1JN front intro nl27 0 # Introduction to 1 John<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the book of 1 John<br><br>This is a letter that the apostle John wrote to challenge and correct false teachings that were leading followers of Jesus to believe wrong things and live in wrong ways. At that time, the letter form had distinct opening and closing sections. The main body of the letter came in between.<br><br>1. Opening of Letter (1:1-4)<br>2. Main Body of Letter (1:5–5:12)<br><br>* Genuine believers obey God and love one another (1:5–2:17)<br>* It is false teaching to deny that Jesus is the Messiah (2:18–2:27)<br>* Genuine children of God do not sin (2:28–3:10)<br>* Genuine believers help one another sacrificially (3:11–18)<br>* Genuine believers have confidence in prayer (3:19–24)<br>* It is false teaching to deny that Jesus became human (4:1–6)<br>* Genuine believers love one another as God has loved them (4:7–21)<br>* It is false teaching to deny that Jesus is the Son of God (5:1–12)<br><br>1. Closing of Letter (5:13-21)<br><br>### Who wrote the book of 1 John?<br><br>The author of this letter does not give his name. However, since early Christian times, the church has widely considered the apostle John to be the author. He wrote the Gospel of John, and there are many similarities between the content of that book and this letter. If John did write this letter, he probably did so near the end of his life.<br><br>### To whom was the book of 1 John written?<br><br>The author wrote this letter to people whom he addresses as “beloved” and, figuratively, as “my little children.” This probably means believers in various churches located in the area where John was then living.<br><br>### What is the book of 1 John about?<br><br>False teachers were encouraging followers of Jesus to believe wrong things and to live in wrong ways. John wanted to challenge and correct those false teachings so that the people who received his letter would continue to believe the truth they had been taught and live in right ways. The false teachers were saying that these people were not saved; John wanted to assure them 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.” They may also choose a different 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 whom John spoke against?<br><br>The false teachers John was challenging seem to have held beliefs similar to what would later become known as Gnosticism. Those false teachers believed that the physical world was evil. They thought that God would not become human, since they considered the physical body to be evil, so they denied that Jesus was God come to earth in human form. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### “sin”<br><br>In chapter 1, John says that we should not deny that we have sinned. Rather, if we confess our sin, God will forgive us. In chapter 2, John says that he is writing this letter so that the recipients will not sin, but he adds that if they do sin, Jesus will advocate on their behalf. But in chapter 3, John says that everyone who has been begotten from God and who remains in God does not commit sin and is not able to sin. And in chapter 5, John says that we should not pray for people who are sinning certain ways, although we should pray for people who are sinning in other ways. This may seem confusing and contradictory.<br><br>However, the explanation is that the people whose teachings John was writing to challenge and correct were saying that it did not matter what people did in their bodies. This was because they thought physical matter was evil, and so they thought God did not care about it. In effect, they were saying that there was no suc
1JN 1 intro ab9v 0 # 1 John 01 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>1. Opening of the letter (1:1-4)<br>2. Genuine believers obey God and love one another (1:5–10, continues through 2:17)<br><br>## Important translation issues in this chapter<br><br>Like many Greek compositions of this time, for stylistic purposes this letter begins with a very long sentence. It goes from the beginning of [1:1](../01/01.md) to the middle of [1:3](../01/03.md). The parts of this sentence are not in the order that is customary in many languages. The direct object comes first, and it is very long, made up of many different clauses. The subject and verb do not come until near the end. And in the middle, there is a long digression. So it will be a challenge to translate.<br><br>One approach that might work well in your language would be to create a verse bridge that includes all of 1:1–3. You could break up this long sentence into several smaller sentences, repeating the subject and verb for clarity. This would allow you to present the parts of the sentence in an order that might be more customary in your language and that your readers might understand better. For example:<br><br>“So that you will have fellowship with us, we are declaring to you what we have seen and heard. We are declaring to you what was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched. It has to do with the Word of life. Indeed, the life appeared, and we have seen it, and we are testifying to it. Yes, we are announcing to you the eternal life that was with the Father and that appeared to us.”<br><br>If you take this approach, another way to translate the second sentence would be, “We are declaring to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and our hands have touched.”<br><br>Another approach that could also work well, and which would not require a verse bridge, would be to leave the phrases in their present order, but to divide the sentence into three parts at the verse divisions. If you do that, you could also put your translation of the phrase “regarding the Word of life” at the beginning rather than the end of [1:1](../01/01.md) and present it as a topical introduction to the letter. Otherwise, your readers might not get the sense that this is a letter until they reached [1:4](../01/04.md), where John formally states his purpose for writing.<br><br>The notes to [1:1–4](../01/01.md) provide further specific suggestions for how to translate this long opening sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])<br><br>## Important textual issues in this chapter<br><br>In [1:4](../01/04.md), the most accurate ancient manuscripts read “so that our joy may be fulfilled.” ULT follows that reading. However, some other ancient manuscripts read “your joy” instead of “our joy.” If a translation of the Bible already exists in your region, consider using whichever reading is found in that version. If a translation does not already exist, we recommend that you follow the reading in the ULT text. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 1 1 j363 writing-pronouns ὃ ἦν ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, ὃ ἀκηκόαμεν, ὃ ἑωράκαμεν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν, ὃ ἐθεασάμεθα, καὶ αἱ χεῖρες ἡμῶν ἐψηλάφησαν 1 What was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter for how to translate the long sentence in [1:1–3](../01/01.md). If you follow the suggestion to translate the phrase **regarding the Word of life** as a topical introduction to this letter, you will already have indicated that the four clauses in this verse refer to a person, Jesus. You could therefore introduce them with the personal pronouns “who” and “whom.” Alternate translation: “He is the one who has existed from all eternity, whom we heard speak, whom we saw with our own eyes, and whom we looked at and touched with our own hands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 1 j364 figs-idiom ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 from the beginning John uses the phrase **from the beginning** in various ways in this letter. Here it refers to the eternal existence of Jesus. Alternate translation: “from all eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 1 1 jd7p figs-exclusive ἀκηκόαμεν…ἑωράκαμεν…ἡμῶν…ἐθεασάμεθα…ἡμῶν 1 we have heard…we have seen…our…we have looked at…our In most cases in this letter, the first-person plural pronouns are inclusive, and you should use that form for them if your language marks that distinction. John is speaking of what both he and the recipients know, or of things that are true of both him and the recipients. However, in a few cases, the first-person pronouns are exclusive, since John is telling the recipients what he and his fellow apostles saw and heard from Jesus. These notes will identify all such places, and in them you should use the exclusive forms, if your language marks that distinction. Here the pronouns **we** and **our** are exclusive, since John is speaking on behalf of himself and the other eyewitnesses to the earthly life of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 1 1 ej5x figs-explicit ἀκηκόαμεν 1 we have heard The implication is that what John and the other eyewitnesses **heard** was Jesus speaking. Alternate translation: “we heard speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 1 1 rb73 figs-parallelism ὃ ἑωράκαμεν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν, ὃ ἐθεασάμεθα 1 which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at These two phrases mean the same thing. John is likely using the repetition for emphasis. You could combine these phrases into an emphatic expression if that would be clearer for your readers. Alternate translation: “whom we saw clearly ourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 1 1 j001 figs-extrainfo ἑωράκαμεν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν…αἱ χεῖρες ἡμῶν ἐψηλάφησαν 1 which we have seen with our eyes…and our hands have touched In your language, it might seem that these phrases express unnecessary extra information. If so, you could abbreviate them. However, your language may have its own way of using such extra information for emphasis, and you could also do that in your translation. Alternate translation: “whom we saw…and touched” or “whom we saw with our own eyes…and touched with our own hands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1JN 1 1 j002 figs-explicit ἑωράκαμεν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν…αἱ χεῖρες ἡμῶν ἐψηλάφησαν 1 which we have seen with our eyes…and our hands have touched The implications of what John is saying are that Jesus must have been a real human being, even though the false teachers are denying this. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 1 1 j003 περὶ τοῦ λόγου τῆς ζωῆς 1 regarding the Word of life As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, you could put your translation of this phrase, **regarding the Word of life**, at the beginning of this verse and present it as a sentence of its own as a topical introduction to the letter, as UST does. Alternate translation: “We are writing to you about Jesus, the Word of life”
1JN 1 1 j004 writing-pronouns περὶ τοῦ λόγου τῆς ζωῆς 1 regarding the Word of life Letter writers of this time typically began by giving their own names. That is the case for most of the letters in the New Testament. This letter is an exception, but if it would be helpful to your readers, you could supply John’s name here, as UST does. As noted above, John uses the plural pronoun **we** because he is speaking on behalf of himself and the other eyewitnesses to Jesus’ earthly life. But it may be more natural in your language for him to refer to himself with a singular pronoun, and if so, you could do that in your translation. Alternate translation: “I, John, am writing to you about Jesus, the Word of life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 1 gt44 figs-explicit τοῦ λόγου τῆς ζωῆς 1 the Word of life Here, **the Word of life** is implicitly a description of Jesus. As the General Introduction explains, there are many similarities between this letter and the Gospel of John. That gospel begins by saying about Jesus, “In the beginning was the Word.” So it is likely that when John speaks in this letter of **the Word of life** that **was from the beginning**, he is also speaking about Jesus. ULT indicates this by capitalizing **Word** to indicate that this is a title for Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus, the Word of God, who gives life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 1 1 j005 figs-possession τῆς ζωῆς 1 of life This could be referring either to the life that Jesus has or to the life that Jesus gives. But since John is writing this letter to reassure believers, it seems more likely that this expression is referring to the **life** that **the Word** (Jesus) gives to those who believe. Alternate translation: “who gives life to everyone who believes in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 1 1 i8b4 figs-metaphor ζωῆς 1 life In this letter, John uses **life** in different ways, either to refer literally to physical life or figuratively to spiritual life. Here the reference is to spiritual life. Alternate translation: “spiritual life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 2 la4a figs-activepassive καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἐφανερώθη 1 indeed, the life appeared See the discussion of the term “appear” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the term could mean one of two things. (1) John could be emphasizing how Jesus came to this earth. (UST brings this out by saying “he came here to the earth.”) In that case, this would be a situation in which a Greek passive verbal form has an active meaning. As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Indeed, the life came right here” (2) John could be emphasizing how God revealed Jesus to the world and thereby revealed himself to the world through Jesus. To bring out that emphasis, you could translate this with a passive verbal form or, if your language does not use passive forms, you could use an active form and say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Indeed, the life was made visible” or “Indeed, God made the life visible” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 1 2 j006 figs-metonymy ἡ ζωὴ 1 the life John is speaking figuratively of Jesus, whom he calls the “Word of life” in the previous verse, by referring to the **life** that is associated with him. In this case it seems to describe the **life** that Jesus embodies rather than the **life** that he gives. Alternate translation: “Jesus” or “Jesus, who is life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 1 2 j007 figs-exclusive ἑωράκαμεν…μαρτυροῦμεν…ἀπαγγέλλομεν…ἡμῖν 1 we have seen…we are bearing witness…we are announcing…us John is speaking on behalf of himself and the other eyewitnesses to the earthly life of Jesus, so the pronouns **we** and **us** are exclusive in this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 1 2 j008 figs-you ὑμῖν 1 you As the General Introduction explains, John is writing this letter to believers in various churches, and so the pronouns **you**, “your,” and “yourselves” are plural throughout the entire letter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1JN 1 2 jp6s writing-pronouns ἑωράκαμεν 1 we have seen it, and we are testifying to it If you decided to use personal pronouns in [1:1](../01/01.md), you could use them in these cases as well. Alternate translation: “we have seen him, and we are testifying that we saw him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 2 ih36 figs-parallelism μαρτυροῦμεν, καὶ ἀπαγγέλλομεν ὑμῖν 1 we are testifying to it, yes, we are announcing to you These two phrases mean similar things. John is likely using repetition for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 1 2 lyt6 figs-metonymy τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον 1 the eternal life As earlier in the verse, John is speaking figuratively of Jesus by referring to the **life** that is associated with him. Alternate translation: “Jesus, who is eternal life” or “Jesus, who has always been alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 1 2 itv8 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Πατέρα 1 the Father **The Father** is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 1 2 fru2 figs-activepassive καὶ ἐφανερώθη ἡμῖν 1 and appeared to us See how you translated **appeared** earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “and came right to us” or “and was made visible to us” or “and whom God made visible to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 1 3 j009 grammar-connect-logic-result ὃ ἑωράκαμεν, καὶ ἀκηκόαμεν, ἀπαγγέλλομεν καὶ ὑμῖν, ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς κοινωνίαν ἔχητε μεθ’ ἡμῶν 1 what we have seen and heard, we declare also to you, so you also will have fellowship with us If it would be clearer in your language, you could move the last clause to the beginning of the verse, since that clause gives the reason for the action that the rest of the verse describes. For clarity, you could also place the direct-object clause **what we have seen and heard** after the subject and verb **we declare…to you**. In that case, you would not need to translate **also** after **declare**. As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “So that you also will have fellowship with us, we are declaring to you what we have seen and heard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 1 3 vw2w figs-explicit ὃ ἑωράκαμεν, καὶ ἀκηκόαμεν 1 what we have seen and heard John is referring implicitly to the way that he and the other eyewitnesses had **seen and heard** Jesus when he was alive on earth. Alternate translation: “what we saw and heard of Jesus when he was alive on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 1 3 j010 figs-exclusive ἑωράκαμεν, καὶ ἀκηκόαμεν, ἀπαγγέλλομεν…ἡμῶν 1 we have seen and heard, we declare…us John is speaking on behalf of himself and the other eyewitnesses to the earthly life of Jesus, so the pronouns **we** and **us** are exclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 1 3 dw7l figs-abstractnouns καὶ ὑμεῖς κοινωνίαν ἔχητε μεθ’ ἡμῶν…ἡ κοινωνία…ἡ ἡμετέρα μετὰ τοῦ Πατρὸς, καὶ μετὰ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 you also will have fellowship with us…our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **fellowship** with a concrete noun such as “friends” and an adjective such as “close.” Alternate translation: “so that you can be close friends with us…we are all close friends with God the Father and with his Son Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 1 3 tf4m figs-exclusive ἡ κοινωνία…ἡ ἡμετέρα 1 our fellowship is The word **our** is likely inclusive, since John is speaking of how the believers to whom he is writing will have fellowship with him and the others on whose behalf he is writing. So if your language marks that distinction, you should translate the term as inclusive. Even if your language does not mark that distinction, you can indicate in your translation that the term applies both to John and to the people he is writing to. Alternate translation: “we are all close friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 1 3 rxq7 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς…τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 the Father…his Son These are important titles. Alternate translation: “God the Father…his Son Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 1 4 j011 writing-pronouns ταῦτα γράφομεν ἡμεῖς 1 we are writing these things As the General Notes to this chapter explain, here John is formally stating his purpose for writing. If you decided in [1:1](../01/01.md) that it would be more natural in your language for him to refer to himself with a singular pronoun in such a context, you could do the same thing in this instance. Alternate translation: “I, John, am writing these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 4 j012 figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς…ἡμῶν 1 we…our If you use the plural pronoun **we**, it would be exclusive, since John is speaking of himself and the other eyewitnesses on whose behalf he is writing. However, the term **our** is likely inclusive, since John probably means that he wants both himself and his readers to have **joy** in the shared fellowship with one another and with the Father and the Son that he describes in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 1 4 j013 translate-textvariants ἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ἡμῶν ᾖ πεπληρωμένη 1 so that our joy may be fulfilled See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to follow the reading of ULT and say **our joy** or to follow the reading of some other versions and say “your joy.” The note below discusses a translation issue related to the variant reading “your joy,” for those who decide to use it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 1 4 j014 figs-you ἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ἡμῶν ᾖ πεπληρωμένη 1 so that our joy may be fulfilled If you follow the variant reading “your joy,” the word **your** would be plural, as in the rest of this letter, since it would refer to a group of believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1JN 1 4 xn9d figs-abstractnouns ἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ἡμῶν ᾖ πεπληρωμένη 1 so that our joy may be fulfilled If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **joy** with an adjective such as “happy.” Alternate translation: “so that we will be completely happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 1 4 j015 figs-activepassive ἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ἡμῶν ᾖ πεπληρωμένη 1 so that our joy may be fulfilled If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “so that we will be completely happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 1 4 j016 figs-explicit ἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ἡμῶν ᾖ πεπληρωμένη 1 so that our joy may be fulfilled The implications are that John and his readers will be completely happy together if his readers recognize the truth of what he is writing to them about. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 1 5 djn4 figs-exclusive ἀκηκόαμεν 1 we have heard The pronoun **we** is exclusive, since John is speaking on behalf of himself and the other eyewitnesses to the earthly life of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 1 5 j017 writing-pronouns ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 from him The word **him** refers to Jesus in this first instance in the verse, since John is speaking of the message that he and the other eyewitnesses heard from Jesus. Alternate translation: “from Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 5 j018 figs-parallelism ὁ Θεὸς φῶς ἐστιν, καὶ σκοτία ἐν αὐτῷ, οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεμία 1 God is light, and darkness is not in him at all These two phrases mean similar things. John is likely using repetition for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “God is entirely light” or, if you represent these metaphors non-figuratively (see next two notes), “God is completely holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 1 5 cd6f figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς φῶς ἐστιν 1 God is light John often uses **light** figuratively in this letter to mean what is holy, right, and good. Here, in reference to God, it indicates holiness. Alternate translation: “God is holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 5 e9m2 figs-metaphor σκοτία ἐν αὐτῷ, οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεμία 1 darkness is not in him at all John often uses the word **darkness** figuratively in this letter to mean what is evil. Alternate translation: “God is not evil at all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 5 j019 figs-doublenegatives σκοτία ἐν αὐτῷ, οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεμία 1 darkness is not in him at all John is using a double negative in Greek for emphasis. In English it would come out "darkness is not in him not at all." In Greek the second negative does not cancel the first negative to create a positive meaning. In English the meaning would inaccurately be positive, which is why ULT uses only one negative and says "darkness is not in him at all." But if your language uses double negatives for emphasis that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]
1JN 1 5 j020 writing-pronouns ἐν αὐτῷ 1 in him In this second instance in the verse, the word **him** refers to God, the immediate antecedent. Alternate translation: “in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 6 j021 figs-hypo ἐὰν εἴπωμεν ὅτι κοινωνίαν ἔχομεν μετ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐν τῷ σκότει περιπατῶμεν, ψευδόμεθα καὶ οὐ ποιοῦμεν τὴν ἀλήθειαν 1 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we are lying and are not doing the truth John is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the importance of consistency between their words and their actions. Alternate translation: “Suppose we say that we have fellowship with him, but we walk in darkness. Then we are lying and are not doing the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 1 6 j022 figs-abstractnouns ἐὰν εἴπωμεν ὅτι κοινωνίαν ἔχομεν μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 If we say that we have fellowship with him If your language does not use abstract nouns, see how you expressed the idea behind the abstract noun **fellowship** in [1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “If we say that we are close friends with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 1 6 j023 writing-pronouns μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 with him The word **him** refers to God, the antecedent from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 6 j024 grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 and John is using the word **and** to introduce a contrast between what would be expected of a person who claims to have fellowship with God and what such a person might hypothetically do. Alternate translation: “but” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1JN 1 6 f958 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ σκότει περιπατῶμεν 1 walk in darkness John is using the word **walk** figuratively to mean how a person lives and behaves. Alternate translation: “do what is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 6 j025 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ σκότει περιπατῶμεν 1 walk in darkness As in [1:5](../01/05.md), John is using the word **darkness** figuratively to mean evil. Alternate translation: “do what is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 6 j026 figs-parallelism ψευδόμεθα καὶ οὐ ποιοῦμεν τὴν ἀλήθειαν 1 we are lying and we are not doing the truth These two phrases mean similar things. John is likely using repetition for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “we are really not truthful at all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 1 6 j027 figs-abstractnouns οὐ ποιοῦμεν τὴν ἀλήθειαν 1 we are not doing the truth If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **truth** with the concrete noun “message” from the previous verse, since that seems to be what John means by the term in this case. Alternate translation: “we are not living according to the message we heard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 1 7 j028 figs-hypo ἐὰν δὲ ἐν τῷ φωτὶ περιπατῶμεν, ὡς αὐτός ἐστιν ἐν τῷ φωτί, κοινωνίαν ἔχομεν μετ’ ἀλλήλων 1 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another John is using another hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the value and benefits of living a life that is holy, as God is holy. Alternate translation: “But suppose we walk in the light as he is in the light. Then we have fellowship with one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 1 7 lpr3 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ φωτὶ περιπατῶμεν 1 we walk in the light John is using the word **walk** figuratively to mean how a person lives and behaves. Alternate translation: “we do what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 7 j029 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ φωτὶ περιπατῶμεν 1 we walk in the light As in [1:5](../01/05.md), John is using the word **light** figuratively to mean what is holy, right, and good. Alternate translation: “do what is holy” or “do what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 7 j030 writing-pronouns ὡς αὐτός ἐστιν ἐν τῷ φωτί 1 as he is in the light The word **he** refers to God. Alternate translation: “as God is in the light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 7 j031 figs-metaphor ὡς αὐτός ἐστιν ἐν τῷ φωτί 1 as he is in the light John is using the word **light** figuratively to mean what is holy. Alternate translation: “as God is holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 7 j032 figs-abstractnouns κοινωνίαν ἔχομεν μετ’ ἀλλήλων 1 we have fellowship with one another If your language does not use abstract nouns, see how you expressed the idea behind the abstract noun **fellowship** in [1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “we are close friends with one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 1 7 d7d8 figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα Ἰησοῦ 1 the blood of Jesus This could mean one of two things. (1) John could be referring literally to the **blood** that Jesus offered as a sacrifice for sin. (2) John could be using the word **blood** figuratively to mean the sacrificial death of Jesus, by association with the **blood** that Jesus shed when he died. Alternate translation: “the death of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 1 7 jb3e guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 Jesus his Son **Son** is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 1 7 j033 figs-metaphor καθαρίζει ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἁμαρτίας 1 cleanses us from all sin John is speaking figuratively of **sin** as if it made a person dirty and of the **blood** of Jesus as if it made a person clean. Alternate translation: “takes away all our sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 8 j034 figs-hypo ἐὰν εἴπωμεν ὅτι ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ ἔχομεν, ἑαυτοὺς πλανῶμεν καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν 1 If we say that we have no sin, we are leading ourselves astray, and the truth is not in us John is using another hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the importance of consistency between their words and their actions. Alternate translation: “Suppose we say that we have no sin. Then we are leading ourselves astray, and the truth is not in us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 1 8 enu7 ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ ἔχομεν 1 we have no sin Alternate translation: “we never sin”
1JN 1 8 m8hf figs-metaphor ἑαυτοὺς πλανῶμεν 1 we are leading ourselves astray John speaks figuratively of those who say this as if they were guides who were leading people—themselves, actually—in the wrong direction. Alternate translation: “we are deceiving ourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 8 tt51 figs-metaphor ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν 1 the truth is not in us John speaks figuratively of the **truth** as if it were an object that could be inside believers. Alternate translation: “we do not believe that what God says is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 8 j035 figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν 1 the truth is not in us If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **truth** with an adjective such as “true.” Alternate translation: “we do not believe that what God says is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 1 9 j036 figs-hypo ἐὰν ὁμολογῶμεν τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν, πιστός ἐστιν καὶ δίκαιος 1 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous John is using another hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the value and benefits of living in holiness. Alternate translation: “Suppose we confess our sins. Then he is faithful and righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 1 9 gb5l writing-pronouns πιστός ἐστιν…ἵνα ἀφῇ 1 he is faithful…that he should forgive The word **he** refers to God in both instances in this verse. Alternate translation: “God is faithful…and God will forgive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 9 f68c figs-parallelism ἵνα ἀφῇ ἡμῖν τὰς ἁμαρτίας, καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀδικίας 1 that he should forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness These two phrases mean basically the same thing. John is likely using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them, especially if it might be confusing for your readers if you put both phrases in. Alternate translation: “and he will completely forgive us of what we have done wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 1 9 j038 figs-metaphor καθαρίσῃ ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀδικίας 1 cleanse us from all unrighteousness As in [1:7](../01/07.md), John is speaking figuratively of **sins** as if they made a person dirty and of God’s forgiveness as if it made a person clean. Alternate translation: “not hold against us anything that we have done wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 1 9 j039 figs-abstractnouns πάσης ἀδικίας 1 all unrighteousness If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **unrighteousness** with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “anything that we have done wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 1 10 j040 figs-hypo ἐὰν εἴπωμεν ὅτι οὐχ ἡμαρτήκαμεν, ψεύστην ποιοῦμεν αὐτὸν 1 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar John is using another hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the serious implications of not living in holiness. Alternate translation: “Suppose we say that we have not sinned. Then we are calling God a liar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 1 10 j041 writing-pronouns αὐτὸν…αὐτοῦ 1 him…his The words **him** and **his** refer to God in this verse. Alternate translation: “God…God’s” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 1 10 hii2 figs-explicit ψεύστην ποιοῦμεν αὐτὸν 1 we make him a liar Be sure that it is clear in your translation that God would not actually be a liar in this case. Rather, a person who claimed to be without sin would be calling God a liar, since God has said that everyone is a sinner. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that is the same as calling God a liar, because God has said that we have all sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 1 10 j042 figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν 1 his word is not in us John is using the term **word** figuratively to mean what God has said by using words. Alternate translation: “we do not believe what God has said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 1 10 m3p1 figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμῖν 1 his word is not in us As he did about the “truth” in [1:8](../01/08.md), John is speaking figuratively of God’s **word** as if it were an object that could be inside believers. Alternate translation: “we do not believe what God has said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 intro zjj9 0 # 1 John 02 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>1. Genuine believers obey God and love one another (2:1–17, continuing from 1:5)<br>2. It is false teaching to deny that Jesus is the Messiah (2:18–2:27)<br>3. Genuine children of God do not sin (2:28–29, continues through 3:10)<br><br>In order to show that John is writing something like poetry in in [2:12–14](../02/12.md), some translations set the statements in those verses farther to the right than the rest of the text, and they begin a new line at the start of each statement.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Antichrist<br><br>In [2:18](../02/18.md) and [2:22](../02/22.md), John writes both about a specific person called the Antichrist and about many people who will be “antichrists.” The word “antichrist” means “opposed to Christ.” The Antichrist is a person who will come just before the return of Jesus and imitate Jesus’ work, but he will do that for evil purposes. Before that person comes, there will be many other people who work against Christ. They too are called “antichrists,” but as a description rather than as a name. (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 textual issues in this chapter<br><br>In [2:20](../02/20.md), some ancient manuscripts read “you all know,” and that is the reading that ULT follows. However, other ancient manuscripts read “you know all things.” It seems more likely, based on everything else in the letter, that “you all know” is the correct original reading, since John is countering the claim of false teachers to know more than other believers. The reading “you know all things” seems to have arisen because copyists felt a need to have an object for the verb “know.” Nevertheless, if a translation of the Bible already exists in your region, consider using whichever reading is found in that version. If a translation does not already exist, we recommend that you follow the reading in the ULT text. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 2 1 j043 τεκνία μου 1 My little children Here and in several other places in the book, John uses the diminutive form of the word **children** as an affectionate form of address. Alternate translation: “My dear children”
1JN 2 1 v57g figs-metaphor τεκνία μου 1 My little children John is also using the word **children** figuratively to describe the believers to whom he is writing. They are under his spiritual care, and so he regards them as if they were his own children. You could translate this in a non-figurative way, or you could represent the metaphor as a simile, as UST does. Alternate translation: “You dear believers who are under my care” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 1 p49e ταῦτα γράφω 1 I am writing these things Alternate translation: “I am writing this letter”
1JN 2 1 j044 grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 And John is using the word **and** to introduce a contrast between what he hopes to achieve by writing, that these believers will not sin, and what might happen, that one of them might sin. Alternate translation: “But” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1JN 2 1 bi4g figs-hypo ἐάν τις ἁμάρτῃ, Παράκλητον ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα 1 if anyone should sin, we have an advocate with the Father John is describing a hypothetical situation in order to reassure his readers. Alternate translation: “suppose someone does sin. Then we have an advocate with the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 2 1 stj2 figs-explicit Παράκλητον ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα, Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν 1 we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ John assumes that his readers will know than an **advocate** is someone who takes a person’s side and pleads on his behalf. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ will take our side and ask God the Father to forgive us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 1 j045 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Πατέρα 1 the Father This is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 2 1 j046 figs-nominaladj δίκαιον 1 the righteous John is using the adjective **righteous** as a noun in order to indicate a specific type of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the one who is righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 2 2 j047 writing-pronouns αὐτὸς 1 he The word **he** refers to Jesus, the antecedent in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 2 h8fg figs-abstractnouns αὐτὸς ἱλασμός ἐστιν περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν, οὐ περὶ τῶν ἡμετέρων δὲ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ περὶ ὅλου τοῦ κόσμου 1 he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world The abstract noun **propitiation** refers to something that someone does for someone else or gives to someone else so that he will no longer be angry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “because of Jesus, God is no longer angry about our sins, and not only about ours, but also about those of the whole world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 2 2 j048 figs-metonymy ὅλου τοῦ κόσμου 1 the whole world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here it figuratively refers to the people living in the world. Alternate translation: “everyone in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 3 j049 grammar-connect-logic-result ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἐγνώκαμεν αὐτόν, ἐὰν τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν 1 in this we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “if we obey what he has commanded, then we can be assured that we have a close relationship with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 2 3 j050 figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι 1 in this we know that This is an idiomatic expression that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “this is how we know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 3 el7q γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἐγνώκαμεν αὐτόν 1 we know that we have known him John is using the word **know** in two different senses. See the discussion of the word **know** in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. If your language has different words for these different senses, it would be appropriate to use them here. Alternate translation: “we can be assured that we have a close relationship with him”
1JN 2 3 j051 writing-pronouns αὐτόν…αὐτοῦ 1 him…his In this verse, the words **him** and **his** refer to God, the one who has given the commandments that people must obey. Alternate translation: “God…God’s” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 3 qn85 figs-idiom ἐὰν τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν 1 if we keep his commandments Here, **keep** is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “if we obey what he has commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 4 j052 figs-hypo ὁ λέγων, ὅτι ἔγνωκα αὐτὸν, καὶ τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ μὴ τηρῶν, ψεύστης ἐστίν 1 The one who says, “I know him,” and does not keep his commandments is a liar John is describing a hypothetical situation in order to challenge his readers. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone says, ‘I have a close relationship with God,’ but he does not obey what God has commanded. Then that person is a liar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 2 4 kmz5 ὁ λέγων 1 The one who says Alternate translation: “Anyone who says” or “The person who says”
1JN 2 4 q665 ἔγνωκα αὐτὸν 1 I know him As in the second instance in [2:3](../02/03.md), John is using the word **know** in a specific sense. Alternate translation: “I have a close relationship with God”
1JN 2 4 j053 writing-pronouns αὐτὸν…αὐτοῦ 1 him…his In this verse, the words **him** and **his** refer to God, the one who has given the commandments that people must obey. Alternate translation: “God…God’s” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 4 j054 grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 and John is using the word **and** to introduce a contrast between what such a person might say and what his conduct actually indicates to be true. Alternate translation: “but” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1JN 2 4 qp1j figs-idiom μὴ τηρῶν 1 does not keep In this instance, the word **keep** is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “does not obey” or “disobeys” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 4 j055 figs-parallelism ψεύστης ἐστίν, καὶ ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν 1 is a liar, and the truth is not in this one These two phrases mean similar things. John is likely using repetition for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “is certainly not speaking the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 2 4 cj84 figs-metaphor καὶ ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν 1 and the truth is not in this one John is speaking figuratively of the **truth** as if it were an object that could be inside someone. Alternate translation: “and such a person is not speaking the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 4 j056 figs-abstractnouns καὶ ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀλήθεια οὐκ ἔστιν 1 and the truth is not in this one If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **truth** with an adjective such as “true.” Alternate translation: “and what such a person says is not true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 2 5 j057 figs-hypo ὃς δ’ ἂν τηρῇ αὐτοῦ τὸν λόγον, ἀληθῶς ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ τετελείωται 1 But whoever keeps his word, in this one truly the love of God has been perfected John is suggesting another hypothetical situation in order to reassure his readers. Alternate translation:<br>"But suppose someone keeps his word. Then the love of God truly has been perfected in that person."<br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 2 5 j058 figs-metonymy τηρῇ αὐτοῦ τὸν λόγον 1 keeps his word John is using the term **word** figuratively to mean what God has commanded by using words. Alternate translation: “obeys what God has commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 5 aqa4 figs-idiom τηρῇ αὐτοῦ τὸν λόγον 1 keeps his word In this instance, the word **keep** is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “obeys what God has commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 5 j059 writing-pronouns αὐτοῦ…αὐτῷ 1 his…him The words **his** and **him** in this verse refer to God. Alternate translation: “God’s…God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 5 x88p figs-possession ἀληθῶς ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ τετελείωται 1 in this one truly the love of God has been perfected The phrase **the love of God** could mean one of two things. (1) It could refer to a person loving God. Alternate translation: “that person indeed loves God completely” (2) It could refer to God loving people. Alternate translation: “God’s love has achieved its purpose in that person’s life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 2 5 j060 figs-activepassive ἀληθῶς ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ τετελείωται 1 in this one truly the love of God has been perfected If it would be clearer in your language, you could use an active verbal form in place of the passive verbal form **has been perfected**. The person or thing doing the action will depend on how you decide to translate the phrase **the love of God** (see previous note). Alternate translation: “that person indeed loves God completely” or “God’s love has achieved its purpose in that person’s life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 2 5 b688 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ ἐσμεν 1 we are in him John is speaking figuratively as if believers could be inside of God. This expression describes having a close relationship. Alternate translation: “we have a close relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 6 u6lu figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ μένειν 1 he remains in him See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to this book. Here to remain in God means about the same thing as to have “fellowship with God” in [1:3](../01/03.md) and [1:6](../01/06.md). Alternate translation: “he is close friends with God” or “he has a close relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 6 j061 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ μένειν 1 he remains in him John once again speaks figuratively as if believers could be inside of God. Alternate translation: “he is close friends with God” or “he has a close relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 6 j062 writing-pronouns ἐν αὐτῷ 1 in him The pronoun **him** refers to God. Alternate translation: “in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 6 x5n1 figs-metaphor ὀφείλει καθὼς ἐκεῖνος περιεπάτησεν, καὶ αὐτὸς περιπατεῖν 1 ought, just as that one walked, also to walk himself As in [1:6](../01/06.md) and [1:7](../01/07.md), John is using the word **walk** figuratively to mean how a person lives and behaves. Alternate translation: “must live as Jesus lived” or “must obey God just as Jesus did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 6 j063 writing-pronouns ἐκεῖνος 1 that one John is using this demonstrative pronoun to refer to Jesus, and specifically to Jesus when he lived on earth. Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 7 py9g figs-nominaladj ἀγαπητοί 1 Beloved This is another term of affection by which John addresses the believers to whom he is writing. It involves using the adjective **beloved** as a noun in order to indicate a specific group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “You people whom I love” or “Dear friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 2 7 vz9w figs-idiom ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 from the beginning John uses the phrase **from the beginning** in various ways in this letter. Here it refers to the time when the people to whom he is writing first believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “ever since you first believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 7 eia9 figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος ὃν ἠκούσατε 1 the word that you heard John is using the term **word** figuratively to refer to the message that these believers heard, which was communicated through words. Alternate translation: “the message that you heard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 7 amu6 figs-explicit ὁ λόγος ὃν ἠκούσατε 1 the word that you heard The implication is that the specific **word** or message that John is describing is the commandment Jesus gave to believers that they should love one another. See the Gospel of John [13:34](../jhn/13/34.md) and [15:12](../jhn/15/12.md). John indicates this explicitly in this letter in [3:23](../03/23.md) and [4:21](../04/21.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly at this point as well. Alternate translation: “the commandment Jesus gave that we should love one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 8 j064 figs-idiom πάλιν 1 Again John is using the term **again** idiomatically. Alternate translation: “On the other hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 8 i1up figs-explicit ἐντολὴν καινὴν γράφω ὑμῖν 1 I am writing a new commandment to you John is referring to the same **commandment** as in [2:7](../02/07.md), the commandment that Jesus gave to love one another, which the believers have had all along. So he does not mean that he is now writing a **new** and different commandment, but rather that this same commandment, which he called “old” there, can also be considered **new** in a certain sense. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what **commandment** John is referring to, and you could give the likely reason why it can be considered **new**. Alternate translation: “the commandment I am writing to you, to love one another, is, in a sense, a new commandment, because it is characteristic of a new way of life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 8 j065 grammar-connect-logic-result ὅ ἐστιν ἀληθὲς ἐν αὐτῷ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν, ὅτι ἡ σκοτία παράγεται, καὶ τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινὸν ἤδη φαίνει 1 which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is going away and the true light is already shining If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Because the darkness is going away and the true light is already shining, this commandment is true in Jesus and in you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 2 8 j066 figs-explicit ὅ ἐστιν ἀληθὲς ἐν αὐτῷ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν 1 which is true in him and in you Since Jesus consistently obeyed the commandment to love, it is likely that John is emphasizing that believers are doing the same thing themselves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could bring out this implicit emphasis in your translation. If you do not put the next clause before this one, as the previous note suggests, it may still be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Jesus truly obeyed this commandment, and you are now truly obeying it as well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 8 c2fa figs-metaphor ὅ ἐστιν ἀληθὲς ἐν αὐτῷ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν 1 which is true in him and in you John is speaking figuratively as if this commandment were **true** inside of Jesus and these believers. Alternate translation: “Jesus truly obeyed this commandment, and you are now truly obeying it as well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 8 j067 writing-pronouns αὐτῷ 1 him The pronoun **him** refers to Jesus. John is using him as the supreme example of loving others. Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 8 i8gr figs-metaphor ἡ σκοτία παράγεται, καὶ τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινὸν ἤδη φαίνει 1 the darkness is going away and the true light is already shining As in [1:5](../01/05.md), John is using the word **darkness** figuratively to mean evil and the word **light** figuratively to mean what is holy, right, and good. The **shining** of the light figuratively represents its influence. Alternate translation: “what is evil is going away and what is genuinely good is becoming influential instead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 8 j068 figs-metonymy τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινὸν 1 the true light Since John calls God “the True One” in [5:20](../05/20.md), he may be referring to God’s goodness and holiness when he says **the true light**. Alternate translation: “the goodness of God” or “the holiness of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 9 a3jt figs-hypo ὁ λέγων ἐν τῷ φωτὶ εἶναι, καὶ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ μισῶν, ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ἐστὶν ἕως ἄρτι 1 The one who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness until now John is suggesting a further hypothetical situation in order to challenge his readers. Alternate translation: <br>"Suppose someone says he is in the light, but he hates his brother. Then that person is still in the darkness."<br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 2 9 srl7 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ φωτὶ εἶναι 1 he is in the light As in [1:5](../01/05.md), John is using the word **light** figuratively to mean what is holy, right, and good. Alternate translation: “he does what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 9 j069 grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 and John is using the word **and** to introduce a contrast between what such a person might say and what his conduct actually indicates to be true. Alternate translation: “but” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1JN 2 9 j4f7 figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother John is using the term **brother** figuratively to mean someone who shares the same faith. Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 9 j070 figs-gendernotations τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother Although the term **brother** is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1JN 2 9 mp9f figs-metaphor ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ἐστὶν 1 is in the darkness As in [1:5](../01/05.md), John is using the word **darkness** figuratively to mean what is wrong or evil. Alternate translation: “is doing what is wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 9 j071 ἕως ἄρτι 1 until now Alternate translation: “still”
