King James Version
1 John 2
29 verses with commentary
Christ Our Advocate
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.</strong> John addresses believers with tender affection—"little children" (<em>teknia mou</em>, τεκνία μου), emphasizing both their vulnerability and his pastoral care. The purpose statement is crucial: "that ye sin not" (<em>hina mē hamar...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**II.**
(4) The third idea that arises from the great fact that God is Light has already been suggested (1John 1:7), but now takes its distinct place in the series. It is the doctrine of Reconciliation and Redemption. St. John does not wish them to contemplate with complacency the probability of sinning; but to remember gratefully, in spite of falls, that the Author and Restorer of Light has provi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. faith ... being alone--**Alford joins "is dead in itself." So Bengel, "If the works which living faith produces have no existence, it is a proof that faith itself (literally, 'in respect to itself') has no existence; that is, that what one boasts of as faith, is dead." "Faith" is said to be "dead in itself," because when it has works it is alive, and it is discerned to be so, not in respect ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.</strong> This verse grounds Christ's effective advocacy in His propitiatory sacrifice. "He is the propitiation" (<em>autos hilasmos estin</em>, αὐτός ἱλασμός ἐστιν)—Christ Himself, in His person and work, satisfies God's wrath against sin. <em>Hilasmos</em> (propitiation) means a sacr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
18. "But some one will say": so the Greek. This verse continues the argument from Jas 2:14, 16. One may say he has faith though he have not works. Suppose one were to say to a naked brother, "Be warmed," without giving him needful clothing. "But someone (entertaining views of the need of faith having works joined to it) will say (in opposition to the 'say' of the professor)."
**show me thy faith...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.</strong> John introduces the first of several tests of genuine saving knowledge. "Hereby we do know" (<em>en toutō ginōskomen</em>, ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν) provides assurance based on evidence, not feelings. The verb "know" (<em>ginōskō</em>) indicates experiential, relational knowledge—not mere intellectual awareness but in...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) The fourth inference from the doctrine that God is Light analyses more accurately the general expression of 1John 1:7, *walking in the light.* If Christ is, as in 1John 2:1-2, the Paraclete and Propitiation of the world, it becomes necessary to ascertain whether He is this to us; lest, when this salvation is offered, we condemn ourselves by rejecting it. The test is, “obedience to the commandm...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. Thou--**emphatic. Thou self-deceiving claimant to faith without works.
**that there is one God--**rather, "that God is one": God's existence, however, is also asserted. The fundamental article of the creed of Jews and Christians alike, and the point of faith on which especially the former boasted themselves, as distinguishing them from the Gentiles, and hence adduced by James here.
**tho...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.</strong> John applies the test from verse 3 negatively, exposing false profession. "He that saith" (<em>ho legōn</em>) addresses verbal claims to know God—religious profession without reality. The present participle indicates habitual claiming, not a single statement. Yet this profession is...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. wilt thou know--**"Vain" men are not willing to know, since they have no wish to "do" the will of God. James beseeches such a one to lay aside his perverse unwillingness to know what is palpable to all who are willing to do.
**vain--**who deceivest thyself with a delusive hope, resting on an unreal faith.
**without works--**The Greek, implies separate from the works [Alford] which ought ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.</strong> John presents the positive contrast to verse 4's warning. "Whoso keepeth his word" (<em>hos d' an tērē autou ton logon</em>) elevates from "commandments" (specific instructions) to "word" (<em>logos</em>)—God's comprehensive revelation. "Keepeth" (<em>tēreō</em>) again emphas...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. Abraham ... justified by works--**evidentially, and before men (see on Jas 2:18). In Jas 2:23, James, like Paul, recognizes the Scripture truth, that it was his faith that was counted to Abraham for righteousness in his justification before God.
**when he had offered--**rather, "when he offered" [Alford], that is, brought as an offering at the altar; not implying that he actually offered h...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.</strong> John presents another test of profession, focusing on "abiding" (<em>menō</em>, μένω)—remaining, dwelling, continuing in intimate relationship. "He that saith he abideth in him" (<em>ho legōn en autō menein</em>) addresses claims to ongoing union with Christ. The verb "abideth" uses the present infin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22. Or, "thou seest."
**how--**rather, "that." In the two clauses which follow, emphasize "faith" in the former, and "works" in the latter, to see the sense [Bengel].
**faith wrought with his works--**for it was by faith he offered his son. Literally, "was working (at the time) with his works."
