King James Version

What Does 1 John 2:20 Mean?

1 John 2:20 in the King James Version says “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 John 2:20 · KJV

Context

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.

21

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.

22

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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. In contrast to the antichrists who departed, true believers possess divine enablement. "But ye" (kai hymeis) emphasizes contrast—unlike apostates, genuine believers have something securing them. "Have an unction" (chrisma echete)—chrisma (anointing) comes from chriō, to anoint. This refers to the Holy Spirit's presence and work in believers. The term connects to Christ (Christos, the Anointed One) and Christians (anointed ones).

"From the Holy One" (apo tou hagiou) identifies the anointing's source—the Holy One is Christ (Mark 1:24, John 6:69, Acts 3:14). Through Christ, believers receive the Spirit (John 14:26, 15:26). This anointing occurred at regeneration and conversion—the Spirit's indwelling marking believers as God's possession. Unlike Gnostic claims to special post-conversion enlightenment for elites, John teaches all believers receive the Spirit's anointing.

"And ye know all things" (kai oidate panta) doesn't mean omniscience but possession of essential truth necessary for salvation and godliness. Through the Spirit's anointing, believers know Christ, the gospel, and fundamental doctrines. This knowledge isn't exhaustive but sufficient—believers possess spiritual discernment through the Spirit to recognize and resist error. The antichrists lacked this anointing; believers possess it, enabling them to remain faithful when others depart.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the Old Testament, anointing with oil symbolized the Spirit's empowering for special roles—prophets, priests, kings. The Messiah (Anointed One) would possess the Spirit without measure (Isaiah 61:1, fulfilled in Luke 4:18). New covenant promise extended this: all believers would receive the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29, fulfilled at Pentecost, Acts 2:16-18). Peter proclaimed: "the gift of the Holy Spirit" for all who repent and believe (Acts 2:38-39).

Against Gnostic elitism claiming special knowledge (gnōsis) for enlightened few, John democratizes spiritual knowledge: all Christians have the Spirit's anointing and therefore "know all things" (essential truth). This provided assurance to ordinary believers intimidated by Gnostic teachers' claimed superior knowledge. Believers need not feel inferior—they possess the Spirit, who guides into truth (John 16:13).

The Reformation emphasized the "priesthood of all believers"—all Christians have direct access to God and truth through the Spirit, not needing priestly mediators. Puritan piety developed detailed teaching on the Spirit's internal witness and illumination, enabling believers to understand Scripture and discern truth from error. John's teaching grounds this: the Spirit's anointing provides essential knowledge for Christian faith and perseverance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing you possess the Spirit's anointing (not just educated elites or spiritual leaders) provide confidence in spiritual discernment?
  2. What does it mean practically that you 'know all things' (essential truth) through the Spirit's teaching?
  3. How can you better cultivate sensitivity to the Spirit's anointing when facing doctrinal confusion or deceptive teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“But”

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς2 of 10

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

χρῖσμα3 of 10

“an unction”

G5545

an unguent or smearing, i.e., (figuratively) the special endowment ("chrism") of the holy spirit

ἔχετε4 of 10

“have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀπὸ5 of 10

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ6 of 10
G3588

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

ἁγίου7 of 10

“the Holy One”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ8 of 10

“But”

G2532

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

οἴδατε9 of 10

“ye know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

πάντα10 of 10

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:27John 14:262 Corinthians 1:21-22Isaiah 61:1Psalms 23:5Proverbs 28:5

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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