1JN 2 10 j072 figs-hypo ὁ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, ἐν τῷ φωτὶ μένει 1 The one who loves his brother remains in the light John is suggesting a further hypothetical situation in order to reassure his readers. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone does love his fellow believers. Then he is genuinely doing what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 2 10 j073 figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “his fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 10 j074 figs-genericnoun τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in the plural, since John likely does not have a specific individual in view, as he does in [2:9](../02/09.md). Rather, John is speaking of loving all believers. Alternate translation: “his fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1JN 2 10 j075 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ φωτὶ μένει 1 remains in the light John is using the word **light** figuratively to mean what is holy, right, and good. Alternate translation: “is genuinely doing what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 10 j076 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ φωτὶ μένει 1 remains in the light See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the word seems to describe behavior that is recognized to be genuine because it is consistent. Alternate translation: “is genuinely doing what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 10 q2x1 figs-metaphor σκάνδαλον ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν 1 a stumbling-block is not in him John is using the term **stumbling-block**, which means something that a person would trip over, figuratively to mean something that would cause a person to sin. Alternate translation: “nothing will cause him to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 10 j077 figs-explicit σκάνδαλον ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν 1 a stumbling-block is not in him John speaks of this **stumbling-block** being **in** or inside a person because it represents the hatred for a fellow believer that he describes in [2:9](../02/09.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “he has no hatred inside of him that will cause him to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 11 j078 figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 11 j079 figs-parallelism ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ἐστὶν, καὶ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ περιπατεῖ 1 is in the darkness and walks in the darkness These two phrases mean similar things. John is likely using repetition for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “keeps on doing what is wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 2 11 w4r2 figs-metaphor ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ἐστὶν 1 is in the darkness As in [1:5](../01/05.md), John is using the word **darkness** figuratively to mean what is wrong or evil. Alternate translation: “does what is wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 11 u44x figs-metaphor ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ περιπατεῖ 1 walks in the darkness John is using the word **walk** figuratively to mean how a person lives and behaves. Alternate translation: “conducts his life in wrong ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 11 j080 grammar-connect-logic-result οὐκ οἶδεν ποῦ ὑπάγει, ὅτι ἡ σκοτία ἐτύφλωσεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ 1 he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because the darkness has blinded his eyes, he does not know where he is going” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 2 11 y5cs figs-metaphor οὐκ οἶδεν ποῦ ὑπάγει 1 he does not know where he is going This is a continuation of the metaphor of walking as a figurative description of how a person lives and behaves. Alternate translation: “he does not know the right way to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 11 j081 figs-metaphor ὅτι ἡ σκοτία ἐτύφλωσεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ 1 because the darkness has blinded his eyes John is using blindness figuratively to mean a loss of moral sense. Alternate translation: “because evil intentions are keeping him from knowing right and wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 12 in8n figs-metaphor τεκνία 1 little children John uses the term **little children** in [2:1](../02/01.md) and in several other places in this letter to refer to all of the believers to whom he is writing. See the explanation of it in two of the notes to [2:1](../02/01.md). UST takes the term to mean that in this case as well. However, it is also possible that in this case the term has a more specialized meaning and that it refers to only some of the believers, since it seems to represent only one of three groups of believers that John addresses twice in [2:12–14](../02/12.md). Moreover, the next time John addresses this first group, in [2:14](../02/14.md), he uses a different word that means “young children.” So in this context, the term could figuratively be describing new believers, that is, those who have just put their faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. Alternate translation: “new believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 12 ed41 figs-activepassive ἀφέωνται ὑμῖν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι 1 your sins have been forgiven If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has forgiven your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 2 12 j082 writing-pronouns διὰ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 because of his name The word **his** refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “because of the name of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 12 yjy8 figs-metonymy διὰ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 because of his name John is using the **name** of Jesus figuratively to represent who Jesus is and what he has done. Alternate translation: “because of what Jesus has done for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 13 kue2 figs-metaphor πατέρες 1 fathers If “little children” figuratively means “new believers” in [2:12](../02/12.md), then the term **fathers** is likely a figurative description of another group of believers. It could mean one of two things. Alternate translation: (1) “mature believers” or (2) “church leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 13 y1vm ἐγνώκατε 1 you know As in [2:4](../02/04.md), John is using the word **know** in a specific sense. See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “you have a close relationship with”
1JN 2 13 wmt8 figs-idiom τὸν ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 the one who is from the beginning John uses the phrase **from the beginning** in various ways in this letter. Here it refers to the eternal existence of God. Alternate translation: “God, who has always existed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 13 wg4v figs-metaphor νεανίσκοι 1 young men This is likely a figurative description of a third group of believers. It probably refers to people who have become strong in their faith, even if they are not yet as mature as those in the second group, since **young men** are in the time of life when they are strong and vigorous. Alternate translation: “strong believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 13 j083 figs-gendernotations νεανίσκοι 1 young men Although the term **men** is masculine, John is likely using the word figuratively in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “strong believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1JN 2 13 tfh1 figs-metaphor νενικήκατε τὸν πονηρόν 1 you have overcome the evil one John speaks figuratively of these strong believers refusing to do what the devil wants as if they had defeated him in a struggle. Alternate translation: “you refuse to do what the devil wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 13 j084 figs-nominaladj τὸν πονηρόν 1 the evil one John is using the adjective **evil** as a noun in order to indicate a specific being. ULT adds **one** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the one who is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 2 13 j085 figs-metonymy τὸν πονηρόν 1 the evil one John is speaking figuratively of the devil, by association with the way that he is **evil**. Alternate translation: “the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 14 j086 figs-parallelism ἔγραψα ὑμῖν, παιδία, ὅτι ἐγνώκατε τὸν Πατέρα 1 I have written to you, young children, because you know the Father This sentence means basically the same thing as the sentence in [2:12](../02/12.md). The next two sentences in this verse mean basically the same thing as the two sentences in [2:13](../02/13.md). John is using repetition for emphasis and for poetic effect. For those reasons, it would be appropriate to translate all of these sentences separately and not combine them with the ones in the previous two verses, even if you combine parallel statements with similar meanings elsewhere in the book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 2 14 j087 translate-textvariants ἔγραψα ὑμῖν, παιδία, ὅτι ἐγνώκατε τὸν Πατέρα 1 I have written to you, young children, because you know the Father In some Bibles, this sentence comes at the end of [2:13](../02/13.md) instead of at the beginning of this verse. The verse divisions were introduced to the Bible many centuries after its books were written, and their purpose is only to help readers find things easily. So the placement of this sentence, either at the start of this verse or at the end of the previous one, does not create any significant difference in meaning. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your region, consider using the placement in that version. If not, we recommend that you follow the placement in the ULT text. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 2 14 j088 figs-verbs ἔγραψα ὑμῖν 1 I have written to you By saying **I have written**, John is expressing himself slightly differently than in [2:12–13](../02/12.md), where he says, “I am writing.” The difference is likely only for emphasis, as John looks back at what he has just said and indicates that he is saying it again. However, if your language distinguishes between the present and present perfect tenses, it would be appropriate to show the difference in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-verbs]])
1JN 2 14 j089 figs-metaphor παιδία 1 young children While this is a different term from “little children” in [2:12](../02/12.md), figuratively it means the same thing. Alternate translation: “new believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 14 j090 ἐγνώκατε 1 you know As in [2:4](../02/04.md), John is using the word **know** in a specific sense. See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “you have a close relationship with”
1JN 2 14 j091 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Πατέρα 1 the Father **The Father** is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 2 14 j092 figs-metaphor πατέρες 1 fathers The term **fathers** likely has the same figurative meaning as in [2:13](../02/13.md). Alternate translation: (1) “mature believers” or (2) “church leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 14 j093 ἐγνώκατε 2 you know As in [2:4](../02/04.md), John is using the word **know** in a specific sense. See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “you have a close relationship with”
1JN 2 14 j094 figs-idiom τὸν ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 the one who is from the beginning John uses the phrase **from the beginning** in various ways in this letter. Here it refers to the eternal existence of God. Alternate translation: “God, who has always existed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 14 j095 figs-metaphor νεανίσκοι 1 young men The term **young men** likely has the same figurative meaning as in [2:13](../02/13.md). Alternate translation: “strong believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 14 j096 figs-gendernotations νεανίσκοι 1 young men Although the term **men** is masculine, John is likely using the word figuratively in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “strong believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1JN 2 14 l74j figs-metaphor ἰσχυροί ἐστε 1 you are strong John is using the word **strong** not literally to describe believers’ physical strength, but figuratively to describe to their faithfulness to Jesus. Alternate translation: “you are faithful to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 14 u3n8 figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν μένει 1 the word of God remains in you See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the word seems to describe behavior that is recognized to be genuine because it is consistent. Alternate translation: “you genuinely obey what God has commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 14 j097 figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν μένει 1 the word of God John is using the term **word** figuratively to refer to what God has commanded using words. Alternate translation: “what God has commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 14 j098 figs-metaphor νενικήκατε τὸν πονηρόν 1 you have overcome the evil one John speaks figuratively of these strong believers refusing to do what the devil wants as if they had defeated him in a struggle. Alternate translation: “you refuse to do what the devil wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 14 j099 figs-nominaladj τὸν πονηρόν 1 the evil one John is using the adjective **evil** as a noun in order to indicate a specific being. ULT adds **one** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the one who is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 2 14 j100 figs-metonymy τὸν πονηρόν 1 the evil one John is speaking figuratively of the devil, by association with the way that he is **evil**. Alternate translation: “the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 15 j101 figs-ellipsis μὴ ἀγαπᾶτε τὸν κόσμον, μηδὲ τὰ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ 1 Do not love the world, nor the things that are in the world In the second phrase in this sentence, John leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from the first phrase. Alternate translation: “Do not love the world, and do not love any of the things that are in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 2 15 xig6 figs-metonymy μὴ ἀγαπᾶτε τὸν κόσμον 1 Do not love the world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here it figuratively refers to the system of values that people share who do not honor God. This system is necessarily contrary to the values that godly people have. Alternate translation: “Do not share the ungodly value system of the people who do not honor God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 15 h2hm figs-parallelism μηδὲ τὰ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ 1 nor the things that are in the world This phrase means essentially the same thing as the preceding one. John is likely using repetition for emphasis. However, since there is a slight difference in meaning, you may wish to translate these phrases separately rather than combining them. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “No, do not share any of the values that characterize that system” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 2 15 p56b figs-hypo ἐάν τις ἀγαπᾷ τὸν κόσμον, οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐν αὐτῷ 1 If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him John is describing a hypothetical situation in order to challenge his readers. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone shares the ungodly value system of the people who do not honor God. Then that person really does not love God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 2 15 s48z figs-possession οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐν αὐτῷ 1 the love of the Father is not in him The phrase **the love of the Father** could mean one of two things. (1) It could refer to a person loving God the Father. Alternate translation: “that person does not really love God the Father” (2) It could refer to God loving people. Alternate translation: “God’s love is not genuinely at work in that person’s life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 2 15 j102 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς 1 of the Father **Father** is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “of God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 2 16 j103 translate-versebridge ὅτι 1 For In this verse, John is giving the reason why the statement is true that he made in the second sentence of the previous verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this reason before that result by combining this verse and the previous one into a verse bridge. You could begin this verse with “since” instead of **for**, you could end it with a comma instead of a period, and you could make it the beginning of the second sentence in the previous verse, putting it before “if anyone loves the world.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])
1JN 2 16 j104 figs-metonymy πᾶν τὸ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ 1 everything that is in the world See how you translated the similar expression in [2:15](../02/15.md). Alternate translation: “everything that characterizes the ungodly value system of the people who do not honor God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 16 pz3q figs-metonymy ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῆς σαρκὸς 1 the lust of the flesh John is using the term **flesh** figuratively to mean the physical human body, which is made of **flesh**. Alternate translation: “the strong desire to have sinful physical pleasure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 16 x124 figs-metonymy ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν 1 the lust of the eyes John is using the term **eyes** figuratively to mean the ability to see. Alternate translation: “the strong desire to have things that we see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 16 j105 ἡ ἀλαζονία τοῦ βίου 1 the arrogance of life John is likely using the Greek term that ULT translates as **life** in one of its specific senses, to mean “possessions,” as in [3:17](../03/17.md). Alternate translation: “pride in one’s possessions”
1JN 2 16 c3xw figs-metonymy οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ Πατρός, ἀλλὰ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἐστίν 1 is not from the Father, but is from the world See how you translated the term **world** in [2:15](../02/15.md). It has a similar meaning in this verse. Alternate translation: “does not represent how God the Father wants us to live, but instead comes from an ungodly value system” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 16 j106 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός 1 the Father This is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 2 17 j107 figs-metonymy ὁ κόσμος 1 the world See how you translated the term **world** in [2:15](../02/15.md). It has a similar meaning in this verse. Alternate translation: “the ungodly value system of the people who do not honor God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 17 ct43 figs-metaphor παράγεται 1 is going away John speaks figuratively of the **world** as if it were leaving. Alternate translation: “will not last very much longer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 17 j108 figs-ellipsis καὶ ἡ ἐπιθυμία αὐτοῦ 1 and its desire John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and its desire is also going away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 2 17 j109 figs-possession ἡ ἐπιθυμία αὐτοῦ 1 its desire John is using the possessive form to show that the **world** is the source of this **desire** and gives it its character. Alternate translation: “worldly desire” or “the desire that this system of values creates in people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 2 17 j110 figs-genericnoun ἡ ἐπιθυμία αὐτοῦ 1 its desire If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in the plural, since John is referring to all of the different types of **desire** associated with the **world** that he described in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “worldly desires” or “the desires that this system of values creates in people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1JN 2 17 j111 figs-metaphor μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα 1 remains to the age See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the word seems to refer to continuing existence. Alternate translation: “will live forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 18 c7td figs-metaphor παιδία 1 Young children This is the same term that John used figuratively in [2:14](../02/14.md) to describe new believers, but here it seems to be just a stylistic variation of the term that he uses in [2:1](../02/01.md), as well as in several other places in the book, to address all of the believers to whom he is writing. See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “My dear children” or “You dear believers who are under my care” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 18 esd9 figs-idiom ἐσχάτη ὥρα ἐστίν…ὅτι ἐσχάτη ὥρα ἐστίν 1 it is the last hour…that it is the last hour John is using the term **hour** figuratively to refer a specific time. The expression **the last hour** refers specifically to the time at the end of earthly history just before Jesus returns. Alternate translation: “Jesus will return soon…that Jesus will return soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 18 r2vq ἀντίχριστος ἔρχεται, καὶ νῦν ἀντίχριστοι πολλοὶ γεγόνασιν 1 the Antichrist is coming, indeed now many antichrists have come See the discussion of the terms **Antichrist** and **antichrists** in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “someone is coming who will lead a great opposition to Jesus, many people are already opposing Jesus now”
1JN 2 19 rmj7 figs-metaphor ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξῆλθαν 1 They went out from us While it is probably true that these people physically left the places where the group of believers met to whom John is writing, John is also using the expression **went out** figuratively to mean that these people stopped being part of the group. Alternate translation: “They stopped being part of our group of believers in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 19 ytb1 figs-explicit ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἦσαν ἐξ ἡμῶν…οὐκ εἰσὶν πάντες ἐξ ἡμῶν 1 but they were not from us…they are all not from us John is using the expression **from us** in a slightly different sense in these instances than in the first instance in the verse. In the first instance, it means that these people left the group. In this instance, it means that they were never genuinely part of the group. Alternate translation: “but they were never genuinely part of our group…none of them are genuinely part of our group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 19 j113 figs-explicit οὐκ ἦσαν ἐξ ἡμῶν 1 they were not from us If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly why John makes this claim. Alternate translation: “they were never genuinely part of our group, because they did not actually believe in Jesus in the first place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 19 j114 figs-hypo εἰ γὰρ ἐξ ἡμῶν ἦσαν, μεμενήκεισαν ἂν μεθ’ ἡμῶν 1 For if they had been from us, they would have remained with us John is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize why the claim he is making is true. Alternate translation: “Suppose they had genuinely been part of our group. Then they would have continued to participate in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 2 19 jin1 figs-metaphor μεμενήκεισαν ἂν μεθ’ ἡμῶν 1 they would have remained with us See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the word seems to refer to continuing participation in a group. Alternate translation: “they would have continued to participate in our group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 19 j115 figs-ellipsis ἀλλ’ ἵνα φανερωθῶσιν ὅτι οὐκ εἰσὶν πάντες ἐξ ἡμῶν 1 but so that they would be made apparent, that they are all not from us John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “but so that their actions would reveal that all of them were not genuinely part of our group, they left us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 2 19 j116 figs-activepassive ἵνα φανερωθῶσιν 1 so that they would be made apparent See the discussion of the term “appear” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this case, this Greek passive verbal form does seem to have a genuinely passive meaning. That is, the people who left the group are the objects rather than the subjects of this action. But if it your language does not use passive forms, you could say this with an active form, and you could say what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “so that their actions would reveal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 2 19 j117 οὐκ εἰσὶν πάντες ἐξ ἡμῶν 1 they are all not from us The word **all** means all the people who left the group. If it would be clearer in your language, you could make the subject negative and the verb positive. Alternate translation: “none of them are from us” or “none of them were genuinely part of our group”
1JN 2 20 j118 grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 And John is using the word **and** to introduce a contrast between the people who left the group and the remaining believers to whom he is writing. Alternate translation: “But” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1JN 2 20 i3m1 figs-abstractnouns ὑμεῖς χρῖσμα ἔχετε ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἁγίου 1 you have an anointing from the Holy One If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **anointing** with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the Holy One has anointed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 2 20 j119 translate-unknown ὑμεῖς χρῖσμα ἔχετε ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἁγίου 1 you have an anointing from the Holy One The word **anointing** refers to the practice, seen often in the Old Testament, of pouring oil on a person to set that person apart to serve God. If your readers would not be familiar with this practice, you could describe it specifically in your translation. Alternate translation: “the Holy One has poured oil on you to set you apart to serve him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1JN 2 20 j120 figs-metaphor ὑμεῖς χρῖσμα ἔχετε ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἁγίου 1 you have an anointing from the Holy One John is using **anointing** figuratively to represent the Holy Spirit, whose presence in the life of a believer shows that they have been set apart and equipped to serve God. John says specifically in [3:24](../03/24.md) and [4:13](../04/13.md) that God has given the Spirit to believers in this way. Alternate translation: “the Holy One has given you his Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 20 gy16 figs-nominaladj τοῦ Ἁγίου 1 the Holy One John is using the adjective **Holy** as a noun in order to indicate a specific person. ULT adds **One** to show this. John is referring specifically to God, and so ULT capitalizes both of these words to show that they are describing a divine person. Your language may allow you to use this adjective as a noun. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “God, the One who is holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 2 20 j121 translate-textvariants οἴδατε πάντες 1 you all know See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to follow the reading of ULT and say **you all know** or to follow the reading of some other versions and say “you know all things.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 2 20 j122 figs-explicit οἴδατε πάντες 1 you all know Based on what he says in the next verse, John likely means here that the believers to whom he is writing **all know** the truth. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “you all know the truth” or “you all know what is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 21 j123 figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἔγραψα ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐκ οἴδατε τὴν ἀλήθειαν, ἀλλ’ ὅτι οἴδατε αὐτήν 1 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Since John then repeats the statement in positive form in the next phrase, you can make the connection to that phrase as an affirmation rather than as a contrast. Alternate translation: “I have written to you because you know the truth, yes, because you do know it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1JN 2 21 r8yr figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἀλήθειαν…ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας 1 the truth…from the truth If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **truth** with an adjective such as “true.” Alternate translation: “what is true…from what is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 2 21 j124 figs-metonymy τὴν ἀλήθειαν…ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας 1 the truth…from the truth John is likely referring figuratively to the teaching that believers have received from Jesus by association with the way that it is true. Alternate translation: “the true teaching that we received from Jesus…from this true teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 2 21 j125 figs-ellipsis καὶ ὅτι πᾶν ψεῦδος ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας οὐκ ἔστιν 1 and that every lie is not from the truth John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and you know that every lie is not from the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 2 21 j126 πᾶν ψεῦδος ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας οὐκ ἔστιν 1 every lie is not from the truth If it would be clearer in your language, you could make the subject negative and the verb positive. Alternate translation: “no lie is from the truth”
1JN 2 22 d71l figs-rquestion τίς ἐστιν ὁ ψεύστης, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἀρνούμενος ὅτι Ἰησοῦς οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ Χριστός? 1 Who is the liar, if not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? John is using the question form for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Messiah is certainly a liar!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 2 22 d4u7 figs-doublenegatives ὁ ἀρνούμενος ὅτι Ἰησοῦς οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ Χριστός 1 the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ Here there is actually a double negative in Greek, a negative verb with a negative particle, “the one who denies that Jesus is not the Christ.” The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If your language uses double negatives in similar situations that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1JN 2 22 j127 ὁ Χριστός 1 the Christ **Christ** is the Greek word for “Messiah.” Alternate translation: “the Messiah”
