King James Version
What Does 1 John 2:21 Mean?
“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.”
Context
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.
23
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary10. 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 severe reprobation.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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 2:21 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 2:21
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge