs-metonymyτὴν ζωὴν1lifeThe 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]])
1181JN226fe44figs-metaphorτῶν πλανώντων ὑμᾶς1those who would lead you astrayHere “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]])
1191JN227tdj70Connecting Statement:Starting in verse 29, John introduces the idea of being born into Gods 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.
1201JN227qw47ὑμεῖς1As for youThis marks Johns telling them something else about how they should live as followers of Jesus instead of following those who are against Christ.
1211JN227cn2fτὸ χρῖσμα1the anointingThis refers to “Gods Spirit.” See the note about “anointing” in [1 John 2:20](../02/20.md).
1221JN227tb5kfigs-hyperboleὡς τὸ αὐτοῦ χρῖσμα διδάσκει ὑμᾶς περὶ πάντων1as his anointing teaches you everythingHere 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]])
1231JN227wr63figs-metaphorμένετε ἐν αὐτῷ1remain in himTo 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]])
1241JN228tii1νῦν1NowThis word is used here to mark a new part of the letter.
1251JN228kjn9figs-metaphorτεκνία1dear childrenJohn 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]])
1261JN228zz4xφανερωθῇ1he appears“we see him”
1271JN228lnk2παρρησίαν1boldnesshaving no fear
1281JN228d4qlμὴ αἰσχυνθῶμεν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1not be ashamed before him“not be ashamed in his presence”
1291JN228x7icἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ αὐτοῦ1at his coming“when he comes again”
1301JN229u6erἐξ αὐτοῦ γεγέννηται1has been born from him“has been born of God” or “is Gods child”
1311JN3introd8r20# 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 Gods commandments remains in him, and God remains in him”<br>Many scholars believe this is about remaining in Gods will and is not about being saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
1321JN31as620Connecting Statement:In this part John tells the believers about their new nature, which cannot sin.
1331JN31gl8nἴδετε ποταπὴν ἀγάπην δέδωκεν ἡμῖν ὁ Πατὴρ1See what kind of love the Father has given to us“Think about how our Father loves us so much”
1341JN31x99aτέκνα Θεοῦ κληθῶμεν1we should be called children of God“the Father called us his children”
1351JN31c3z8τέκνα Θεοῦ1children of GodHere this means people who belong to God through faith in Jesus.
1361JN31fq4tδιὰ τοῦτο, ὁ κόσμος οὐ γινώσκει ἡμᾶς, ὅτι οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτόν1For this reason, the world does not know us, because it did not know himPossible 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.”
1371JN31l5e7figs-metonymyὁ κόσμος οὐ γινώσκει ἡμᾶς, ὅτι οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτόν1the world does not know us, because it did not know himHere “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]])
1381JN32ek9vἀγαπητοί…ἐσμεν1Beloved, 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).
1391JN32anq1figs-activepassiveοὔπω ἐφανερώθη1it has not yet been revealedThis can be stated in active form: Alternate translation: “God has not yet revealed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1401JN32w2v8ἐφανερώθη1revealedThis can mean here either “told,” “demonstrated,” or “shown.”
1411JN33pj6aπᾶς ὁ ἔχων τὴν ἐλπίδα ταύτην ἐπ’ αὐτῷ, ἁγνίζει ἑαυτὸν, καθὼς ἐκεῖνος ἁγνός ἐστιν1Everyone 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”
1421JN35g4phfigs-activepassiveἐκεῖνος ἐφανερώθη1Christ was revealedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Christ appeared” or “the Father revealed Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1431JN36j999figs-metaphorὁ ἐν αὐτῷ μένων1remains in himTo 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]])
1441JN36eu9cfigs-doubletπᾶς ὁ ἁμαρτάνων οὐχ ἑώρακεν αὐτὸν, οὐδὲ ἔγνωκεν αὐτόν1No one…has seen him or known himJohn 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]])
1451JN37ia4zfigs-metaphorτεκνία1Dear childrenJohn 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]])
1461JN37wg85figs-metaphorμηδεὶς πλανάτω ὑμᾶς1do not let anyone lead you astrayHere “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]])
1471JN37v4ypὁ ποιῶν τὴν δικαιοσύνην, δίκαιός ἐστιν, καθὼς ἐκεῖνος δίκαιός ἐστιν1The 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.”