1JN 2 22 j128 figs-genericnoun οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἀντίχριστος 1 This one is the antichrist John does not mean that such a person is the actual Antichrist who will appear at the end of earthly history. John does not have a specific person in view. Rather, he is speaking generally of all such people. See how you translated the term **antichrist** in [2:18](../02/18.md). Alternate translation: “Such a person is truly opposed to Jesus” or “People like this are truly opposed to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1JN 2 22 z4t1 figs-explicit ὁ ἀρνούμενος τὸν Πατέρα καὶ τὸν Υἱόν 1 the one who denies the Father and the Son If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate explicitly why John says this about these people. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “By denying that Jesus is the Messiah, they are denying both God the Father, who sent Jesus to be the Messiah, and Jesus his Son, whom he sent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 22 pth9 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Πατέρα καὶ τὸν Υἱόν 1 the Father and the Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: “God the Father and Jesus his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 2 23 j129 figs-explicit πᾶς ὁ ἀρνούμενος τὸν Υἱὸν 1 Everyone who denies the Son If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what this means in light of John says in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Everyone who denies that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 23 j130 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν…τὸν Υἱὸν 1 the Son…the Son This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 2 23 k78f figs-possession οὐδὲ τὸν Πατέρα ἔχει…τὸν Πατέρα ἔχει 1 does not have the Father…has the Father The language of possession that John is using actually indicates that such a person does not or does belong to God, rather than that God does not or does belong to such a person. Alternate translation: “does not belong to the Father…belongs to the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 2 23 j131 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Πατέρα…τὸν Πατέρα 1 the Father…the Father This is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God the Father…God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 2 23 u9ep figs-explicit ὁ ὁμολογῶν τὸν Υἱὸν 1 The one who confesses the Son If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what this means in light of John says in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Everyone who truly believes and acknowledges publicly that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 24 zl8y figs-explicit ὃ ἠκούσατε…ὃ…ἠκούσατε 1 what you have heard…what you have heard John is referring implicitly to the teaching about Jesus that these believers **have heard**. Alternate translation: “the teaching you have heard…the teaching you have heard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 2 24 dsl7 figs-idiom ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς…ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 from the beginning…from the beginning John uses the phrase **from the beginning** in various ways in this letter. Here it refers to the time when the people to whom he is writing first believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “ever since you first believed in Jesus…ever since you first believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 2 24 rfz8 figs-metaphor ἐν ὑμῖν μενέτω…ἐν ὑμῖν μείνῃ 1 let it remain in you…remains in you See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In these instances, in reference to the teaching about Jesus, the word seems to refer to continuing belief in that teaching. Alternate translation: “continue to believe it…you continue to believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 24 j132 figs-hypo ἐὰν ἐν ὑμῖν μείνῃ ὃ ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς ἠκούσατε, καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ ἐν τῷ Πατρὶ μενεῖτε 1 If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father John is describing a hypothetical situation in order to reassure his readers. Alternate translation: “Suppose that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. Then you will also remain in the Son and in the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 2 24 ty7q figs-metaphor καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ ἐν τῷ Πατρὶ μενεῖτε 1 you will also remain in the Son and in the Father See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to mean the same thing as in [2:6](../02/06.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “you will also continue to have a close relationship with the Son and with the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 24 j133 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τῷ Υἱῷ…τῷ Πατρὶ 1 the Son…the Father These are important titles. Alternate translation: “Jesus the Son of God…God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 2 25 llj2 ἡ ἐπαγγελία ἣν αὐτὸς ἐπηγγείλατο ἡμῖν 1 the promise that he promised to us Here John uses a cognate accusative, that is, an object that comes from the same root as its verb. You may be able to do the same thing in your translation. If not, you could explain what this means. Alternate translation: “the promise that he made to us” or “what he promised us”
1JN 2 25 j134 writing-pronouns αὐτὸς 1 he The word **he** could refer in this context either to Jesus or to God the Father. However, it seems more likely that it refers to Jesus, since John has just talked in [2:22–23](../02/22.md) about denying or confessing him, and Jesus promised **eternal life** to everyone who believed in him. See, for example, the Gospel of John [3:36](../jhn/03/36.md) and [6:47](../jhn/06/47.md). Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 25 id51 figs-metaphor τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον 1 eternal life John means more than physical **life**. This expression can indicate living forever in the presence of God after death, a commonly recognized meaning, but it can also indicate receiving power from God in this life to live in a new way. Alternate translation: “that we would have power to live a new life now and that we would live with him forever after we die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 26 fe44 figs-metaphor τῶν πλανώντων ὑμᾶς 1 those who are leading you astray John speaks figuratively of these people as if they were guides who were leading others in the wrong direction. This is a metaphor for their attempts to get the people to whom John is writing to believe things that are not true. Alternate translation: “those who are deceiving you” or “those who are trying to get you to believe things that are not true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 27 cn2f figs-metaphor τὸ χρῖσμα ὃ ἐλάβετε ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 the anointing that you received from him See how you translated the word **anointing** in [2:20](../02/20.md). Alternate translation: “the Spirit, whom Jesus has given you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 27 j135 writing-pronouns ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ…αὐτοῦ…ἐν αὐτῷ 1 from him…his…in him Like the word “he” in [2:25](../02/25.md), the words **him** and **his** in this verse likely refer to Jesus. Alternate translation: “from Jesus…in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 27 j136 figs-metaphor μένει ἐν ὑμῖν 1 remains in you See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to refer to the continuing presence of the Spirit inside a believer. Alternate translation: “lives inside of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 27 j137 grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ 2 and John is using the word **and** to introduce the results of what he syas in the previous part of this sentence. Alternate translation: “and so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 2 27 j138 figs-metaphor τὸ αὐτοῦ χρῖσμα 1 his anointing See how you translated this earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “his Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 27 tb5k figs-hyperbole περὶ πάντων 1 about all things This is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “about everything that you need to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1JN 2 27 j139 ἀληθές ἐστιν καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ψεῦδος 1 is true and is not a lie Alternate translation: “tells the truth and does not lie”
1JN 2 27 j140 writing-pronouns ἐδίδαξεν ὑμᾶς 1 it has taught you Since the Spirit is a person, if you translate **anointing** as “Spirit” in this verse, it may not be appropriate in your language to use a neuter pronoun in this clause. Alternate translation: “he has taught you” or “the Spirit has taught you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 27 wr63 figs-metaphor μένετε ἐν αὐτῷ 1 remain in him See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to mean the same thing as in [2:6](../02/06.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “continue to have a close relationship with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 27 j141 figs-metaphor μένετε ἐν αὐτῷ 1 remain in him John is speaking figuratively as if believers could be inside of God. Alternate translation: “continue to have a close relationship with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 28 tii1 καὶ νῦν 1 And now John uses this expression to introduce a new part of the letter, in which he will talk about being children of God and the return of Jesus. In your translation, you can use a word, phrase, or other method that is natural in your language for introducing a new topic.
1JN 2 28 kjn9 figs-metaphor τεκνία 1 little children John readdresses the recipients as he begins a new section of the letter. See how you translated this in [2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: “you dear believers who are under my care” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 28 j142 figs-metaphor μένετε ἐν αὐτῷ 1 remain in him See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, John seems to be using the expression in the same way that he has just used it in [2:27](../02/27.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “continue to have a close relationship with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 2 28 j143 writing-pronouns αὐτῷ…ἐὰν φανερωθῇ…ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ…αὐτοῦ 1 him…when he appears…by him…his The words **him**, **he**, and **his** likely refer to Jesus in this verse, since John speaks of his **coming** or return. It might be natural in your language to use the name “Jesus” in the first instance and pronouns in the other instances. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 28 zz4x figs-activepassive ἐὰν φανερωθῇ 1 when he appears See the discussion of the term “appear” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the term could have either an active or a passive meaning. (1) If the meaning is active, John is speaking of how Jesus will actually return to earth. John is not saying that Jesus will only appear to return. Alternate translation: “when Jesus returns” (2) If the meaning is passive, John is speaking of how God will reveal Jesus to the world as its true king. To bring out that meaning, you could translate this with a passive verbal form or, if your language does not use passive forms, you could use an active form and say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “when Jesus is revealed” or “when God reveals Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 2 28 j144 figs-parallelism σχῶμεν παρρησίαν, καὶ μὴ αἰσχυνθῶμεν 1 we may have boldness and not be put to shame These two phrases mean similar things. John is likely using the repetition for emphasis. You could combine these phrases into an emphatic expression if that would be clearer for your readers. Alternate translation: “we may be completely confident” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 2 28 lnk2 figs-abstractnouns σχῶμεν παρρησίαν 1 we may have boldness If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **boldness** with an adjective such as “confident.” Alternate translation: “we may be confident” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 2 28 d4ql figs-synecdoche μὴ αἰσχυνθῶμεν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 may not be put to shame by him John is using the word **him**, meaning Jesus, figuratively to mean the presence of Jesus. Alternate translation: “we will not be ashamed to be in his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1JN 2 28 j145 figs-activepassive μὴ αἰσχυνθῶμεν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 may not be put to shame by him If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “we will not be ashamed to be in his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 2 29 j146 grammar-connect-condition-fact ἐὰν εἰδῆτε ὅτι δίκαιός ἐστιν 1 If you know that he is righteous John is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what John is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since you know that God is righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1JN 2 29 j147 writing-pronouns ἐστιν…αὐτοῦ 1 he is…him The words **he** and **him** likely refer to God the Father, since in the next two verses John says that believers are “children of God,” and he speaks in this verse of those who have **been begotten from him**. Alternate translation: “God is…God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 2 29 j148 figs-abstractnouns πᾶς ὁ ποιῶν τὴν δικαιοσύνην 1 everyone who does righteousness If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **righteousness** with an adjective such as “right.” Alternate translation: “everyone who does what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 2 29 u6er figs-activepassive πᾶς ὁ ποιῶν τὴν δικαιοσύνην ἐξ αὐτοῦ γεγέννηται 1 everyone who does righteousness has been begotten from him If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “God is the father of everyone who does what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 2 29 j149 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ ποιῶν τὴν δικαιοσύνην ἐξ αὐτοῦ γεγέννηται 1 everyone who does righteousness has been begotten from him Since believers have not literally **been begotten** by God, John means this figuratively. He says in [4:9](../04/09.md) that Jesus is the “only-begotten” of God, since God is the actual Father of Jesus in a way that he is not the actual father of believers. Alternate translation: “God is the spiritual father of everyone who does what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 intro d8r2 0 # 1 John 03 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>1. Genuine children of God do not sin (3:1–10, continuing from 2:28)<br>2. Genuine believers help one another sacrificially (3:11–18)<br>3. Genuine believers have confidence in prayer (3:19–24)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### “children of God”<br><br>People are sometimes described as “children of God” because God created them. However, John uses this expression in a different sense in this chapter. He uses it to describe people who have entered into a father-child relationship with God by putting their faith and trust in Jesus. God indeed created all people, but people can only become children of God in this sense by believing in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “the one who keeps his commandments remains in him, and he in him” (3:24)<br><br>This does not mean that keeping our salvation is conditional on doing certain works. Rather, John is indicating the results of keeping the commandments that he describes in 3:32, which are believing in Jesus and loving one another. John is saying that the person who believes in Jesus and loves others shows that he has a close relationship with God, and that he will continue to have that close relationship because of this obedience. Christians around the world hold different beliefs about whether people who have been saved can lose their salvation. That is not what John is addressing here, and translators should be careful not to let how they understand that issue affect how they translate this passage. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])<br><br>## Important textual issues in this chapter<br><br>In [3:1](../03/01.md), the most accurate ancient manuscripts include the words “and we are.” That is the reading that ULT follows. However, some other ancient manuscripts do not include these words, and so some Bibles do not have them. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your region, consider using whichever reading is found in that version. If a translation does not already exist, we recommend that you follow the reading in the ULT text. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 3 1 gl8n figs-metaphor ἴδετε 1 See John is using the term **see** figuratively. Alternate translation: “Consider” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 1 j150 ποταπὴν ἀγάπην δέδωκεν ἡμῖν ὁ Πατὴρ 1 what kind of love the Father has given to us Alternate translation: “how greatly the Father has loved us”
1JN 3 1 j151 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατὴρ 1 the Father This is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 3 1 x99a figs-activepassive ἵνα τέκνα Θεοῦ κληθῶμεν 1 that we should be called children of God If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that God should call us his children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 1 j362 figs-metaphor τέκνα Θεοῦ 1 children of God Here John expresses the same metaphor as in [2:29](../02/29.md) in a slightly different way. See whether you decided to indicate the figurative meaning there. Alternate translation: “spiritual children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 1 j152 translate-textvariants καὶ ἐσμέν 1 and we are See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to follow the reading of ULT and include these words or to follow the reading of some other versions and not include them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 3 1 fq4t grammar-connect-logic-result διὰ τοῦτο, ὁ κόσμος οὐ γινώσκει ἡμᾶς, ὅτι οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτόν 1 For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know him If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because the world did not know God, for that reason it does not know us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 3 1 l5e7 figs-metonymy ὁ κόσμος 1 the world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here it figuratively refers to people who do not honor God and who do not live as God wishes. Alternate translation: “ungodly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 1 j155 οὐ γινώσκει ἡμᾶς…οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτόν 1 does not know us…it did not know him John is using the word **know** in two different senses. See the discussion of the word “know” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. If your language has different words for these different senses, it would be appropriate to use them in your translation. Alternate translation: “does not recognize who we are…it did not become acquainted with him”
1JN 3 1 j156 figs-explicit οὐ γινώσκει ἡμᾶς 1 does not know us If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what **the world does not know** about believers in Jesus. Alternate translation: “does not recognize that we are truly God’s children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 1 j157 writing-pronouns αὐτόν 1 him The word **him** refers to God, the antecedent in the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 2 ek9v figs-nominaladj ἀγαπητοί 1 Beloved See how you translated this in [2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “You people whom I love” or “Dear friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 3 2 j158 figs-explicit τέκνα Θεοῦ 1 children of God See whether you decided to indicate the figurative meaning of this expression in [3:1](../03/01.md). Alternate translation: “spiritual children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 2 j159 grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 and John is using the word **and** to introduce a contrast between what is **now** known about believers and what is **not yet** known. Alternate translation: “but” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1JN 3 2 anq1 figs-activepassive οὔπω ἐφανερώθη τί ἐσόμεθα 1 what we will be has not yet appeared See the discussion of the term “appear” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the term could have either an active or a passive meaning. (1) If the meaning is active, John is speaking of what believers will become. He is not saying that believers will only appear to be this. Alternate translation: “we have not yet become what we will be” (2) If the meaning is passive, John is saying that God has not yet revealed what believers will become. To bring out that meaning, you could translate this with a passive verbal form or, if your language does not use passive forms, you could use an active form and say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “what we will be has not yet been revealed” or “God has not yet revealed what we will be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 2 j160 figs-activepassive ἐὰν φανερωθῇ 1 when he appears See the discussion of the term “appear” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. The meaning of the term in this instance seems to be the same as in [2:28](../02/28.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “when Jesus returns” or “when Jesus is revealed” or “when God reveals Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 2 j161 writing-pronouns ἐὰν φανερωθῇ…αὐτῷ…αὐτὸν…ἐστιν 1 when he appears…him…him…he is The words **he** and **him** likely refer to Jesus in this verse, since John speaks of **when he appears** or returns. It might be natural in your language to use the name “Jesus” in the first instance and pronouns in the other instances. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 2 j162 grammar-connect-logic-result ὅμοιοι αὐτῷ ἐσόμεθα, ὅτι ὀψόμεθα αὐτὸν καθώς ἐστιν 1 we will be like him because we will see him as he is If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because we will see him as he is, we will be like him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 3 3 pj6a writing-pronouns πᾶς ὁ ἔχων τὴν ἐλπίδα ταύτην ἐπ’ αὐτῷ 1 everyone who has this hope upon him The pronoun **him** does not refer to **everyone**, it refers to Jesus. The expression **this hope** refers to the hope that John describes in the previous verse, of seeing Jesus as he is. Alternate translation: “everyone who hopes to see Jesus as he really is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 3 j163 writing-pronouns αὐτῷ…ἐκεῖνος 1 him…that one These terms refer to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus…Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 4 j164 figs-abstractnouns πᾶς ὁ ποιῶν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν, καὶ τὴν ἀνομίαν ποιεῖ, καὶ ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐστὶν ἡ ἀνομία 1 Everyone who commits sin also commits lawlessness. Indeed, sin is lawlessness If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **lawlessness** with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “Everyone who commits sin is also breaking God’s law. Indeed, sin is breaking God’s law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 3 4 j165 figs-explicit πᾶς ὁ ποιῶν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν, καὶ τὴν ἀνομίαν ποιεῖ, καὶ ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐστὶν ἡ ἀνομία 1 Everyone who commits sin also commits lawlessness. Indeed, sin is lawlessness If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain why John gives this warning. See the discussion of “sin” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Alternate translation: “Everyone who commits sin is also breaking God’s law. Indeed, sin is breaking God’s law. So do not listen to the false teachers who are saying that it does not matter what you do in your physical body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 5 j166 writing-pronouns ἐκεῖνος…ἄρῃ…αὐτῷ 1 that one…he might take away…him The terms **that one**, **he**, and **him** refer to Jesus in this verse. It might be natural in your language to use the name “Jesus” in the first instance and pronouns in the other instances. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 5 g4ph figs-activepassive ἐκεῖνος ἐφανερώθη 1 that one appeared See the discussion of the term “appear” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the term seems to have an active meaning. Alternate translation: “Jesus came to earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 5 j167 figs-metaphor ἁμαρτία ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν 1 sin is not in him John speaks figuratively of **sin** as if it were an object that could be inside of Jesus, although he is emphasizing that **sin** is not in Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus has never sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 6 j999 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ ἐν αὐτῷ μένων 1 Everyone who remains in him See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to mean the same thing as in [2:6](../02/06.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “Everyone who has a close relationship with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 6 j168 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ ἐν αὐτῷ μένων 1 Everyone who remains in him John is speaking figuratively as if believers could be inside of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Everyone who has a close relationship with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 6 j169 writing-pronouns αὐτῷ…αὐτὸν…αὐτόν 1 him…him…him The word **him** refers to Jesus in this verse. It might be natural in your language to use the name “Jesus” in the first instance and pronouns in the other instances. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 6 j170 figs-explicit οὐχ ἁμαρτάνει 1 does not sin If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say what this implicitly means in light of the situation that John is addressing in this letter. See the discussion of “sin” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. John acknowledges elsewhere in this letter that genuine believers actually do sin, but they do not sin continually or wantonly. Alternate translation: “does not sin wantonly and continually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 6 j171 figs-hypo πᾶς ὁ ἁμαρτάνων οὐχ ἑώρακεν αὐτὸν, οὐδὲ ἔγνωκεν αὐτόν 1 Everyone who sins has not seen him and has not known him John is describing a hypothetical situation in order to challenge his readers. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone does sin. Then he certainly does not have a close relationship with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 3 6 eu9c figs-doublet οὐχ ἑώρακεν αὐτὸν, οὐδὲ ἔγνωκεν αὐτόν 1 has not seen him and has not known him The words **seen** and **known** mean similar things. John is likely using repetition for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms into a single expression. Alternate translation: “certainly does not have a close relationship with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1JN 3 6 j172 figs-metaphor οὐχ ἑώρακεν αὐτὸν 1 has not seen him John is not referring to people literally seeing Jesus. Rather, he is using sight figuratively to mean perception and recognition. Alternate translation: “has not recognized who Jesus is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 7 ia4z figs-metaphor τεκνία 1 Little children See how you translated this in [2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: “You dear believers who are under my care” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 7 wg85 figs-metaphor μηδεὶς πλανάτω ὑμᾶς 1 let no one lead you astray See how you translated the similar expression in [2:26](../02/26.md). Alternate translation: “do not let anyone deceive you” or “do not let anyone get you to believe things that are not true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 7 v4yp figs-abstractnouns ὁ ποιῶν τὴν δικαιοσύνην 1 The one who does righteousness See how you translated the similar expression in [2:29](../02/29.md). Alternate translation: “The one who does what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 3 7 j173 figs-explicit δίκαιός ἐστιν, καθὼς ἐκεῖνος δίκαιός ἐστιν 1 is righteous, as that one is righteous If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what the term **righteous** means in this context. Alternate translation: “is acceptable to God, just as Jesus is acceptable to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 7 j174 writing-pronouns ἐκεῖνος 1 that one The term **that one** refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 8 cit3 figs-idiom ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 from the beginning John uses the phrase **from the beginning** in various ways in this letter. Here it refers to the time when God created the world. In this case, the word **from** indicates not that the devil began to sin at that time, but that he had already begun to sin by that time. Alternate translation: “even before the world was created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 8 p9ks guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the Son of God This is an important title for Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus, the Son of God” or “God’s Son Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 3 8 nq4w figs-activepassive ἐφανερώθη 1 appeared See the discussion of the term “appear” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the term seems to have an active meaning and to mean the same thing as in [3:5](../03/05.md). Alternate translation: “came to earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 8 j175 figs-explicit ἵνα λύσῃ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ διαβόλου 1 so that he might destroy the works of the devil If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what this means in this context. Alternate translation: “so that he might free people from continually sinning, as the devil had gotten them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 9 ftw3 figs-activepassive πᾶς ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ…ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται 1 Everyone who has been begotten from God…because he has been begotten from God See how you translated this in [2:29](../02/29.md). Alternate translation: “Everyone whose father is God…because God is his father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 3 9 j176 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ…ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται 1 Everyone who has been begotten from God…because he has been begotten from God See whether in [2:29](../02/29.md) you decided to explain this metaphor. Alternate translation: “Everyone whose spiritual father is God…because God is his spiritual father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 9 j177 writing-pronouns σπέρμα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ μένει 1 his seed remains in him In this phrase, **his** refers to **God** and **him** refers to the person **who has been begotten from God**. Alternate translation: “God’s seed remains in such a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 9 j178 figs-metaphor σπέρμα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ μένει 1 his seed remains in him See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, as in [2:27](../02/27.md), it seems to refer to a continuing presence. Alternate translation: “God’s seed continues to be present in such a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 9 ps9v figs-metaphor σπέρμα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ μένει 1 his seed remains in him John is using the word **seed** figuratively. It could mean one of two things. (1) This may be a metaphorical reference to the **seed** from which plants grow. Alternate translation: “the new life that God has put in that person continues to grow” (2) This may be a metaphorical reference to the characteristics of a father that a child is born with and displays more and more as he grows. Alternate translation: “the characteristics that show that God is his father become continually more evident” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 10 w33l figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ φανερά ἐστιν τὰ τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὰ τέκνα τοῦ διαβόλου 1 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are apparent **In this** means something similar to the idiomatic expression “in this we know” that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how we can tell the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 10 j179 figs-idiom τὰ τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὰ τέκνα τοῦ διαβόλου 1 the children of God and the children of the devil John is using the word **children** idiomatically in both of these instances. His usage is similar to the Hebrew idiom in which the “child” of something shares its characteristics. Alternate translation: “people who are living a new life in close relationship with God and people who are still in their old way of life influenced by the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 10 ctk6 figs-doublenegatives πᾶς ὁ μὴ ποιῶν δικαιοσύνην, οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Everyone who does not do righteousness is not from God If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Everyone who does wrong is alienated from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1JN 3 10 j180 figs-abstractnouns ὁ μὴ ποιῶν δικαιοσύνην 1 who does not do righteousness See how you translated the similar expression in [2:29](../02/29.md). Alternate translation: “who does not do what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 3 10 j181 figs-idiom οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 is not from God The expression **from God** is an idiom. John uses it in various ways in this letter. Alternate translation: “does not belong to God” or “is not living in relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 10 j182 figs-ellipsis καὶ ὁ μὴ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 and the one who does not love his brother John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and the one who does not love his brother is not from God” or, if you translated the double negative in the previous clause as a positive statement, “and anyone who hates a fellow believer is alienated from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 3 10 v1bx figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 11 j183 figs-idiom ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς 1 from the beginning John uses the phrase **from the beginning** in various ways in this letter. Here it refers to the time when the people to whom he is writing first believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “ever since you first believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 12 frz9 figs-ellipsis οὐ καθὼς Κάϊν 1 not like Cain John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and we should not be like Cain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 3 12 w83v figs-explicit Κάϊν…ἔσφαξεν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 Cain, who…killed his brother John assumes that his readers will know that Cain was a son of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. As the book of Genesis describes, Cain was jealous of his younger brother Abel and murdered him. If your readers might not know this, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Cain, the son of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, who…murdered his younger brother Abel because he was jealous of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 12 j184 translate-names Κάϊν 1 Cain This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1JN 3 12 j185 ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ ἦν 1 who was from the evil one Alternate translation: “who belonged to the evil one” or “who was influenced by the evil one”
1JN 3 12 j186 figs-nominaladj τοῦ πονηροῦ 1 the evil one John is using the adjective **evil** as a noun in order to indicate a specific being. ULT adds **one** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the one who is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 3 12 j187 figs-metonymy τοῦ πονηροῦ 1 the evil one John is speaking figuratively of the devil, by association with the way that he is **evil**. Alternate translation: “the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 12 b1xh figs-rquestion καὶ χάριν τίνος ἔσφαξεν αὐτόν? ὅτι 1 And on account of what did he kill him? Because John is using a question as a teaching tool. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “He killed him because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 3 12 mq7x figs-ellipsis τὰ δὲ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ, δίκαια 1 but those of his brother, righteous John is leaving out a word, “were,” that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. The word “were” can be supplied for clarity. Alternate translation: “but his brother’s works were righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 3 13 wc1m figs-metaphor ἀδελφοί 1 brothers See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “my fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 13 lq9f figs-metonymy εἰ μισεῖ ὑμᾶς ὁ κόσμος 1 if the world hates you John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here it figuratively refers to people who do not honor God and who do not live as God wishes. Alternate translation: “if ungodly people hate you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 14 j189 grammar-connect-logic-result ἡμεῖς οἴδαμεν ὅτι μεταβεβήκαμεν ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου εἰς τὴν ζωήν, ὅτι ἀγαπῶμεν τοὺς ἀδελφούς 1 We know that we have relocated from death into life, because we love the brothers If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because we love the brothers, we know that we have relocated from death into life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 3 14 fs1x figs-metaphor μεταβεβήκαμεν ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου εἰς τὴν ζωήν 1 we have relocated from death into life John is speaking figuratively of the conditions of being dead and alive as if they were physical locations between which a person could move. Alternate translation: “we are no longer dead but have become alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 14 ybc4 figs-metaphor μεταβεβήκαμεν ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου εἰς τὴν ζωήν 1 we have relocated from death into life Since John and his readers were not literally dead, he is referring to spiritual **death** and to spiritual **life**. Alternate translation: “we are no longer dead spiritually but have become alive spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 14 j190 figs-metaphor τοὺς ἀδελφούς 1 the brothers See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “our fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 14 j191 figs-ellipsis ὁ μὴ ἀγαπῶν 1 The one who does not love John does not say specifically whom such a person **does not love**. In context, it appears that he means other believers. UST expresses that interpretation. But it is also possible that John means other people in general. Alternate translation: “The one who does not love his fellow believers” or “The one who does not love other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 3 14 qa7l figs-metaphor μένει ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ 1 remains in death See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it means staying in the same place. John is once again speaking figuratively of the state of **death** as if it were a location. Alternate translation: “is still spiritually dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 15 mqu2 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ μισῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, ἀνθρωποκτόνος ἐστίν 1 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer John is using the term **murderer** figuratively, and he is echoing the teaching of Jesus that is recorded in Matthew [5:21–22](../05/21.md). John means that since people commit murder because they hate other people, anyone who hates is the same on the inside as someone who actually kills another person. It may be helpful to translate this metaphor as a simile. Alternate translation: “Whoever hates another believer is just like someone who kills a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 15 j192 figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 15 j193 πᾶς ἀνθρωποκτόνος οὐκ ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 every murderer does not have eternal life If it would be clearer in your language, you could make the subject negative and the verb positive. Alternate translation: “no murderer has eternal life”
1JN 3 15 j194 figs-metaphor ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 eternal life Since John is speaking of a present reality, by **eternal life** he does not mean living forever in the presence of God after death, which is one thing that this expression can describe. Rather, he means the regenerating power that God gives to believers in this life that helps them stop sinning and do what pleases him. Clearly, anyone who is a **murderer** does not have this power at work in him. Alternate translation: “the power that God gives to help us become new people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 15 s3aw figs-personification οὐκ ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον ἐν αὐτῷ μένουσαν 1 does not have eternal life remaining in him See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, John seems to be using the term literally, in the sense of “residing,” to depict **eternal life** figuratively as if it were a living thing that could actively reside within a person. Alternate translation: “has not received eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1JN 3 16 j195 figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ ἐγνώκαμεν τὴν ἀγάπην 1 In this we have known love **In this** means something similar to the idiomatic expression “in this we know” that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how we have come to understand what love is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 16 j196 writing-pronouns ἐκεῖνος 1 that one The term **that one** refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 16 a2cq figs-idiom ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἔθηκεν 1 laid down his life for us This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “willingly gave his life for us” or “willingly died for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 16 j197 figs-metaphor καὶ ἡμεῖς ὀφείλομεν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἀδελφῶν, τὰς ψυχὰς θεῖναι 1 We also ought to lay down our lives for the brothers John probably is not saying, in the first place, that we should literally die for our fellow believers. Rather, he is using the expression **lay down our lives**, which in the case of Jesus did mean to die willingly, figuratively to mean that we should love our fellow believers in sacrificial ways. However, there might be circumstances in which that actually could require dying for someone else. Alternate translation: “We should love our fellow believers in sacrificial ways, even if we have to die for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 16 j198 figs-metaphor τῶν ἀδελφῶν 1 the brothers See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “our fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 17 j199 figs-hypo ὃς…ἂν ἔχῃ τὸν βίον τοῦ κόσμου 1 whoever has the possessions of the world John uses this expression to introduce a hypothetical situation, which he discusses over the course of the whole verse. UST models a way to translate the verse in order to show this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 3 17 nlj7 figs-metonymy τὸν βίον τοῦ κόσμου 1 the possessions of the world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here it refers to the created world, and so to material things such as, in this context, money, food, and clothing. Alternate translation: “material possessions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 17 j200 figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 17 b6lh χρείαν ἔχοντα 1 having need Alternate translation: “who needs help”
1JN 3 17 zql1 figs-metaphor κλείσῃ τὰ σπλάγχνα αὐτοῦ ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 closes his entrails from him John is using the **entrails** or internal organs figuratively to represent the emotions that would lead a person to act generously. Your language may have an equivalent figurative expression that you could use. You could also express the literal meaning in your translation. Alternate translation: “does not open his heart to him” or “does not help him compassionately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 17 l8u4 figs-rquestion πῶς ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ μένει ἐν αὐτῷ? 1 how does the love of God remain in him? John is using a question as a teaching tool. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “such a person does not genuinely love others with love that is from God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 3 17 j201 figs-metaphor πῶς ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ μένει ἐν αὐτῷ? 1 how does the love of God remain in him? See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. As in [2:14](../02/14.md), here the word seems to describe behavior that is recognized to be genuine because it is consistent. Alternate translation: “such a person does not genuinely love others with love that is from God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 17 j202 figs-possession ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the love of God As in [2:5](../02/05.md), the phrase **the love of God** could mean one of two things. (1) It could refer to God loving people. Alternate translation: “love that is from God” (2) It could refer to a person loving God. UST illustrates this possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 3 18 g6uh figs-metaphor τεκνία 1 Little children See how you translated this in [2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: “You dear believers who are under my care” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 18 p91w figs-doublet μὴ ἀγαπῶμεν λόγῳ, μηδὲ τῇ γλώσσῃ 1 let us not love in word, nor in tongue The phrases **in word** and **in tongue** mean similar things. John is likely using repetition for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms into a single expression. Alternate translation: “let us not merely say that we love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1JN 3 18 j203 figs-metonymy μὴ ἀγαπῶμεν λόγῳ, μηδὲ τῇ γλώσσῃ 1 let us not love in word, nor in tongue John is using the phrases **in word** and **in tongue** figuratively to refer to what a person says. Alternate translation: “let us not merely say that we love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 18 j204 figs-ellipsis ἀλλὰ ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ ἀληθείᾳ 1 but in deed and truth John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “but let us love in deed and in truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 3 18 j205 figs-hendiadys ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ ἀληθείᾳ 1 in deed and truth John is expressing a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **truth** indicates the quality that loving **in deed** would have. Alternate translation: “truly, in actions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1JN 3 19 j206 translate-versebridge ἐν τούτῳ γνωσόμεθα…καὶ…πείσομεν τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 In this we will know…and we will persuade our hearts John describes a result in this verse. He gives the reason for that result in the next verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put the reason before the result by creating a verse bridge. You could put [3:20](../03/20.md) first in your translation, making it a separate sentence and leaving out both instances of the word “that.” You could put this verse next, translating it as in the following suggestions. Alternate translation: “That is how we can know…and how we can persuade our hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])
1JN 3 19 j207 figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ γνωσόμεθα 1 In this we will know This is an idiomatic expression that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how we can know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 19 j208 figs-parallelism ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐσμέν, καὶ…πείσομεν τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 we will know that we are from the truth and we will persuade our hearts The phrases **we will know** and **we will persuade our hearts** mean similar things. John is likely using the repetition for emphasis. You could combine these phrases into an emphatic expression if that would be clearer for your readers. Alternate translation: “we will be completely convinced that we are from the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 3 19 qx9c figs-metonymy ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐσμέν 1 we are from the truth This could mean one of two things. (1) John could be referring figuratively to God, by association with the way that God is true, that is, God always tells **the truth** and does what he says. Alternate translation: “we are from God, who is true” (2) As in [2:21](../02/21.md), the word **truth** could refer to the true teaching that believers have received from Jesus. That is the interpretation of UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 19 j209 figs-abstractnouns ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐσμέν 1 we are from the truth If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **truth** with an adjective such as “true.” Alternate translation: “we are from the One who is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 3 19 j210 figs-idiom ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐσμέν 1 we are from the truth See how you translated the similar expression in [3:10](../03/10.md). Alternate translation: “we belong to God” or “we are living in relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 19 mv6c figs-metaphor πείσομεν τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 we will persuade our hearts John is speaking figuratively of **hearts** to mean thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: “we can reassure ourselves about this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 19 j211 writing-pronouns ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ 1 before him The word **him** refers to God. Alternate translation: “before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 19 j212 figs-metaphor ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ 1 before him The word **before** means “in front of” or “in the presence of” someone. It likely means that God will be present with a believer who needs reassurance and will help that believer find reassurance. Alternate translation: “with God’s help” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 20 j213 figs-hypo ὅτι ἐὰν καταγινώσκῃ ἡμῶν ἡ καρδία, ὅτι μείζων ἐστὶν ὁ Θεὸς τῆς καρδίας ἡμῶν, καὶ γινώσκει πάντα 1 that if our heart condemns us, that God is greater than our heart and knows everything John is discussing a hypothetical situation in order to reassure his readers. Alternate translation: “Suppose our heart condemns us. Then we should remember that God is greater than our heart and knows everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 3 20 f594 figs-metaphor ἐὰν καταγινώσκῃ ἡμῶν ἡ καρδία 1 if our heart condemns us John is speaking figuratively of the **heart** to mean the thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: “if our feelings condemn us” or “if our thoughts accuse us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 20 j214 figs-explicit ἐὰν καταγινώσκῃ ἡμῶν ἡ καρδία 1 if our heart condemns us The topic here, continuing from [3:19](../03/19.md), is how we can know that “we are from the truth,” so this is likely a reference to needing reassurance about that. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “if we ever feel that we do not belong to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 20 j215 figs-possession ἡμῶν ἡ καρδία…τῆς καρδίας ἡμῶν 1 our heart…our heart If it would be unusual in your language to speak as if one **heart** belonged to a number of people, if you decide to retain the word **heart** as a metaphor in your translation, you can make it plural. Alternate translation: “our hearts…our hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 3 20 j216 figs-parallelism μείζων ἐστὶν ὁ Θεὸς τῆς καρδίας ἡμῶν, καὶ γινώσκει πάντα 1 God is greater than our heart and knows everything Since John is using the **heart** figuratively to mean the thoughts and feelings, the statement that **God is greater than our heart** likely means that God knows and understands more than we do and that God has greater compassion for us than we have for ourselves. In that case, the phrases **is greater than our heart** and **knows everything** would mean similar things. You could combine these phrases into an emphatic expression if that would be clearer for your readers. Alternate translation: “God certainly knows better than we do that we belong to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1JN 3 20 lv7z figs-explicit μείζων ἐστὶν ὁ Θεὸς τῆς καρδίας ἡμῶν, καὶ γινώσκει πάντα 1 God is greater than our heart and knows everything The implications are that, given God’s greater knowledge, we should believe what he has said, rather than what our thoughts and feelings are saying. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God certainly knows better than we do that we belong to him, and so we should believe that because he has said so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 21 rf96 figs-nominaladj ἀγαπητοί 1 Beloved See how you translated this in [2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “You people whom I love” or “Dear friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 3 21 j217 figs-hypo ἐὰν ἡ καρδία μὴ καταγινώσκῃ, παρρησίαν ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν, 1 if the heart does not condemn, we have confidence toward God John discusses another hypothetical situation in order to reassure his readers. Alternate translation: “Suppose our hearts do not condemn us. Then we have confidence toward God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 3 21 j218 figs-explicit ἐὰν ἡ καρδία μὴ καταγινώσκῃ 1 if the heart does not condemn See how you translated the similar expression in [3:20](../03/20.md.) Alternate translation: “if we do not feel that we do not belong to God” or, positively, “if we feel assured that we belong to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 21 j219 figs-possession ἡ καρδία 1 the heart If you decided in the previous verse to retain the word **heart** as a metaphor in your translation and you made it plural there, you can make it plural in this instance as well. You can also use the same possessive pronoun as in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “our hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 3 21 j220 figs-explicit παρρησίαν ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν 1 we have confidence toward God If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what this **confidence** applies to, in light of what John says in the next verse. Alternate translation: “we can pray to God confidently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 21 j221 figs-abstractnouns παρρησίαν ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν 1 we have confidence toward God If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **confidence** with an adverb such as “confidently.” Alternate translation: “we can pray to God confidently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 3 22 j222 figs-explicit ὅτι τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηροῦμεν, καὶ τὰ ἀρεστὰ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ποιοῦμεν 1 because we keep his commandments and we do the pleasing things before him John is not saying that we **receive** **whatever we ask** because we obey God’s commandments and do what pleases him. Our obedience does not obligate God to give us what we ask for. Our obedience is simply what God has a right to expect from us. Rather, the word **because** reaches back to the statement earlier in this sentence, in the previous verse, that “we have confidence toward God,” that is, we can pray to God confidently. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly by starting a new sentence here that refers back to that statement and explains how John’s statement in this verse relates to it. Alternate translation: “We can pray confidently like this because we obey God’s commandments and do what pleases him, and that assures us that we belong to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 3 22 j223 figs-idiom τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηροῦμεν 1 we keep his commandments As in [2:3](../02/03.md), the word **keep** is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “we obey his commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 22 j224 figs-nominaladj τὰ ἀρεστὰ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ποιοῦμεν 1 we do the pleasing things before him John is using the adjective **pleasing** as a noun. ULT adds **things** to show this. (The word is plural.