King James Version

What Does 1 John 2:18 Mean?

1 John 2:18 in the King James Version says “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichris...” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 John 2:18 · KJV

Context

16

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.

17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

18

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.

19

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.

20

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. John shifts to eschatological warning, addressing believers as "little children" (paidia) with pastoral concern. "It is the last time" (eschate hora estin)—eschate hora (last hour) indicates the final epoch of history inaugurated by Christ's first coming. The entire church age is the "last time" before Christ's return. This creates urgency—history approaches consummation; believers must live accordingly.

"As ye have heard that antichrist shall come" (kathōs ēkousate hoti antichristos erchetai)—"antichrist" (antichristos) means against or instead of Christ—one who opposes and/or impersonates Christ. Early Christian teaching anticipated a final, singular antichrist (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). "Even now are there many antichrists" (kai nyn antichristoi polloi gegonasin)—the perfect tense "are" (gegonasin) indicates they have arisen and remain. While expecting one final antichrist, John identifies "many" present antichrists—those embodying antichrist's spirit by denying Christ's person and work.

"Whereby we know that it is the last time" (hothen ginōskomen hoti eschate hora estin)—the proliferation of antichrists evidences the last hour's reality. This isn't date-setting but theological discernment: opposition to Christ intensifies as history moves toward consummation. The presence of false teachers denying essential Christian truth confirms believers live in the end times, heightening need for vigilance and faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish apocalyptic expected intensifying evil before Messiah's coming. Daniel prophesied about a final persecutor (Daniel 7:25, 11:36). Jesus warned of false Christs and false prophets (Matthew 24:24). Paul described "the man of lawlessness" (2 Thessalonians 2:3). John's contribution is identifying the antichrist spirit's essential characteristic: denial of Christ's incarnation (verse 22, 4:3). This provided crucial test for discerning false teaching.

John's readers faced proto-Gnostic teachers denying Christ came in flesh—the antichrist spirit incarnate in their time. Throughout church history, various figures have been identified as "the antichrist"—Roman emperors, popes, Islamic leaders, totalitarian dictators. While speculation continues, John's practical point remains: antichrist spirit manifests whenever Christ's person or work is denied. This occurs in every age until the final Antichrist appears.

The concept of "last hour" shaped Christian eschatological consciousness. The apostolic age understood Christ's first coming inaugurated the final epoch. The "already/not yet" tension—Christ has come, yet will come again—characterizes the entire church age as "last hour." This creates urgency for evangelism, holiness, and endurance while avoiding date-setting presumption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing you live in the 'last hour' (final epoch before Christ's return) create appropriate urgency without anxious date-setting?
  2. What contemporary teachings or movements exhibit the 'antichrist spirit' by denying essential truths about Christ's person or work?
  3. How should awareness of 'many antichrists' shape your discernment regarding teachers, teachings, and spiritual claims?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Παιδία1 of 22

“Little children”

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

ἐσχάτη2 of 22

“the last”

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

ὥρα3 of 22

“time”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐστίν4 of 22

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ5 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καθὼς6 of 22

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἠκούσατε7 of 22

“ye have heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι8 of 22

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ9 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀντίχριστοι10 of 22

“antichrist”

G500

an opponent of the messiah

ἔρχεται11 of 22

“shall come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ12 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νῦν13 of 22

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἀντίχριστοι14 of 22

“antichrist”

G500

an opponent of the messiah

πολλοὶ15 of 22

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

γεγόνασιν16 of 22

“are there”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὅθεν17 of 22

“whereby”

G3606

from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)

γινώσκομεν18 of 22

“we know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι19 of 22

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐσχάτη20 of 22

“the last”

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

ὥρα21 of 22

“time”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐστίν22 of 22

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 John 2:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 John 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 4:32 John 1:71 John 2:22Matthew 24:24Matthew 24:51 John 4:1

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