1481JN38uja7ἐκ τοῦ διαβόλου ἐστίν1is from the devil“belongs to the devil” or “is like the devil”
1491JN38cit3figs-metonymyἀπ’ ἀρχῆς1from the beginningThis 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]])
1501JN38nq4wfigs-activepassiveἐφανερώθη ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God was revealedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God revealed his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1511JN38p9ksguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of GodThis is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1521JN39q2pp0Connecting Statement:For now John ends this section on the new birth and the new nature which cannot sin.
1531JN39ftw3figs-activepassiveπᾶς ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ1Whoever has been born from GodThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Whoever God has made his child” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1541JN39ps9vfigs-metaphorσπέρμα αὐτοῦ1Gods seedThis 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]])
1551JN39fp7xfigs-activepassiveἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται1he has been born of GodThis 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]])
1561JN310w33lfigs-activepassiveἐν τούτῳ φανερά ἐστιν τὰ τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὰ τέκνα τοῦ διαβόλου1In this the children of God and children of the devil are revealedThis 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]])
1571JN310ctk6figs-doublenegativesπᾶς ὁ μὴ ποιῶν δικαιοσύνην, οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ὁ μὴ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1Whoever does not do what is righteous is not from God, neither is the one who does not love his brotherThe 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]])
1581JN310v1bxτὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1his brotherHere “brother” means fellow Christians.
1591JN311ved40General Information:Cain and Abel were the first sons of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman.
1601JN311u7il0Connecting Statement:Here John teaches believers how they can recognize each other by the way they live; he teaches his readers to love each other.
1611JN312frz9οὐ καθὼς Κάϊν1We should not be like Cain“We should not do as Cain did”
1621JN312w83vτὸν ἀδελφὸν1brotherThis refers to Cains younger brother Abel.
1631JN312b1xhfigs-rquestionτίνος ἔσφαξεν αὐτόν? ὅτι1Why did he kill him? BecauseJohn 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]])
1641JN312mq7xfigs-ellipsisτὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ πονηρὰ ἦν, τὰ δὲ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ, δίκαια1his works were evil and his brothers righteousThe words “works were” are also understood in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “Cains works were evil and his brothers works were righteous” or “Cain did evil things and his brother did what was right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1651JN313wc1mἀδελφοί1my brothers“my fellow believers.” Johns readers were both male and female.
1661JN313lq9ffigs-metonymyεἰ μισεῖ ὑμᾶς ὁ κόσμος1if the world hates youHere 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]])
1671JN314fs1xfigs-metaphorμεταβεβήκαμεν ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου εἰς τὴν ζωήν1we have passed out of death into lifeThe 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]])
1681JN314ybc4figs-metonymyτὴν ζωήν1lifeThe 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]])
1691JN314qa7lμένει ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ1remains in death“is still spiritually dead”
1701JN315mqu2figs-metaphorπᾶς ὁ μισῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, ἀνθρωποκτόνος ἐστίν1Anyone who hates his brother is a murdererJohn 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]])
1711JN315s3awfigs-personificationπᾶς ἀνθρωποκτόνος οὐκ ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον ἐν αὐτῷ μένουσαν1no 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]])
1721JN316a2cqfigs-idiomὅτι ἐκεῖνος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἔθηκεν1Christ laid down his life for usThis expression means “Christ willingly gave his life for us” or “Christ willingly died for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1731JN317nlj7τὸν βίον τοῦ κόσμου1the worlds goodsmaterial possessions like money, food, or clothing
1741JN317b6lhθεωρῇ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ χρείαν ἔχοντα1sees his brother in need“realizes a fellow believer needs help”
1751JN317zql1figs-metonymyκλείσῃ τὰ σπλάγχνα αὐτοῦ ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1shuts up his heart of compassion from himHere “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]])
1761JN317l8u4figs-rquestionπῶς ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ μένει ἐν αὐτῷ1how does the love of God remain in him?John uses a question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: “Gods love is not in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1771JN318g6uhfigs-metaphorτεκνία1My dear childrenJohn 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]])
1781JN318p91wfigs-doubletμὴ ἀγαπῶμεν λόγῳ, μηδὲ τῇ γλώσσῃ, ἀλλὰ ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ ἀληθείᾳ1let us not love in word nor in tongue, but in actions and truthThe 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]])
1791JN319up2h0Connecting 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.