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the things that please him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 3 22 p3ga figs-metaphor τὰ ἀρεστὰ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ 1 the pleasing things before him The word **before** means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person, and in this case **before him** indicates “where God can see.” Seeing, for its part, represents attention and judgment. So this means the things that God regards as pleasing. Alternate translation: “the things that please him” or “what pleases him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 23 irb3 writing-pronouns αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ ἐντολὴ αὐτοῦ…καθὼς ἔδωκεν ἐντολὴν ἡμῖν 1 this is his commandment…as he gave us commandment The words **his** and **he** refer to God in this verse. Alternate translation: “this is what God has commanded…as God commanded us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 23 j225 figs-metonymy τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 in the name of his Son Jesus Christ As in [2:12](../02/12.md), John is using the **name** of Jesus figuratively to represent who Jesus is and what he has done. Alternate translation: “in Jesus Christ his Son and what he has done for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 3 23 feq7 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ 1 his Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 3 24 j226 writing-pronouns ὁ τηρῶν τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ, ἐν αὐτῷ μένει, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν αὐτῷ 1 the one who keeps his commandments remains in him, and he in him The pronouns **his** and **his** are indicating “the one who keeps God’s commandments remains in God, and God remains in that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 3 24 j227 figs-idiom ὁ τηρῶν τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ 1 the one who keeps his commandments The word **keep** is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “the person who obeys God’s commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 24 we1m figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ μένει 1 remains in him See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to mean the same thing as in [2:6](../02/06.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “continues to have a close relationship with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 24 j228 figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ μένει 1 remains in him John is speaking figuratively as if believers could be inside of God. Alternate translation: “continues to have a close relationship with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 24 j229 figs-ellipsis καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν αὐτῷ 1 and he in him John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and God remains in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 3 24 j230 figs-metaphor καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν αὐτῷ 1 and he in him John is speaking figuratively as if God could be inside of believers. Alternate translation: “and God continues to have a close relationship with that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 3 24 j231 figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι 1 in this we know that This is an idiomatic expression that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “this is how we know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 3 24 j232 figs-metaphor μένει ἐν ἡμῖν 1 he remains in us See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to mean the same thing as it does earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “he continues to have a close relationship with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 intro l3qa 0 # 1 John 04 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>1. It is false teaching to deny that Jesus became human (4:1–6)<br>2. Genuine believers love one another as God has loved them (4:7–21)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### “Spirit” and “spirit”<br><br>John uses the word “spirit” in different ways in this chapter.<br>Sometimes the word “spirit” refers to a supernatural being.<br>Sometimes the word “spirit” refers to the character of something. The expressions “the spirit of the antichrist,” “the spirit of truth,” and “the spirit of error” refer to what is typical of them.<br>When the word is written with a capital letter, as in the expressions “the Spirit of God” and “his Spirit,” it refers to the Holy Spirit.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Loving God<br><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. Be sure that this is clear in your translation. John says in 4:7 that “everyone who loves is begotten from God and knows God.” As the notes explain, this means that God is the spiritual father of everyone who loves, and everyone who loves is in a close relationship with God. But that love is a sign that they belong to God because of what Jesus did for them on the cross, as John says in 4:10. They were saved by what Jesus did, not by loving others themselves. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])<br><br>## Important textual issues in this chapter<br><br>In [4:3](../04/03.md), the most accurate ancient manuscripts say “acknowledge Jesus.” That is the reading that ULT follows. Some other ancient manuscripts say “acknowledge Jesus Christ having come in the flesh.” (Some of these manuscripts say “Jesus” or “the Lord Jesus” instead of “Jesus Christ.”) If a translation of the Bible already exists in your region, consider using whichever reading is found in that version. If a translation does not already exist, we recommend that you follow the reading in the ULT text. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 4 1 h1lv figs-nominaladj ἀγαπητοί 1 Beloved See how you translated this in [2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “You people whom I love” or “Dear friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 4 1 zm7f figs-metonymy μὴ παντὶ πνεύματι πιστεύετε, ἀλλὰ δοκιμάζετε τὰ πνεύματα 1 do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits John is speaking figuratively of a prophet by association with the **spirit** that would inspire a prophet to speak. Alternate translation: “do not believe every prophet; instead, consider carefully what prophets say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 1 j234 figs-idiom εἰ ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν 1 whether they are from God The expression **from God** is an idiom. John uses it in various ways in this letter. Alternate translation: “in order to determine whether God has sent them” or “in order to determine whether God is inspiring them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 1 j235 figs-metonymy ἐξεληλύθασιν εἰς τὸν κόσμον 1 have gone out into the world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here it figuratively refers to the people living in the world. Alternate translation: “are going around speaking to people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 2 j236 figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκετε 1 In this you know This is an idiomatic expression that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how you can recognize” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 2 j237 figs-metonymy πᾶν πνεῦμα ὃ ὁμολογεῖ 1 Every spirit that confesses John is speaking figuratively of a prophet by association with the **spirit** that would inspire a prophet to speak. Alternate translation: “Every prophet who teaches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 2 e6ww figs-metonymy Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἐν σαρκὶ ἐληλυθότα 1 Jesus Christ having come in the flesh As in [2:16](../02/16.md), John is using the term **flesh** figuratively to mean the physical human body, which is made of **flesh**. See Part 2 of the Introduction to 1 John for an explanation of why the false teachers denied that Jesus had a human body. Alternate translation: “that Jesus Christ had a real human body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 2 j238 figs-idiom ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν 1 is from God See how you translated this expression in [4:1](../04/01.md). Alternate translation: “is inspired by God” or, if your language does not use passive forms, “God is inspiring,” placing that phrase before **every spirit** or “every prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 3 j239 figs-metonymy πᾶν πνεῦμα ὃ μὴ ὁμολογεῖ 1 every spirit that does not confess See how you translated the similar expression in [4:2](../04/02.md). Alternate translation: “every prophet who does not teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 3 j240 translate-textvariants ὁμολογεῖ τὸν Ἰησοῦν 1 confess Jesus See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to follow the reading of ULT and say **Jesus** or to follow the reading of some other versions and say “Jesus Christ having come in the flesh.” The note below discusses a translation issue related to the variant reading, for those who decide to use it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 4 3 j241 figs-metonymy τὸν Ἰησοῦν 1 Jesus If you follow the variant reading “Jesus Christ having come in the flesh,” see how you translated that expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “that Jesus Christ had a real human body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 3 j242 figs-explicit τὸν Ἰησοῦν 1 Jesus Even if you do not do so on the basis of a textual variant, you may wish to explain more fully what John means by **Jesus** in order to make implied information explicit. Alternate translation: “that Jesus Christ had a real human body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 4 3 j243 figs-idiom ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐκ ἔστιν 1 is not from God See how you translated the similar expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “is not inspired by God” or, if your language does not use passive forms, “God is not inspiring,” placing that phrase to before **every spirit** or “every prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 3 cda6 writing-pronouns τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ τοῦ ἀντιχρίστου 1 this is that of the Antichrist The word **that** most likely means “the spirit,” referring back to the word **spirit** in the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “this is the spirit of the Antichrist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 4 3 j244 τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ τοῦ ἀντιχρίστου 1 this is that of the Antichrist Assuming that the word **that** means “the spirit,” see the discussion of the word “spirit” in the General Notes to this chapter. In this instance, John would be using the word to mean the character of something rather than to mean a supernatural being. Also see how you translated the term **Antichrist** in [2:18](../02/18.md). Alternate translation: “this false teaching is opposed to Jesus”
1JN 4 3 j245 writing-pronouns ὃ ἀκηκόατε ὅτι ἔρχεται, καὶ νῦν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἐστὶν ἤδη 1 which you have heard about, that it is coming, and it is now already in the world The word **which** refers to the **spirit** of **the Antichrist**, which was already **in the world** at the time when John wrote, not to **the Antichrist** himself, who was not **in the world**. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You have heard that this false teaching is coming, and it is now already circulating among people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 4 3 j246 figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ 1 in the world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here while it could possibly mean the earth literally (so this expression would mean “on this earth”), it more likely refers figuratively to the people living in the world. Alternate translation: “circulating among people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 4 j247 figs-idiom ὑμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστε 1 You are from God The expression **from God** means something different in this verse than in the previous three verses, since it refers to believers rather than to the spirits that are inspiring prophets. It means the same thing as in [3:10](../03/10.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “You belong to God” or “You are living in relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 4 w1yr figs-metaphor τεκνία 1 little children See how you translated this in [2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: “you dear believers who are under my care” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 4 avj3 figs-metaphor νενικήκατε αὐτούς 1 you have overcome them As in [2:13](../02/13.md) and [2:14](../02/14.md), John is using the word **overcome** figuratively. He is speaking of the believers’ refusal to believe the false prophets as if the believers had defeated these prophets in a struggle. Alternate translation: “you have refused to believe these false teachers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 4 j248 writing-pronouns αὐτούς 1 them The word **them** refers to the false prophets whom John describes in [4:1](../04/01.md). Alternate translation: “these false teachers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 4 4 j5ve figs-metaphor ἐστὶν ὁ ἐν ὑμῖν 1 the one who is in you As in [3:24](../03/24.md), John is speaking figuratively as if God could be inside of believers. Alternate translation: “God, with whom you have a close relationship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 4 tp4q figs-metonymy ὁ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ 1 the one in the world John says in the previous verse that the spirit of the Antichrist is “already in the world,” meaning “on this earth” or “circulating among people.” In light of that, the phrase **the one in the world** may be referring figuratively to that spirit, by association with the way it is **in the world**. Alternate translation: “the spirit of the Antichrist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 4 j250 figs-personification ὁ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ 1 the one in the world If the phrase **the one in the world** refers to the spirit of the Antichrist, then John would be personifying that spirit. ULT indicates that by saying **the one**. Alternate translation: “the spirit of the Antichrist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1JN 4 4 j251 figs-metonymy ὁ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ 1 the one in the world Another possibility is that John is using the term **world** to mean the value system opposed to God. In that case, the phrase **the one in the world** would refer to the devil, by association with the way that he inspires that system. Alternate translation: “the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 5 y2z8 figs-metonymy αὐτοὶ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου εἰσίν; διὰ τοῦτο ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου λαλοῦσιν 1 They are from the world. Because of this, they speak from the world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here in these first two instances, it figuratively refers to the system of values that people share who do not know God. Alternate translation: “These false teachers are influenced by the ungodly value system of the people who do not honor God. As a result, they express the perspectives of that system” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 5 j252 writing-pronouns αὐτοὶ 1 They The word **they** refers to the false prophets whom John describes in [4:1](../04/01.md). Alternate translation: “These false teachers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 4 5 em2t figs-metonymy ὁ κόσμος αὐτῶν ἀκούει 1 the world listens to them In this instance, the term **world** figuratively refers to people living in the world, and specifically to people who do not honor or obey God. Alternate translation: “ungodly people listen to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 5 j253 figs-idiom ὁ κόσμος αὐτῶν ἀκούει 1 the world listens to them The word **listens** is an idiom that means “believes” or “is persuaded by.” Alternate translation: “ungodly people believe them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 6 j254 figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς…ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν 1 We…us…us These pronouns in the first three sentences of this verse would be exclusive, if your language marks that distinction. John is speaking of himself and his fellow eyewitnesses of the resurrection as teachers of the truth about Jesus. He is not speaking of himself and the believers to whom he is writing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 4 6 j328 figs-idiom ἡμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐσμεν 1 We are from God The expression **from God** means something different in this verse than in [4:4](../04/04.md) and in [4:1–3](../04/01.md). John means that he and his fellow eyewitnesses teach the truth about Jesus because God has sent them to do that. Alternate translation: “God has sent us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 6 j256 figs-idiom ἡμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐσμεν 1 We are from God If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what God has sent John and the other eyewitnesses to do. Alternate translation: “God has sent us to teach the truth about Jesus as eyewitnesses to his life on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 6 j257 ὁ γινώσκων τὸν Θεὸν 1 The one who knows God As in [2:4](../02/04.md), John is using the word **knows** in a specific sense. See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “Anyone who has a close relationship with God”
1JN 4 6 j258 figs-idiom ἀκούει ἡμῶν…οὐκ ἀκούει ἡμῶν 1 listens to us…does not listen to us As in [4:5](../04/05.md), the word **listens** is an idiom that means “believes” or “is persuaded by.” Alternate translation: “believes what we teach…does not believe what we teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 6 j259 figs-idiom ὃς οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Whoever is not from God The expression **from God** means the same thing in this verse as in [4:4](../04/04.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “Whoever does not belong to God” or “Whoever is not living in relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 6 j260 figs-idiom ἐκ τούτου γινώσκομεν 1 From this we know This is an idiomatic expression. It means the same thing as the expression “in this we know” that John uses several times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how we can recognize” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 6 j261 figs-exclusive γινώσκομεν 1 we know Since John is once again speaking of himself and the believers to whom he is writing, **we** in this last sentence in the verse would be inclusive, if your language marks that distinction. This inclusive usage continues through [4:13](../04/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 4 6 j262 figs-metonymy τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πλάνης 1 the spirit of truth and the spirit of error See the discussion of the word “spirit” in the General Notes to this chapter. In these instances, the word refers to the character of something. John is using it figuratively to refer by association to people whose teaching has a certain character. Alternate translation: “whose teaching is true and whose teaching is false” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 6 j263 figs-abstractnouns τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πλάνης 1 the spirit of truth and the spirit of error If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns **truth** and **error** with the adjectives “true” and “false.” Alternate translation: “whose teaching is true and whose teaching is false” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 4 7 fpl5 figs-nominaladj ἀγαπητοί 1 Beloved See how you translated this in [2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “You people whom I love” or “Dear friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 4 7 c6w6 figs-idiom ἡ ἀγάπη ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν 1 love is from God The expression **from God** means something similar to what it does in [4:1–3](../04/01.md). Alternate translation: “God inspires us to love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 7 zvt9 figs-activepassive πᾶς ὁ ἀγαπῶν, ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται 1 everyone who loves has been begotten from God See how you translated this in [2:29](../02/29.md). Alternate translation: “God is the father of everyone who loves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 4 7 ec73 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ ἀγαπῶν, ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται 1 everyone who loves has been begotten from God See whether in [2:29](../02/29.md) you decided to explain this metaphor. Alternate translation: “God is the spiritual father of everyone who loves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 7 j264 καὶ γινώσκει τὸν Θεόν 1 and knows God As in [2:4](../02/04.md), John is using the word **knows** in a specific sense. See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “and such a person has a close relationship with God”
1JN 4 8 j265 grammar-connect-logic-result ὁ μὴ ἀγαπῶν, οὐκ ἔγνω τὸν Θεόν, ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν 1 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Since God is love, the one who does not love does not know God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 4 8 j266 οὐκ ἔγνω τὸν Θεόν 1 does not know God As in [2:4](../02/04.md), John is using the word **knows** in a specific sense. See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “does not have a close relationship with God”
1JN 4 8 kti1 figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν 1 God is love This is a metaphor that describes what God is like in his character. Alternate translation: “God is entirely loving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 8 j267 figs-abstractnouns ὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν 1 God is love If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **love** with an adjective such as “loving.” Alternate translation: “God is entirely loving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 4 9 i2b5 figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ 1 In this **In this** means something similar to the idiomatic expression “in this we know” that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 9 j268 figs-activepassive ἐφανερώθη ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν 1 the love of God appeared among us See the discussion of the term “appear” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. Here the term could mean one of two things. (1) John could be emphasizing how Jesus came to this earth. In that case, this would be a situation in which a Greek passive verbal form has an active meaning. Alternate translation: “God’s love came to be among us” (2) John could be emphasizing how God revealed his love to the world through Jesus. To bring out that emphasis, you could translate this with a passive verbal form or, if your language does not use passive forms, you could use an active form and say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God’s love for us was revealed” or “God showed us how much he loves us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 4 9 y4m8 figs-possession ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the love of God Here the phrase **the love of God** refers to God loving people. Alternate translation: “God’s love for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 4 9 j269 figs-exclusive ἡμῖν 1 us The expression **among us** likely refers to all of humanity, not just to the people who saw and heard Jesus when he was alive, so this would be an inclusive use of the term **us** that would include the believers to whom John is writing. John says later in the sentence that Jesus came **so that we might live through him**, and **we** in that instance does include these believers. So it is likely that **us** earlier in the sentence includes them as well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 4 9 j270 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his Son This is an important title for Jesus. Alternate translation: “his Son Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 4 9 j271 τὸν μονογενῆ 1 the only-begotten Alternate translation: “who is God’s only actual Child”
1JN 4 9 j272 figs-metonymy εἰς τὸν κόσμον 1 into the world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here it refers to the created world. Alternate translation: “to this earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 9 wxf8 figs-metaphor ἵνα ζήσωμεν 1 so that we might live Since people were already literally alive before Jesus came, John means this in a figurative sense. He is likely referring to what he calls “eternal life” in [3:15](../03/15.md). That includes both living forever in the presence of God after death and receiving power from God in this life to live in a new way. Alternate translation: “so that we might receive power from God to live as new people in this life and to live forever in God’s presence after we die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 9 j273 δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 through him Alternate translation: “as a result of what he did for us”
1JN 4 10 v1zv figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ ἐστὶν ἡ ἀγάπη 1 In this is love **In this** means something similar to the idiomatic expression “in this we know” that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how we have experienced genuine love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 10 j274 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his Son This is an important title for Jesus. Alternate translation: “his Son Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 4 10 b39j figs-abstractnouns ἀπέστειλεν τὸν Υἱὸν αὐτοῦ, ἱλασμὸν περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 sent his Son as the propitiation for our sins If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning behind the abstract noun **propitiation** with an equivalent expression. See how you translated the term in [2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “sent his Son to be the offering that made him no longer angry with us because of our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 4 11 i4tf figs-nominaladj ἀγαπητοί 1 Beloved See how you translated this in [2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “You people whom I love” or “Dear friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 4 11 g4gu grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ οὕτως ὁ Θεὸς ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς 1 if God thus loved us John is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what John is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since God loved us in this way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1JN 4 12 j275 figs-hypo ἐὰν ἀγαπῶμεν ἀλλήλους, ὁ Θεὸς ἐν ἡμῖν μένει, καὶ ἡ ἀγάπη αὐτοῦ τετελειωμένη ἐν ἡμῖν ἐστιν 1 If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is perfected in us John is describing a hypothetical situation in order to challenge and encourage his readers. Alternate translation: “Suppose we do love one another. Then God remains in us, and his love is perfected in us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 4 12 sh9q figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς ἐν ἡμῖν μένει 1 God remains in us See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to mean the same thing as in [2:6](../02/06.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “God continues to have a close relationship with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 12 vt14 figs-activepassive ἡ ἀγάπη αὐτοῦ τετελειωμένη ἐν ἡμῖν ἐστιν 1 his love is perfected in us See how you translated the similar expression in [2:5](../02/05.md). In this case, it is clear that John is referring to God’s love for us, rather than to our love for God. Alternate translation: “God’s love has achieved its purpose in our lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 4 13 j276 figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι 1 In this we know that This is an idiomatic expression that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how we know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 13 m69h figs-ellipsis ἐν αὐτῷ μένομεν, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ἡμῖν 1 we remain in him, and he in us In the expression **and he in us**, John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “we remain in him and he remains in us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 4 13 yv6s figs-metaphor ἐν αὐτῷ μένομεν, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ἡμῖν 1 we remain in him, and he in us See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to mean the same thing as in [2:6](../02/06.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “we continue to have a close relationship with God, and God continues to have a close relationship with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 13 gj7p ὅτι 1 that Your translation may be clearer if you do not translate the word **that** or if you translate it as “because” and leave out the expression **in this**.
