en_tn_lite_do_not_use/1jn/04/05.md

They are from the world

The words "are from" are a metaphor for "receive their power and authority." "The world" is a metonym ultimately for "the one who is in the world," Satan, though it is also a metonym for sinful people who gladly listen to them and so also give them authority. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)

therefore what they say is from the world

"The world" here is a metonym ultimately for "the one who is in the world," Satan, though it is also a metonym for sinful people who gladly listen to them and so also give them authority. Alternate translation: "therefore they teach what they have learned from sinful people" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)

and the world listens to them

The words "the world" are a metonym for people who do not obey God. Alternate translation: "so the people who do not obey God listen to them" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)