1801JN319qx9cἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐσμέν1we are from the truth“we belong to the truth” or Alternate translation: “we are living according the way Jesus taught us”
1811JN319mv6cfigs-metonymyπείσομεν τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν1we assure our heartsThe word “heart” here refers to feelings. Alternate translation: “we do not feel guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1821JN320f594figs-metonymyἐὰν καταγινώσκῃ ἡμῶν ἡ καρδία1if our hearts condemn usHere “hearts” is a metonym for peoples 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]])
1831JN320lv7zfigs-metonymyμείζων ἐστὶν ὁ Θεὸς τῆς καρδίας ἡμῶν1God is greater than our heartsHere “hearts” is metonym for peoples 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]])
1841JN321rf96ἀγαπητοί, ἐὰν1Beloved, if“You people whom I love, if” or “Dear friends, if.” See how you translated this in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
1851JN322p3gafigs-metaphorτὰ ἀρεστὰ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ποιοῦμεν1do the things that are pleasing before himGods 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]])
1861JN323irb3figs-abstractnounsαὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ ἐντολὴ αὐτοῦ, ἵνα πιστεύσωμεν…καθὼς ἔδωκεν ἐντολὴν ἡμῖν1This is his commandment: that we should believe…just as he gave us this commandmentThe 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]])
1871JN323feq7guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ1SonThis is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1881JN324we1mfigs-metaphorἐν αὐτῷ μένει, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν αὐτῷ1remains in him, and God remains in himTo 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]])
1891JN4introl3qa0# 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]])
1901JN41c9jb0General Information:John gives a warning against false teachers who teach against Christs having had a human body and teachers who talk the way those who love the world talk.
1911JN41h1lvἀγαπητοί, μὴ…πιστεύετε1Beloved, 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).
1921JN41zm7ffigs-metonymyμὴ παντὶ πνεύματι πιστεύετε1do not believe every spiritHere, 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]])
1931JN41l5nvfigs-metonymyδοκιμάζετε τὰ πνεύματα1test the spiritsHere, 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]])
1941JN42e6wwfigs-synecdocheἐν σαρκὶ ἐληλυθότα1has come in the fleshHere “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]])
1951JN43cda6τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ τοῦ ἀντιχρίστου, ὃ ἀκηκόατε ὅτι ἔρχεται, καὶ νῦν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἐστὶν ἤδη1This 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”
1961JN44w1yrfigs-metaphorτεκνία1dear childrenJohn 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]])
1971JN44avj3νενικήκατε αὐτούς1have overcome them“have not believed the false teachers”
1981JN44j5veἐστὶν ὁ ἐν ὑμῖν1the one who is in you is“God, who is in you, is”
1991JN44tp4qfigs-metonymyὁ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ1the one who is in the worldTwo 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]])
2001JN45y2z8figs-metonymyαὐτοὶ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου εἰσίν1They are from the worldThe 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]])
2011JN45jy2hfigs-metonymyδιὰ τοῦτο ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου λαλοῦσιν1therefore 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]])
2021JN45em2tfigs-metonymyκαὶ ὁ κόσμος αὐτῶν ἀκούει1and the world listens to themThe 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]])
2031JN47qp8k0General Information:John continues to teach about the new nature. He teaches his readers about Gods love and loving one another.
2041JN47fpl5ἀγαπητοί, ἀγαπῶμεν1Beloved, 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).