1JN 4 13 dge3 ἐκ τοῦ Πνεύματος αὐτοῦ δέδωκεν ἡμῖν 1 he has given us of his Spirit The word **of** means “some of.” John is not saying that God has only given some of his Spirit to the whole community of believers. Rather, John is saying that through his Spirit, God is fully present in the entire community, and that each believer experiences some of that full presence of God through the presence of the Spirit in his own life. Be sure that it is also clear in your translation that God does not have less of his Spirit now that each of us has some. Alternate translation: “he has sent his Spirit to live in each of us”
1JN 4 14 w6mz figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς τεθεάμεθα καὶ μαρτυροῦμεν, ὅτι 1 we have seen and we testify that In this verse, John is speaking on behalf of himself and the other eyewitnesses of the earthly life of Jesus, so the pronoun **we** is exclusive. Alternate translation: “we apostles have seen and bear witness to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 4 14 m7cb guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατὴρ…τὸν Υἱὸν 1 the Father…the Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: “God the Father…Jesus his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 4 14 j277 figs-metonymy Σωτῆρα τοῦ κόσμου 1 as the Savior of the world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter. Here it figuratively refers to the people living in the world. Alternate translation: “to save the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 15 j278 figs-hypo ὃς ἐὰν ὁμολογήσῃ ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ Θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν τῷ Θεῷ 1 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God John is actually making a conditional statement. He is saying that what he describes in the second phrase will only happen, although it will certainly happen, if what he describes in the first phrase happens. Alternate translation: “If someone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, then God will remain in him and he will remain in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 4 15 nvb1 figs-explicit ὃς ἐὰν ὁμολογήσῃ ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God The meaning of this expression is similar to the expression “the one who confesses the Son” in 2:23. See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “Everyone who truly believes and acknowledges publicly that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 4 15 b6td guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the 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 4 15 a7rx figs-ellipsis ὁ Θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν τῷ Θεῷ 1 God remains in him, and he in God In the expression **and he in God**, John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “God remain in him and he remains in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 4 15 l3ft figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν τῷ Θεῷ 1 God remains in him, and he in God See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to mean the same thing as in [2:6](../02/06.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “God continue to have a close relationship with him, and he continues to have a close relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 16 j279 figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς…ἡμῖν 1 we…us Here and in the rest of the letter, John once speaks of himself and the believers to whom he is writing, so the words **we** and **us** will be inclusive, if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1JN 4 16 j280 figs-idiom τὴν ἀγάπην ἣν ἔχει ὁ Θεὸς ἐν ἡμῖν 1 we have known and believed the love that God has in us The meaning of the phrase **in us** is not entirely clear. Some interpreters take it to mean “for us.” However, other interpreters understand it to be comparable to the phrase “in this” that John uses in many places in this letter. In that case, “in us” would mean “in ourselves” and it would be indicating the means by which believers have known the love of God. Alternate translation: “from our own experience, we have recognized God’s love and come to trust in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 16 t5am figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν 1 God is love This is a metaphor that describes what God is like in his character. See how you translated it in [4:8](../04/08.md). Alternate translation: “God is entirely loving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 16 dyr6 figs-metaphor ὁ μένων ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 the one who remains in love See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. As in [2:24](../02/24.md), in this instance the word seems to refer to maintaining a pattern of behavior. Alternate translation: “someone who continues to love others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 16 fz29 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ Θεῷ μένει, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ μένει 1 remains in God, and God remains in him See the discussion of the term “remain” in Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John. In this instance, it seems to mean the same thing as in [2:6](../02/06.md) and in [4:15](../04/15.md). See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “continues to have a close relationship with God, and God continues to have a close relationship with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 17 j281 grammar-connect-logic-result ἐν τούτῳ τετελείωται ἡ ἀγάπη μεθ’ ἡμῶν, ἵνα παρρησίαν ἔχωμεν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς κρίσεως 1 In this love has been perfected with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment This could mean one of two things. (1) The “so that” clause could be a purpose clause. That is, John may be saying that one reason why God is having his love achieve its purpose in our lives now is because he wants us on the day of judgment to be confident of his forgiveness and acceptance. If you decide that is the case, then your translation should follow the conventions of your language for purpose clauses, as ULT does. (2) The “so that” clause could be a result clause. That is, John may be saying that as a result of God’s love achieving its purposes in our lives now, we will be confident of his forgiveness and acceptance on the day of judgment. If you decide that is the case, then your translation should follow the conventions of your language for result clauses. Alternate translation: “In this love has been perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 4 17 ypv4 figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ 1 In this As in [4:9](../04/09.md), **in this** means something similar to the idiomatic expression “in this we know” that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 17 m76g figs-activepassive τετελείωται ἡ ἀγάπη μεθ’ ἡμῶν 1 love has been perfected with us See how you translated the similar expression in [2:5](../02/05.md). Since John speaks in the previous verse of God’s love, the context suggests that John is referring to God’s love for us, rather than to our love for God. Alternate translation: “God’s love has achieved its purpose in our lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 4 17 j282 figs-explicit ἵνα παρρησίαν ἔχωμεν 1 so that we may have confidence If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what believers will **have confidence** about. Alternate translation: “so that we will be confident that God has forgiven us and will accept us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 4 17 j283 figs-abstractnouns ἵνα παρρησίαν ἔχωμεν 1 so that we may have confidence If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **confidence** with an adjective such as “confident.” Alternate translation: “so that we will be confident that God has forgiven us and will accept us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 4 17 j284 figs-idiom ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς κρίσεως 1 in the day of judgment John is using the term **day** figuratively to refer a specific time. Alternate translation: “at the time when God judges us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 4 17 j285 ὅτι 1 that As in [4:13](../04/13.md), your translation may be clearer if you do not translate the word **that** or if you translate it as “because” and leave out the expression **in this**.
1JN 4 17 l78r writing-pronouns ὅτι καθὼς ἐκεῖνός ἐστιν, καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐσμεν 1 as that one is, we also are The demonstrative pronoun **that one** refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “we are becoming more and more like Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 4 17 j286 figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ 1 in this world John uses **world** to mean various things in this letter, usually in a figurative sense. Here, however, it refers literally to the created world. Alternate translation: “as we live in this world” or “in our lives on this earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 4 18 j287 grammar-connect-logic-result φόβος οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ, ἀλλ’ ἡ τελεία ἀγάπη ἔξω βάλλει τὸν φόβον, ὅτι ὁ φόβος κόλασιν ἔχει 1 Fear is not in love, but perfect love throws fear outside, because fear has punishment If it would be clearer in your language, you could put the third clause before the first clause, since the third clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Because fear has punishment, fear is not in love, but perfect love throws fear outside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 4 18 sq7k figs-explicit φόβος οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ, ἀλλ’ ἡ τελεία ἀγάπη ἔξω βάλλει τὸν φόβον, ὅτι ὁ φόβος κόλασιν ἔχει 1 Fear is not in love, but perfect love throws fear outside, because fear has punishment If it would be clearer in your language, you could say explicitly what this means, particularly in light of what John says in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Because a person who thinks he is going to be punished is afraid, no one who truly understands how much God loves him will be afraid, because when God’s love has achieved its purpose in our lives, we are confident that he has forgiven us and will accept us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 4 18 j288 figs-metaphor φόβος οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 Fear is not in love John speaks figuratively as if **fear** could be inside of **love**. Alternate translation: “no one who truly understands how much God loves him will be afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 18 j290 ἡ τελεία ἀγάπη ἔξω βάλλει τὸν φόβον 1 perfect love throws fear outside By **perfect love**, John means the same thing as when he speaks in the previous verse of love that “has been perfected”. See how you translated that expression. Alternate translation: “when God’s love has achieved its purpose in our lives, it keeps us from being afraid”
1JN 4 18 bu17 figs-personification ἡ τελεία ἀγάπη ἔξω βάλλει τὸν φόβον 1 perfect love throws fear outside John speaks figuratively of **love** as if it could activvely throw **fear** far away from us. Alternate translation: “when God’s love has achieved its purpose in our lives, it keeps us from being afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1JN 4 18 yg1r figs-activepassive ὁ δὲ φοβούμενος, οὐ τετελείωται ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 So the one who fears has not been perfected in love See how you translated the similar expression in [2:5](../02/05.md). Here, as there, **love** could mean one of two things. (1) It could mean God’s love for us. Alternate translation: “So if someone is afraid, then God’s love has not achieved its purpose in his life” (2) It could mean our love for God. That is the interpretation in UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 4 18 j291 figs-explicit ὁ δὲ φοβούμενος, οὐ τετελείωται ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 So the one who fears has not been perfected in love If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what such a person **fears**. This is clear from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “So if someone is afraid that God has not forgiven him and that God will not accept him, then God’s love has not achieved its purpose in his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 4 19 j292 grammar-connect-logic-result ἡμεῖς ἀγαπῶμεν, ὅτι αὐτὸς πρῶτος ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς 1 We love because he first loved us If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because God first loved us, we love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 4 19 j293 figs-explicit ἡμεῖς ἀγαπῶμεν 1 We love This could mean one of two things. UST takes it to mean both things. Alternate translation: (1) “We love God” or (2) “We love others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 4 19 j294 writing-pronouns αὐτὸς πρῶτος ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς 1 he first loved us The pronoun **he** refers to God. Alternate translation: “God first loved us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 4 20 j295 figs-hypo ἐάν τις εἴπῃ, ὅτι ἀγαπῶ τὸν Θεόν, καὶ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ μισῇ, ψεύστης ἐστίν 1 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar John is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the importance of consistency between their words and their actions. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone says, ‘I love God,’ but he hates a fellow believer. Then that person is a liar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 4 20 j296 grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 and John is using the word **and** to introduce a contrast between what would be expected, that someone who loved God would also love his fellow believers, and what would actually be true of this hypothetical person. Alternate translation: “but” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1JN 4 20 tfq3 figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 4 20 a8zh figs-doublenegatives ὁ…μὴ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ…τὸν Θεὸν…οὐ δύναται ἀγαπᾶν 1 the one who does not love his brother…is not able to love God If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “only those who love their fellow believers…are able to love God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1JN 4 21 j297 ταύτην τὴν ἐντολὴν ἔχομεν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 we have this commandment from him Alternate translation: “this is what God has commanded us”
1JN 4 21 j298 writing-pronouns ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 from him The pronoun **him** refers to God. Alternate translation: “from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 4 21 j299 figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “each fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 intro bxm4 0 # 1 John 05 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>1. It is false teaching to deny that Jesus is the Son of God (5:1–12)<br>2. Closing of Letter (5:13-21)<br><br>## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “a sin towards death”<br><br>It is not entirely clear what John means by this phrase. The word “death” could refer either to physical death or to spiritual death, that is, to eternal separation from God. See the further discussion in the notes to [5:16](../05/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]])<br><br>### “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one”<br><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><br>## Important textual issues in this chapter<br><br>In [5:7–8](../05/07.md), all ancient manuscripts say: “For there are three who testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood, and the three are unto the one.” That is the reading that ULT follows. Some much later manuscripts say: “For there are three who testify in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one; and there are three who testify on earth: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three are unto the one.” In this case, translators are advised to translate this as the ULT text does, since there is wide agreement that it follows the accurate reading. However, if there are older versions of the Bible in your region that have the longer reading, you can include it, but you put it inside square brackets [ ] to indicate that it was most likely not in the original version of 1 John. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 5 1 j301 figs-activepassive πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Χριστὸς, ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται 1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been begotten from God See how you translated the similar expression in [2:29](../02/29.md). Alternate translation: “God is the father of everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 5 1 h8if figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Χριστὸς, ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ γεγέννηται 1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been begotten from God See whether in [2:29](../02/29.md) you decided to explain this metaphor. Alternate translation: “God is the spiritual father of everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 1 j302 writing-proverbs πᾶς ὁ ἀγαπῶν τὸν γεννήσαντα, ἀγαπᾷ καὶ τὸν γεγεννημένον ἐξ αὐτοῦ 1 everyone who loves the one begetting also loves the one having been begotten from him John includes this short saying to teach something that is generally true about life and that applies to the point he has been developing since [4:7](../04/07.md), that genuine believers love one another as God has loved them. Alternate translation: “everyone who loves someone who is a father also loves that person’s child” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])
1JN 5 1 j303 figs-explicit πᾶς ὁ ἀγαπῶν τὸν γεννήσαντα, ἀγαπᾷ καὶ τὸν γεγεννημένον ἐξ αὐτοῦ 1 everyone who loves the one begetting also loves the one having been begotten from him If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what this means and how it applies to John’s argument in this part of the letter. Alternate translation: “everyone who loves God will also love his fellow believers, since God is their spiritual father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 2 ukc7 figs-idiom ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι 1 In this we know that This is an idiomatic expression that John uses many times in this letter. Alternate translation: “This is how we know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 2 j365 figs-metaphor τὰ τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the children of God Since John says in the previous verse that God is the spiritual father of believers, by **the children of God** he means other believers. Alternate translation: “our fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 2 j304 figs-idiom τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν 1 we keep his commandments Here, **keep** is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “we obey his commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 3 ve87 figs-explicit αὕτη γάρ ἐστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἵνα τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν 1 For this is the love of God, that we should keep his commandments If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly why this is the reason for the statement that John makes in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “And this is why: If we really do love God, we will love other believers, as he has commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 3 j305 grammar-connect-logic-result γάρ 1 For In this verse, John gives a reason why his readers should recognize that the statement he makes in the previous verse is true. Alternate translation: “After all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1JN 5 3 j306 figs-possession ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the love of God In this context, the phrase **the love of God** refers to believers loving God. John speaks in the previous verse of “when we love God.” Alternate translation: “what it means to love God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1JN 5 3 uik3 figs-idiom ἵνα τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ τηρῶμεν 1 that we should keep his commandments Here, **keep** is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “that we should obey his commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 3 c5z1 figs-metaphor αἱ ἐντολαὶ αὐτοῦ βαρεῖαι οὐκ εἰσίν 1 his commandments are not burdensome John speaks figuratively of God’s **commandments** as if they had weight but did not weigh very much. Alternate translation: “his commandments are not difficult to obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 4 j307 translate-versebridge ὅτι πᾶν τὸ γεγεννημένον ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ, νικᾷ τὸν κόσμον 1 For everyone who has been begotten from God overcomes the world In this sentence, John is giving the reason why the statement is true that he made in the second sentence of the previous verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this reason before the result by combining this sentence with that one. You could begin this sentence with “since” instead of **for**, you could end it with a comma instead of a period, and you could make it the beginning of the second sentence in the previous verse, putting it before “his commandments are not burdensome,” leaving out the word “And.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])
1JN 5 4 i2bf figs-activepassive πᾶν τὸ γεγεννημένον ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 everyone who has been begotten from God See how you translated the similar expression in [2:29](../02/29.md). Alternate translation: “everyone whose father is God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 5 4 j308 figs-metaphor πᾶν τὸ γεγεννημένον ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 everyone who has been begotten from God See whether in [2:29](../02/29.md) you decided to explain this metaphor. Alternate translation: “everyone whose spiritual father is God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 4 g3uw figs-metaphor νικᾷ τὸν κόσμον 1 overcomes the world As in [2:13](../02/13.md), John is using the word **overcomes** figuratively. He is speaking of the believers’ refusal to live by the value system of ungodly people as if the believers had defeated that system in a struggle. Alternate translation: “does not live by the value system of ungodly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 4 yq2d figs-metonymy τὸν κόσμον 1 the world See how you translated the term **world** in [2:15](../02/15.md). It has a similar meaning in this verse. Alternate translation: “the value system of ungodly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 4 j309 figs-metonymy ἡ νίκη 1 the victory John is speaking figuratively of the thing that has won **the victory** as if it were **the victory** itself. Alternate translation: “what has won the victory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 4 tf9x figs-metaphor ἡ νικήσασα τὸν κόσμον 1 that has overcome the world Once again John is using the word **overcome** figuratively. He is speaking of the **faith** that he and his readers share as if it had defeated the ungodly value system in a struggle. Alternate translation: “that enables us to live differently from the value system of ungodly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 4 j310 figs-metonymy τὸν κόσμον 1 the world John is using the term **world** to mean the same thing as in the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “the value system of ungodly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 5 qm85 figs-rquestion τίς ἐστιν δέ ὁ νικῶν τὸν κόσμον, εἰ μὴ ὁ πιστεύων ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ? 1 But who is the one who overcomes the world, if not the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? John is using the question form for emphasis, to reaffirm what he said in the first sentence of the previous verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “But only someone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1JN 5 5 db4f figs-metaphor νικῶν τὸν κόσμον 1 who overcomes the world See how you translated this in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “who does not live by the value system of ungodly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 5 j311 figs-metonymy τὸν κόσμον 1 the world See how you translated this in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the value system of ungodly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 5 drv2 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the 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 5 6 js27 figs-metonymy οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἐλθὼν δι’ ὕδατος καὶ αἵματος, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός; οὐκ ἐν τῷ ὕδατι μόνον, ἀλλ’ ἐν τῷ ὕδατι καὶ ἐν τῷ αἵματι 1 This is the one who came by water and blood: Jesus Christ—not in water alone, but in water and in blood The terms **water** and **blood** likely mean one of two things. Either way, John is specifying what it means to believe fully that “Jesus is the Son of God,” as he described in the previous verse. (1) As John indicates in [4:2](../04/02.md), the false teachers denied that God had come to earth in a real human body. Some false teachers at this time claimed instead that the divine Son of God had united himself with a human being, Jesus, only at the time of his baptism. So John may be using the term **water** to refer figuratively to the baptism of Jesus and the term **blood** to refer figuratively to the real human birth of Jesus, by association with the way that there is blood when mothers give birth. A reference to the birth of Jesus would suit John’s statement that this is how how Jesus **came**. Alternate translation: “It is vital to affirm that the Son of God did not come to earth only at the baptism of Jesus, but that he was born as Jesus as a real human being” (2) The term **blood** could also be a figurative reference to the death of Jesus on the cross, where he shed his blood as the Savior of the world. That is the interpretation of UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 6 j312 figs-explicit ὁ ἐλθὼν 1 the one who came If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say more explicitly what this means, as UST does. Alternate translation: “the one who came to earth from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 6 j313 τὸ Πνεῦμά ἐστιν τὸ μαρτυροῦν 1 the Spirit is the one who testifies Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit gives us assurance about this”
1JN 5 6 j314 figs-metaphor τὸ Πνεῦμά ἐστιν ἡ ἀλήθεια 1 the Spirit is truth Like the statement “God is love” in [4:8](../04/08.md) and [4:16](../04/16.md), which describes God’s character, this is a metaphor that describes the character of the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the Spirit is entirely truthful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 7 j315 figs-explicit ὅτι τρεῖς εἰσιν οἱ μαρτυροῦντες 1 For there are three who testify In this statement, John gives a reason why believers can be confident that the Spirit testifies truthfully about Jesus, as he said in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that more explicitly. Alternate translation: “We can be confident that the Spirit testifies truthfully about Jesus because two further witnesses say the same thing about him that the Spirit does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 7 j316 translate-textvariants ὅτι τρεῖς εἰσιν οἱ μαρτυροῦντες 1 For there are three who testify See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to follow the reading of ULT or to follow the reading of some late manuscripts and say in your translation, “For there are three who testify in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three who testify on earth.” As the General Notes recommend, if you decide to use the longer reading, put it inside square brackets [ ] to indicate that it was most likely not in the original version of 1 John The notes below discuss translation issues related to the variant reading, for those who decide to use it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1JN 5 8 j320 figs-metonymy τὸ ὕδωρ, καὶ τὸ αἷμα 1 the water and the blood See how you decided to translate the terms **water** and **blood** in [5:6](../05/06.md). Alternate translation: (1) “the baptism of Jesus and his human birth” or (2) “the baptism of Jesus and his death on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 8 j321 figs-idiom οἱ τρεῖς εἰς τὸ ἕν εἰσιν 1 the three are unto the one This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “these three all say the same thing” or “these three all agree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 9 j322 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων λαμβάνομεν 1 If we receive the testimony of men John is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what John is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since we receive the testimony of men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1JN 5 9 ai6a figs-idiom τὴν μαρτυρίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων λαμβάνομεν 1 we receive the testimony of men This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “we believe people when they give testimony” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 9 j323 figs-gendernotations τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 of men Although the term **men** is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1JN 5 9 k2de figs-explicit ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ Θεοῦ μείζων ἐστίν 1 the testimony of God is greater The word **greater** implicitly means that the testimony of God is more reliable than human testimony, since God knows everything and God always tells the truth. Alternate translation: “the testimony of God is more reliable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 9 nxq1 figs-ellipsis ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ Θεοῦ μείζων ἐστίν 1 the testimony of God is greater John is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “we should certainly receive the testimony of God, since it is greater” or “we should certainly believe God when he gives testimony, since his testimony is more reliable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1JN 5 9 j324 ὅτι αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὅτι μεμαρτύρηκεν περὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 For this is the testimony of God that he has testified about his Son Here, **for** could mean one of two things. (1) John could be using the term to introduce the content of God’s testimony to his Son. In that case, after using the next verse to stress again the importance of believing God’s testimony, John would be specifying the content itself in [5:11](../05/11.md), where he says, “And this is the testimony.” That is the interpretation of ULT. Alternate translation: “Now this is the testimony that God has given regarding his Son” (2) John could be using the term **for** to give the reason why the testimony of God is greater than human testimony, as he says in the previous sentence. That is the interpretation of UST.