**by works was faith made perfect--**not was vivified, but attained its fully consummated developm...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →The New Commandment
Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.</strong> John addresses believers affectionately as "brethren" (<em>adelphoi</em>, ἀδελφοί), emphasizing family relationship in Christ. He clarifies that his teaching isn't innovation but apostolic tradition: "I write...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. scripture was fulfilled--**Ge 15:6, quoted by Paul, as realized in Abraham's justification by faith; but by James, as realized subsequently in Abraham's work of offering Isaac, which, he says, justified him. Plainly, then, James must mean by works the same thing as Paul means by faith, only that he speaks of faith at its manifested development, whereas Paul speaks of it in its germ. Abraham'...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.</strong> John creates apparent paradox: verse 7 said "not new" yet verse 8 says "a new commandment" (<em>palin entolēn kainēn</em>). This isn't contradiction but dialectical truth. The commandment is "old" in origin (given from the beginning) yet "...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. justified and, not by faith only--**that is, by "faith without (separated from: severed from) works," its proper fruits (see on Jas 2:20). Faith to justify must, from the first, include obedience in germ (to be developed subsequently), though the former alone is the ground of justification. The scion must be grafted on the stock that it may live; it must bring forth fruit to prove that it do...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.</strong> John applies the light/darkness imagery to the practical test of brotherly love. "He that saith" (<em>ho legōn</em>) addresses profession—claiming to be "in the light" (<em>en tō phōti einai</em>), enjoying illumination, truth, and fellowship with God. Yet profession is contradicted by conduct...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) Here (1John 2:9-11) is the chief way in which the old commandment, the new commandment, the word from the beginning, the walk in light would be manifested: brotherly love towards those with whom we have fellowship in Jesus Christ, God’s Son. And as He, by being the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, had declared the universality of God’s family and kingdom, so the sympathy of believ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
25. It is clear from the nature of Rahab's act, that it is not quoted to prove justification by works as such. She believed assuredly what her other countrymen disbelieved, and this in the face of every improbability that an unwarlike few would conquer well-armed numbers. In this belief she hid the spies at the risk of her life. Hence He 11:31 names this as an example of faith, rather than of obed...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. occasion: Gr. scandall
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.</strong> John presents the positive contrast to verse 9's warning. "He that loveth his brother" (<em>ho agapōn ton adelphon autou</em>) uses present participle, indicating habitual, ongoing love as lifestyle. This is <em>agapē</em>—self-giving, covenant love modeled on Christ's love, not mere a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
26. Faith is a spiritual thing: works are material. Hence we might expect faith to answer to the spirit, works to the body. But James reverses this. He therefore does not mean that faith in all cases answers to the body; but the FORM of faith without the working reality answers to the body without the animating spirit. It does not follow that living faith derives its life from works, as the body d...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.</strong> John develops the consequences of hating one's brother beyond verse 9's statement. "He that hateth his brother" (<em>ho de misōn ton adelphon autou</em>) again indicates ongoing, habitual hatred—settled animosity, contempt, or indif...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.</strong> John begins a threefold address (verses 12-14) to different groups, though interpretation varies on whether these are chronological stages (new converts, mature believers, very mature) or comprehensive address to all believers from different perspectives. "I write unto you" (<em>graphō hymin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) THE THINGS THEY MUST NOT LOVE IF THEY WALKED IN THE LIGHT (1John 2:12-17).—The solemnity of the thoughts of 1John 2:9; 1John 2:11 is too much for the warm heart of the Apostle. He cannot bear even to seem to suggest that his “dear little children” are shrouded in the gloomy horrors of moral darkness, haunted by the faithful memories of their sins, and enticed hither and thither by the malevole...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3 Jas 3:1-18. Danger of Eagerness to Teach, and of an Unbridled Tongue:
True Wisdom Shown by Uncontentious Meekness.
**1. be not--**literally, "become not": taking the office too hastily, and of your own accord.
**many--**The office is a noble one; but few are fit for it. Few govern the tongue well (Jas 3:2), and only such as can govern it are fit for the office; therefore, "teachers...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.</strong> John addresses three groups, likely representing stages of spiritual maturity though all believers possess these realities in varying degrees. "Fathers" (<em>pater...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. all--**The Greek implies "all without exception": even the apostles.
**offend not--**literally "stumbleth not": is void of offence or "slip" in word: in which respect one is especially tried who sets up to be a "teacher."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.</strong> John repeats his address to fathers and young men (omitting little children) with slight variations, using past tense "I have written" (<em>egrapsa</em>, aorist) p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Behold--**The best authorities read, "but if," that is, Now whensoever (in the case) of horses (such is the emphatic position of "horses" in the Greek) we put the bits (so literally, "the customary bits") into their mouths that they may obey us, we turn about also their whole body. This is to illustrate how man turns about his whole body with the little tongue. "The same applies to the pen, w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →Do Not Love the World
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
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KJV Study Commentary
John issues an absolute prohibition against worldly affection. 'Love not the world' (μὴ ἀγαπᾶτε τὸν κόσμον, mē agapate ton kosmon) uses present imperative with negative, commanding cessation of ongoing action: stop loving the world. Ἀγαπάω (agapaō) indicates deliberate, volitional love—not mere liking but committed devotion. Κόσμος (kosmos, world) here means not the physical creation (which God lo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. Not only animals, but even ships.