2051JN47va6pἀγαπῶμεν ἀλλήλους1let us love one another“believers are to love other believers”
2061JN47zvt9καὶ πᾶς ὁ ἀγαπῶν, ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται, καὶ γινώσκει τὸν Θεόν1and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God“and because those who love their fellow believers have become Gods children and know him”
2071JN47c6w6ὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν1for love is from God“because God causes us to love each other”
2081JN47ec73figs-metaphorἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται1born from GodThis 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]])
2091JN48kti1figs-metaphorὁ μὴ ἀγαπῶν, οὐκ ἔγνω τὸν Θεόν, ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν1The person who does not love does not know God, for God is loveThe 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]])
2101JN49i2b5ἐν τούτῳ…ἐν ἡμῖν, ὅτι τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ, τὸν μονογενῆ, ἀπέσταλκεν ὁ Θεὸς1Because 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.”
2111JN49y4m8figs-abstractnounsἐφανερώθη ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν1the love of God was revealed among usThe 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]])
2121JN49wxf8ἵνα ζήσωμεν δι’ αὐτοῦ1so that we would live because of him“to enable us to live eternally because of what Jesus did”
2131JN410v1zvἐν τούτῳ ἐστὶν ἡ ἀγάπη1In this is love“God showed us what real love is”
2141JN410b39jfigs-abstractnounsἀπέστειλεν τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ, ἱλασμὸν περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν1he sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sinsHere “propitiation” refers to Jesus death on the cross appeasing Gods 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]])
2151JN411i4tfἀγαπητοί, εἰ1Beloved, if“You people whom I love, if” or “Dear friends, if.” See how you translated this in [1 John 2:7](../02/07.md).
2161JN411g4guεἰ οὕτως ὁ Θεὸς ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς1if God so loved us“since God loved us in this way”
2171JN411llp5καὶ ἡμεῖς ὀφείλομεν ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν1we also should love one another“believers are to love other believers”
2181JN412sh9qfigs-metaphorὁ Θεὸς ἐν ἡμῖν μένει1God remains in usTo 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]])
2191JN412vt14ἡ ἀγάπη αὐτοῦ τετελειωμένη ἐν ἡμῖν ἐστιν1his love is perfected in us“Gods love is complete in us”
2201JN413yv6sfigs-metaphorἐν αὐτῷ μένομεν, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ἡμῖν1we remain in him and he in usTo 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]])
2211JN413m69hfigs-ellipsisκαὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ἡμῖν1and he in usThe word “remains” is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and he remains in us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
2221JN413gj7pἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν…ἡμῖν, ὅτι…δέδωκεν1By this we know…us, because he has givenYour 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”
2231JN413dge3ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ Πνεύματος αὐτοῦ δέδωκεν ἡμῖν1because 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.
2241JN414w6mzκαὶ ἡμεῖς τεθεάμεθα καὶ μαρτυροῦμεν, ὅτι ὁ Πατὴρ ἀπέσταλκεν τὸν Υἱὸν, Σωτῆρα τοῦ κόσμου1Also, 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”
2251JN414m7cbguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατὴρ…Υἱὸν1Father…SonThese are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
2261JN415nvb1ὃς ἐὰν ὁμολογήσῃ ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God“Anyone who says the truth about Jesus, that he is the Son of God”
2271JN415b6tdguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of GodThis is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
2281JN415l3ftfigs-metaphorτοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ Θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν τῷ Θεῷ1God remains in him and he in GodTo 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]])
2291JN415a7rxκαὶ αὐτὸς ἐν τῷ Θεῷ1and he in GodThe word “remains” is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and he remains in God” (See: Ellipsis)
2301JN416t5amfigs-metaphorὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν1God is loveThis 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]])