1JN 5 9 gt7u guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 his Son This is an important title for Jesus. Alternate translation: “his Son Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 5 10 j325 figs-explicit εἰς τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 in the Son of God John implicitly means believing that Jesus is the Son of God. Alternate translation: “that Jesus is the Son of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 10 j326 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the Son of God This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 5 10 gkj1 figs-metaphor ἔχει τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἐν αὑτῷ 1 has the testimony in him John speaks figuratively of the **testimony** as if it were an object that could be inside believers. Alternate translation: “completely accepts what God has said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 10 j327 figs-abstractnouns τὴν μαρτυρίαν 1 the testimony If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **testimony** with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “what God has said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 10 j255 figs-explicit ψεύστην πεποίηκεν αὐτόν 1 has made him a liar As in [1:10](../01/10.md), be sure that it is clear in your translation that God would not actually be a liar in this case. Rather, since God has said that Jesus is his Son, a person who did not believe that would be calling God a liar. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “is effectively calling God a liar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 10 sii2 τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν μεμαρτύρηκεν ὁ Θεὸς περὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 the testimony that God has testified about his Son John is using a cognate accusative, that is, an object that comes from the same root as its verb. You may be able to do the same thing in your translation. If not, you could explain what this means. Alternate translation: “what God has solemnly said to be true about his Son”
1JN 5 11 bi7k αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ μαρτυρία 1 this is the testimony Alternate translation: “this is what God has said about his Son”
1JN 5 11 u1w5 figs-metaphor ζωὴν αἰώνιον ἔδωκεν ἡμῖν ὁ Θεὸς, καὶ αὕτη ἡ ζωὴ ἐν τῷ Υἱῷ αὐτοῦ ἐστιν 1 God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son John speaks figuratively of **life** as if it were an object that was inside Jesus. Alternate translation: “God gave us eternal life, which people receive by belieiving in his Son Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 11 k2qn figs-metaphor ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 eternal life This means both receiving power from God in this life to live in a new way and living forever in the presence of God after death, as in [4:9](../04/09.md). See how you translated the expression there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 11 sz21 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τῷ Υἱῷ 1 his Son This is an important title for Jesus. Alternate translation: “his Son Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 5 12 st2z figs-metaphor ὁ ἔχων τὸν Υἱὸν, ἔχει τὴν ζωήν; ὁ μὴ ἔχων τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, τὴν ζωὴν οὐκ ἔχει 1 The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life John speaks figuratively of believers who are in a close relationship with Jesus as if he were their possession. Alternate translation: “Anyone who is in a close relationship with the Son has life. Anyone who is not in a close relationship with the Son of God does not have life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 12 j329 figs-metaphor ἔχει τὴν ζωήν…τὴν ζωὴν οὐκ ἔχει 1 has life…does not have life Since both groups of people are alive literally, John means this in a figurative sense. As in [4:9](../04/09.md), he is likely referring to what he calls “eternal life” in [3:15](../03/15.md). See how you translated that term in those verses. Alternate translation: “has power from God to live as a new person now and will live forever in God’s presence after death…does not have power from God to live as a new person now and will not live forever in God’s presence after death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 12 j330 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν…τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the Son…the 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 5 13 ezl8 ταῦτα 1 these things Alternate translation: “this letter”
1JN 5 13 wns6 figs-metonymy ὑμῖν…τοῖς πιστεύουσιν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 you, the ones believing in the name of the Son of God As in [2:12](../02/12.md), John is using the **name** of Jesus figuratively to represent who Jesus is and what he has done. Alternate translation: “you who believe in Jesus and what he has done for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 13 gg32 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the 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 5 13 j331 figs-metaphor ὅτι ζωὴν ἔχετε αἰώνιον 1 that you have eternal life The emphasis in this verse seems to be more on the future aspect of the expression **eternal life**. Alternate translation: “that you will live forever in God’s presence after you die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 14 j332 figs-explicit αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ παρρησία ἣν ἔχομεν πρὸς αὐτόν: ὅτι 1 this is the confidence that we have towards him If it would be helpful to your readers, as in [3:21](../03/21.md) you could say explicitly what this **confidence** applies to, in light of what John says in the rest of this sentence. Alternate translation: “we can be confident of this as we pray to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 14 yj31 figs-abstractnouns αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ παρρησία ἣν ἔχομεν πρὸς αὐτόν: ὅτι 1 this is the confidence that we have towards him If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **confidence** with an adjective such as “confident.” Alternate translation: “we can be confident of this as we pray to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 14 j333 writing-pronouns αὐτόν…αὐτοῦ…ἀκούει 1 him…his…he listens The pronouns **him**, **his**, and **he** refer to God in this verse. It might be natural in your language to use the name “God” in the first instance and pronouns in the other instances. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 5 14 at5n ἐάν τι αἰτώμεθα κατὰ τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ 1 if we ask anything according to his will Alternate translation: “if we ask for the things that God wants for us”
1JN 5 14 j334 figs-idiom ἀκούει ἡμῶν 1 he listens to us As in [4:5](../04/05.md), the word **listens** is an idiom. However, the meaning here is not as strong as the meaning there, “is persuaded by.” Rather, this refers to God hearing our prayers with a disposition to grant what we ask. Alternate translation: “he is disposed to give it to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 15 j335 grammar-connect-condition-fact ἐὰν οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἀκούει ἡμῶν 1 if we know that he listens to us John is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what John is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since we know that he listens to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
1JN 5 15 j336 figs-idiom ἀκούει ἡμῶν 1 he listens to us See how you translated this in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “he is disposed to give us what we ask for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 15 j337 figs-explicit ἀκούει ἡμῶν 1 he listens to us It may be helpful to repeat the condition that John specifies in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “he is disposed to give us what we ask for, if it is according to his will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 15 j338 writing-pronouns ἀκούει…αὐτοῦ 1 he listens…him The pronouns **he** and **him** refer to God in this verse. It might be natural in your language to use the name “God” for **he** and to say **him** later in the verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 5 15 ev49 οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἔχομεν τὰ αἰτήματα ἃ ᾐτήκαμεν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 we know that we have the requests that we have asked from him Alternate translation: “we know that we will receive what we have asked God for”
1JN 5 16 j339 figs-hypo ἐάν τις ἴδῃ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ ἁμαρτάνοντα ἁμαρτίαν μὴ πρὸς θάνατον, αἰτήσει 1 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin not towards death, he will ask John is describing a hypothetical situation in order to counsel his readers. UST models a way of showing this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
1JN 5 16 sc1f figs-metaphor τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his brother See how you translated this in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 16 j340 ἁμαρτάνοντα ἁμαρτίαν 1 sinning a sin John is using a cognate accusative, that is, an object that comes from the same root as its verb. You may be able to do the same thing in your translation. If not, you could explain what this means. Alternate translation: “committing a sin”
1JN 5 16 j341 figs-metaphor ἁμαρτίαν μὴ πρὸς θάνατον…τοῖς ἁμαρτάνουσιν μὴ πρὸς θάνατον…ἁμαρτία πρὸς θάνατον 1 a sin not towards death…those sinning not towards death…a sin towards death The word **death** could mean one of two things in this verse. (1) It could be referring figuratively to spiritual death, that is, to eternal separation from God. (See the later note to this verse for a discussion of what kind of sin John may have in mind that would lead to that.) Alternate translation: “a sin that does not lead to eternal separation from God…those whose sin will not lead to eternal separation from God…a sin that does lead to eternal separation from God” (2) It could be referring literally to physical death. Alternate translation: “a sin that will not cause him to die…those whose sin will not cause them to die…a sin that will cause a person to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 16 j342 figs-declarative αἰτήσει 1 he will ask John is using a future statement to give an instruction and command. Alternate translation: “he should pray for that fellow believer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]])
1JN 5 16 j343 writing-pronouns δώσει αὐτῷ ζωήν 1 he will give him life In this clause, the word **he** refers to God and the word **him** refers to the believer who is sinning. Elsewhere in the verse, the words **his** and **he** refers to the person who sees a fellow believer sinning. Alternate translation: “God will give life to the believer who is sinning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 5 16 myf6 figs-metaphor δώσει αὐτῷ ζωήν 1 he will give him life The meaning of the word **life** depends on the meaning of the word **death**. (1) The word **death** could be figurative. Alternate translation: “God will make sure that the believer who is sinning is not separated from him eternally” (2) The word **death** could be literal. Alternate translation: “God will make sure that the believer who is sinning does not die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 16 q1me figs-explicit ἔστιν ἁμαρτία πρὸς θάνατον; οὐ περὶ ἐκείνης λέγω ἵνα ἐρωτήσῃ 1 There is a sin towards death; I am not saying that he should pray about that If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say more explicitly what this likely means if the word **death** is figurative. In the context of the whole letter, by **a sin towards death**, John is probably referring to the behavior that the false teachers engaged in and encouraged. As Part 3 of the Introduction to 1 John explains, these false teachers claimed that it did not matter what people did in their bodies, and so they would have been committing many serious sins without feeling any conviction that their actions were wrong. This showed that they had abandoned faith in Jesus and had rejected the influence of the Holy Spirit. John implicitly corrects this false teaching again in [5:18](../05/18.md) His statement that believers should not pray for people who behave in this way is likely descriptive rather than prescriptive. That is, he is not saying that he does not want the believers to pray for them. Rather, he is explaining that it will not do any good to pray for them, since they are determined to live in a way that is contrary to faith in Jesus and the influence of the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “The false teachers who say that it does not matter what people do in their bodies are committing many serious sins without feeling any conviction that their actions are wrong. This shows that they no longer believe in Jesus, they have rejected the influence of the Holy Spirit, and they are no longer living in relationship with God. This suggests that they will also be separated from God for eternity. Praying for them is not likely to make any difference” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 17 j344 figs-abstractnouns πᾶσα ἀδικία ἁμαρτία ἐστίν, καὶ ἔστιν ἁμαρτία οὐ πρὸς θάνατον 1 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not towards death If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **unrighteousness** with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “Every time we do what God does not want, that is sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 17 j345 grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 and John is using the word **and** to introduce a contrasting statement that is intended to encourage the believers to whom he is writing. Alternate translation: “but” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1JN 5 17 j346 figs-metaphor ἔστιν ἁμαρτία οὐ πρὸς θάνατον 1 there is sin not towards death See how you translated the word **death** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “not every sin leads to eternal separation from God” or “not every sin causes a person to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 18 j347 figs-activepassive πᾶς ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 everyone who has been begotten from God See how you translated the similar expression in [2:29](../02/29.md). Alternate translation: “everyone whose father is God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1JN 5 18 j348 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 everyone who has been begotten from God See whether in [2:29](../02/29.md) you decided to explain this metaphor. Alternate translation: “everyone whose spiritual father is God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 18 j349 figs-explicit οὐχ ἁμαρτάνει 1 does not sin See how you translated this expression in [3:6](../03/06.md). Alternate translation: “does not sin wantonly and continually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 18 j350 ὁ γεννηθεὶς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the One who was begotten from God This is a description of Jesus, whom John calls “the only-begotten” in [4:9](../04/09.md). See how you translated that expression there. Alternate translation: “Jesus, God’s actual Child”
1JN 5 18 j351 figs-explicit τηρεῖ ἑαυτὸν 1 keeps him This could mean one of two things. Alternate translation: (1) “keeps him in a close relationship with God” or (2) “keeps him from sinning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 18 l7h8 figs-nominaladj ὁ πονηρὸς 1 the evil one As in [2:13](../02/13.md), John is using the adjective **evil** as a noun in order to indicate a specific being. ULT adds **one** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the one who is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 5 18 j352 figs-metonymy ὁ πονηρὸς 1 the evil one John is speaking figuratively of the devil, by association with the way that he is **evil**. Alternate translation: “the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 18 j353 figs-idiom οὐχ ἅπτεται αὐτοῦ 1 does not touch him This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cannot harm him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 19 j354 figs-idiom ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐσμεν 1 we are from God See how you translated the similar expression in [4:4](../04/04.md). Alternate translation: “we belong to God” or “we are living in relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 19 eh5z figs-metonymy ὁ κόσμος ὅλος 1 the whole world John uses the term **world** in various ways in this letter. In this instance, it likely refers figuratively both to the people living in the **world** who do not honor God and to their value system. Alternate translation: “all ungodly people and their value system” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 19 n9ig figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ πονηρῷ κεῖται 1 lies in evil The expression **lies in** figuratively represents being controlled by someone or something. Alternate translation: “is controlled by the evil one” or “is controlled by evil influences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 19 j355 figs-abstractnouns τῷ πονηρῷ 1 evil If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning behind the abstract noun **evil** with an equivalent expression. It could mean one of two things. (1) John may be speaking figuratively of the devil, as in [2:13](../02/13.md). Alternate translation: “the devil” (2) John may be speaking of evil influences. Alternate translation: “evil influences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 20 je13 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the 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 5 20 j356 figs-explicit ἥκει 1 has come If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say more explicitly what this means, as you may have done in [5:6](../05/06.md). Alternate translation: “has come to earth from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1JN 5 20 n1nh figs-abstractnouns δέδωκεν ἡμῖν διάνοιαν 1 has given us understanding If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **understanding** with a verb such as “understand.” Alternate translation: “has enabled us to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 20 j357 figs-abstractnouns δέδωκεν ἡμῖν διάνοιαν 1 has given us understanding If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what Jesus has enabled us to understand. Alternate translation: “has enabled us to understand the truth” or “has enabled us to understand what God is truly like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1JN 5 20 hvr7 figs-nominaladj τὸν Ἀληθινόν…τῷ Ἀληθινῷ 1 the True One…the True One John is using the adjective **True** as a noun in order to indicate a specific being. ULT adds **One** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the One who is true…the One who is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1JN 5 20 j358 figs-metonymy τὸν Ἀληθινόν…τῷ Ἀληθινῷ 1 the True One…the True One John is speaking figuratively of God, by association with the way that he is **True**. Alternate translation: “God, who always tells the truth and does what he says he will do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1JN 5 20 ge7c figs-metaphor ἐσμὲν ἐν τῷ Ἀληθινῷ 1 we are in the True One, in his Son Jesus Christ As in [2:5](../02/05.md), John is speaking figuratively as if believers could be inside of God and Jesus. This expression describes having a close relationship with God. Alternate translation: “we have a close relationship with God and with his Son Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 20 j359 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τῷ Υἱῷ αὐτοῦ 1 his Son This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1JN 5 20 w5yl writing-pronouns οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς 1 This is the true God **This** could refer either to God or to Jesus. ULT takes it to refer to God and UST takes it to refer to Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1JN 5 20 dz3s figs-hendiadys ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς καὶ ζωὴ αἰώνιος 1 the true God and eternal life John is expressing a single idea by using two noun phrases connected with **and**. The phrase **eternal life** describes a quality of **the true God**, that he gives eternal life. Alternate translation: “the true God, who gives eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1JN 5 20 j360 figs-metaphor ζωὴ αἰώνιος 1 eternal life As in [4:9](../04/09.md), this means both receiving power from God in this life to live in a new way and living forever in the presence of God after death. See how you translated the expression there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 21 i3rw figs-metaphor τεκνία 1 little children See how you translated this in [2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: “you dear believers who are under my care” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1JN 5 21 hn4y figs-idiom φυλάξατε ἑαυτὰ 1 keep yourselves This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “stay away from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1JN 5 21 j361 figs-metaphor τῶν εἰδώλων 1 idols This could mean one of two things. (1) John could be referring figuratively to anything that might take the place of God in a person’s life. Alternate translation: “anything that might take the place of God in your life” (2) John could be referring literally to **idols**, that is, to statues that were worshipped as if they embodied a god. That is the interpretation of UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
See in Reader