**the governor listeth--**literally, "the impulse of the steersman pleaseth." The feeling which moves the tongue corresponds with this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.</strong> John defines what constitutes "the world" by identifying three categories of worldly desire. "All that is in the world" (<em>pan to en tō kosmō</em>) encompasses the totality of fallen existence's attractions. The threefold description ec...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. boasteth great things--**There is great moment in what the careless think "little" things [Bengel]. Compare "a world," "the course of nature," "hell," Jas 3:6, which illustrate how the little tongue's great words produce great mischief.
**how great a matter a little fire kindleth--**The best manuscripts read, "how little a fire kindleth how great a," &c. Alford, for "matter," translates...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.</strong> John contrasts the world's transience with eternal reality. "The world passeth away" (<em>ho kosmos paragetai</em>)—present tense indicates ongoing process. The world-system with its values, pursuits, and pleasures is in continuous dissolution. <em>Paragetai</em> means to pass by,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. Translate, "The tongue, that world of iniquity, is a fire." As man's little world is an image of the greater world, the universe, so the tongue is an image of the former [Bengel].
**so--**omitted in the oldest authorities.
**is--**literally, "is constituted." "The tongue is (constituted), among the members, the one which defileth," &c. (namely, as fire defiles with its smoke).
**cours...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →Warning Against Antichrists
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.</strong> John shifts to eschatological warning, addressing believers as "little children" (<em>paidia</em>) with pastoral concern. "It is the last time" (<em>eschate hora estin</em>)—<em>eschate hora</em> (last hour) indicates...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. every kind--**rather, "every nature" (that is, natural disposition and characteristic power).
**of beasts--**that is, quadrupeds of every disposition; as distinguished from the three other classes of creation, "birds, creeping things (the Greek includes not merely 'serpents,' as English Version), and things in the sea."
**is tamed, and hath been--**is continually being tamed, and hath bee...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.</strong> John explains the antichrists' origin—they emerged from within the Christian community. "They went out from us" (<em>ex hēmōn exēlthan</em>)—these false teachers were once part of t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. no man--**literally, "no one of men": neither can a man control his neighbor's, nor even his own tongue. Hence the truth of Jas 3:2 appears.
**unruly evil--**The Greek, implies that it is at once restless and incapable of restraint. Nay, though nature has hedged it in with a double barrier of the lips and teeth, it bursts from its barriers to assail and ruin men [Estius].
**deadly--**lite...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.</strong> In contrast to the antichrists who departed, true believers possess divine enablement. "But ye" (<em>kai hymeis</em>) emphasizes contrast—unlike apostates, genuine believers have something securing them. "Have an unction" (<em>chrisma echete</em>)—<em>chrisma</em> (anointing) comes from <em>chriō</em>, to anoint. Th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. God--**The oldest authorities read, "Lord." "Him who is Lord and Father." The uncommonness of the application of "Lord" to the Father, doubtless caused the change in modern texts to "God" (Jas 1:27). But as Messiah is called "Father," Is 9:6, so God the Father is called by the Son's title, "Lord": showing the unity of the Godhead. "Father" implies His paternal love; "Lord," His dominion.
**...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.</strong> John clarifies his motivation for writing. "I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth" (<em>ouk egrapsa hymin hoti ouk oidate tēn alētheian</em>)—John doesn't write as if addressing ignorant people needing basic instruction. He assumes his readers pos...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10. The tongue, says ÆSOP, is at once the best and the worst of things. So in a fable, a man with the same breath blows hot and cold. "Life and death are in the power of the tongue" (compare Psa 62:4).
**brethren--**an appeal to their consciences by their brotherhood in Christ.
**ought not so to be--**a mild appeal, leaving it to themselves to understand that such conduct deserves the most sev...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.</strong> John identifies the ultimate lie and liar. "Who is a liar" (<em>tis estin ho pseustēs</em>) asks rhetorically—the supreme example of lying follows. "But he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ" (<em>ei mē ho arnoumenos hoti Iēsous ouk estin ho Christos</em>)—the pres...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. fountain--**an image of the heart: as the aperture (so the Greek for "place" is literally) of the fountain is an image of man's mouth. The image here is appropriate to the scene of the Epistle, Palestine, wherein salt and bitter springs are found. Though "sweet" springs are sometimes found near, yet "sweet and bitter" (water) do not flow "at the same place" (aperture). Grace can make the sam...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.</strong> John elaborates on the inseparable connection between Father and Son. "Whosoever denieth the Son" (<em>pas ho arnoumenos ton huion</em>)—<em>pas</em> (whosoever, everyone) makes this universal without exception. "Denieth" (<em>arnoumenos</em>) means to disown, reject,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12. Transition from the mouth to the heart.