2311JN416dyr6ὁ μένων ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ1the one who remains in this love“those who continue to love others”
2321JN416fz29figs-metaphorἐν τῷ Θεῷ μένει, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει1remains in God, and God remains in himTo 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]])
2331JN417ypv4figs-activepassiveἐν τούτῳ τετελείωται ἡ ἀγάπη μεθ’ ἡμῶν, ἵνα παρρησίαν ἔχωμεν1Because of this, this love has been made perfect among us, so that we will have confidenceThis 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]])
2341JN417m76gfigs-activepassiveἐν τούτῳ τετελείωται ἡ ἀγάπη μεθ’ ἡμῶν1this love has been made perfect among usThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has made his love for us complete” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2351JN417l78rὅτι καθὼς ἐκεῖνός ἐστιν, καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐσμεν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ1because 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”
2361JN418bu17figs-personificationἀλλ’ ἡ τελεία ἀγάπη ἔξω βάλλει τὸν φόβον1Instead, perfect love throws out fearHere “love” is described as a person with the power to remove fear. Gods love is perfect. Alternate translation: “But when our love is complete, we are no longer afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
2371JN418sq7kὅτι ὁ φόβος κόλασιν ἔχει1because fear has to do with punishment“because we would be afraid only if we thought that he would punish us”
2381JN418yg1rfigs-activepassiveὁ δὲ φοβούμενος, οὐ τετελείωται ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ1But the one who fears has not been made perfect in loveThis 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]])
2391JN420tfq3τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ μισῇ1hates his brother“hates a fellow believer”
2401JN420a8zhfigs-doublenegativesὁ…μὴ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, ὃν ἑώρακεν, τὸν Θεὸν, ὃν οὐχ ἑώρακεν, οὐ δύναται ἀγαπᾶν1the one who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seenIf 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]])
2411JN5introbxm40# 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 Gods 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]])
2421JN51nej30General Information:John continues to teach his readers about Gods love and the love believers are to have because they have this new nature from God.
2431JN51h8ifἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται1is born from God“is a child of God”
2441JN52ukc7ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἀγαπῶμεν τὰ τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ: ὅταν τὸν Θεὸν ἀγαπῶμεν, καὶ τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν1Because of this we know that we love Gods 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”
2451JN53ve87αὕτη γάρ ἐστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἵνα τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν1For this is love for God: that we keep his commandments“Because when we do what he commands, that is true love for God”
2461JN53uik3αἱ ἐντολαὶ αὐτοῦ βαρεῖαι οὐκ εἰσίν1his commandments are not burdensome“what he commands is not difficult”
2471JN53c5z1βαρεῖαι1burdensome“heavy” or “crushing” or “difficult”
2481JN54i2bfπᾶν τὸ γεγεννημένον ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ, νικᾷ1everyone who is born from God overcomes“all children of God overcome”
2491JN54g3uwνικᾷ τὸν κόσμον1overcomes the world“has victory over the world,” “succeeds against the world,” or “refuses to do the evil things unbelievers do”
2501JN54yq2dfigs-metonymyτὸν κόσμον1the worldThis 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]])
2511JN54tf9xκαὶ αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ νίκη ἡ νικήσασα τὸν κόσμον– ἡ πίστις ἡμῶν1And 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”
2521JN55qm85figs-rquestionτίς ἐστιν…ὁ νικῶν τὸν κόσμον1Who 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]])
2531JN55db4fὁ πιστεύων ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of GodThis 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”
2541JN55drv2guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of GodThis is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
2551JN56yjh20Connecting Statement:John teaches about Jesus Christ and what God said about him.