**Can the fig tree, &c.--**implying that it is an impossibility: as before in Jas 3:10 he had said it "ought not so to be." James does not, as Matthew (Mt 7:16, 17), make the question, "Do men gather figs of thistles?" His argument is, No tree "can" bring forth fruit inconsistent with its nature, as for example, the fig tree, olive berries: so if a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.</strong> John exhorts believers to hold fast to apostolic teaching. "Let that therefore abide in you" (<em>hymeis ho ēkousate ap' archēs, en hymin menetō</em>)—the imperative "let...abide" (<em>men...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. Who--**(Compare Psa 34:12, 13). All wish to appear "wise": few are so.
**show--**"by works," and not merely by profession, referring to Jas 2:18.
**out of a good conversation his works--**by general "good conduct" manifested in particular "works." "Wisdom" and "knowledge," without these being "shown," are as dead as faith would be without works [Alford].
**with meekness of wisdom--**wi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.</strong> John identifies the glorious promise secured by abiding in apostolic truth. "And this is the promise" (<em>kai hautē estin hē epangelia</em>)—<em>epangelia</em> means pledge, commitment, assurance given by God. "That he hath promised us" (<em>hēn autos epēngeilato hēmin</em>)—the aorist "hath promised" (<em>epēng...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. if ye have--**as is the case (this is implied in the Greek indicative).
**bitter--**Ep 4:31, "bitterness."
**envying--**rather, "emulation," or literally, "zeal": kindly, generous emulation, or zeal, is not condemned, but that which is "bitter" [Bengel].
**strife--**rather, "rivalry."
**in your hearts--**from which flow your words and deeds, as from a fountain.
**glory not, and lie...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.</strong> John explains his letter's purpose—protecting believers from deceivers. "These things have I written" (<em>tauta egrapsa hymin</em>) refers to the epistle's contents, particularly warnings about antichrists and tests of genuine faith. "Unto you" (<em>hymin</em>) emphasizes pastoral concern for his readers specif...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. This wisdom--**in which ye "glory," as if ye were "wise" (Jas 3:13, 14).
**descendeth not from above--**literally, "is not one descending," &c.: "from the Father of lights" (true illumination and wisdom), Jas 1:17; through "the Spirit of truth," Joh 15:26.
**earthly--**opposed to heavenly. Distinct from "earthy," 1Co 15:47. Earthly is what is IN the earth; earthy, what is of the eart...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-26**
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical ...
Read full commentary →But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. in him: or, in it
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.</strong> John reassures believers of their spiritual resources against seducers. "But the anointing which ye have received" (<em>kai hymeis to chrisma...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. envying--**So English Version translates the Greek, which usually means "zeal"; "emulation," in Ro 13:13. "The envious man stands in his own light. He thinks his candle cannot shine in the presence of another's sun. He aims directly at men, obliquely at God, who makes men to differ."
**strife--**rivalry [Alford].
**confusion--**literally, "tumultuous anarchy": both in society (translated...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →Children of God
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.</strong> John transitions to eschatological exhortation. "And now, little children" (<em>kai nyn, teknia</em>)—<em>nyn</em> (now) creates urgency; <em>teknia</em> (little children) conveys tender affection and pastoral care. "Abide in him" (<em>menete en ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. first pure--**literally, "chaste," "sanctified": pure from all that is "earthly, sensual (animal), devilish" (Jas 3:15). This is put, "first of all," before "peaceable" because there is an unholy peace with the world which makes no distinction between clean and unclean. Compare "undefiled" and "unspotted from the world," Jas 1:27; 4:4, 8, "purify ... hearts"; 1Pe 1:22, "purified ... souls" (...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. ye know that every: or, know ye
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.</strong> John concludes the chapter with a test linking righteousness and regeneration. "If ye know that he is righteous" (<em>ean eidēte hoti dikaios estin</em>)—this conditional assumes believers do know Christ's righteousness. "Righteous" (<em>dikaios</em>) describes Christ's perfect conform...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
18. "The peaceable fruit of righteousness." He says "righteousness"; because it is itself the true wisdom. As in the case of the earthly wisdom, after the characteristic description came its results; so in this verse, in the case of the heavenly wisdom. There the results were present; here, future.
**fruit ... sown--**Compare Psa 97:11; Is 61:3, "trees of righteousness." Anticipatory, that is, t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
All professions of faith are vain, if not producing love and justice to others.
(1-13)
The necessity of good works to prove the sincerity of faith, which otherwise will be of no more advantage than the faith of devils.
(14-26)
**Verses 1-13**
Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outwa...
Read full commentary →