2561JN56js27figs-metonymyοὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἐλθὼν δι’ ὕδατος καὶ αἵματος, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός1This 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]])
2571JN56bdl4figs-metonymyοὐκ ἐν τῷ ὕδατι μόνον, ἀλλ’ ἐν τῷ ὕδατι καὶ ἐν τῷ αἵματι1He came not only by water, but also by water and bloodHere “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]])
2581JN59k2defigs-explicitεἰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων λαμβάνομεν, ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ Θεοῦ μείζων ἐστίν1If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greaterThe 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]])
2591JN59ai6afigs-idiomτὴν μαρτυρίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων λαμβάνομεν1receive the witness of menThe 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]])
2601JN59nxq1ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ Θεοῦ μείζων ἐστίν1the witness of God is greaterthe witness of God is more important and more reliable
2611JN59gt7uguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ1SonThis is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
2621JN510gkj1ὁ πιστεύων εἰς τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἔχει τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἐν αὑτῷ1Anyone 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”
2631JN510j255ψεύστην πεποίηκεν αὐτόν1has made him out to be a liar“has called God a liar”
2641JN510sii2ὅτι οὐ πεπίστευκεν εἰς τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν μεμαρτύρηκεν ὁ Θεὸς περὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1because 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”
2651JN511bi7kκαὶ αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ μαρτυρία1And the witness is this“This is what God says”
2661JN511k2qnfigs-abstractnounsζωὴν1lifeThe 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]])
2671JN511u1w5αὕτη ἡ ζωὴ ἐν τῷ Υἱῷ αὐτοῦ ἐστιν1this 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”
2681JN511sz21guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτῷ Υἱῷ1SonThis is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
2691JN512st2zfigs-metaphorὁ ἔχων τὸν Υἱὸν, ἔχει τὴν ζωήν; ὁ μὴ ἔχων τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, τὴν ζωὴν οὐκ ἔχει1The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have lifeBeing 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]])
2701JN513uwm20General Information:This begins the end of Johns letter. He tells his readers the last purpose for his letter and gives them some final teachings.
2711JN513ezl8ταῦτα1these things“this letter”
2721JN513wns6figs-metonymyτοῖς πιστεύουσιν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ1to you who believe in the name of the Son of GodHere “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]])
2731JN513gg32guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of GodThis is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
2741JN514yj31figs-abstractnounsαὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ παρρησία ἣν ἔχομεν πρὸς αὐτόν: ὅτι1this is the confidence we have before him, thatThe abstract noun “confidence” can be stated as “confident.” Alternate translation: “we are confident in Gods presence because we know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2751JN514at5nἐάν τι αἰτώμεθα κατὰ τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ1if we ask anything according to his will“if we ask for the things that God desires”
2761JN515ev49οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἔχομεν τὰ αἰτήματα ἃ ᾐτήκαμεν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1we know that we have whatever we have asked of him“we know that we will receive that for which we have asked God”
2771JN516sc1fτὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1his brother“fellow believer”
2781JN516myf6figs-abstractnounsζωήν1lifeThe 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]])
2791JN516q1meθάνατον1deathThis refers to eternal death, that is, eternity spent away from Gods presence.
2801JN518f9y90Connecting 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.
2811JN518l7h8ὁ πονηρὸς οὐχ ἅπτεται αὐτοῦ1the evil one cannot harm himThe phrase “the evil one” refers to Satan, the devil.
2821JN519n9igfigs-metaphorὁ κόσμος ὅλος ἐν τῷ πονηρῷ κεῖται1the whole world lies in the power of the evil oneLying in someones 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]])
2831JN519eh5zfigs-metonymyὁ κόσμος ὅλος1the whole worldHere “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]])
2841JN520je13guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of GodThis is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
2851JN520n1nhδέδωκεν ἡμῖν διάνοιαν1has given us understanding“has enabled us to understand the truth”
2861JN520ge7cfigs-metaphorἐσμὲν ἐν τῷ Ἀληθινῷ1we are in him who is trueBeing “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]])
2871JN520hvr7τὸν Ἀληθινόν1him who is true“the true one” or “the real God”
2881JN520w5ylοὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς1This one is the true GodPossible meanings are (1) “This one” refers to Jesus Christ, or (2) “This one” refers to the one true God.
2891JN520dz3sfigs-metonymyκαὶ ζωὴ αἰώνιος1and eternal lifeHe 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]])
2901JN521i3rwfigs-metaphorτεκνία1ChildrenJohn 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]])
2911JN521hn4yφυλάξατε ἑαυτὰ ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων1keep yourselves from idols“stay away from idols” or “do not worship idols”