BHT with Abridged Translator’s Notes1 John 5 =
5
“This Is What It Means to Love God”
1 If someone believes that Jesus is the Messiah, it is God by whom he has been newly conceived; if someone loves the Father,+ he will love, too, the one in whom he has put his own life and nature.+ 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: When we love God and obey his commandments. 3 This is what it means to love God: To obey his commandments. And his commandments are not too difficult to obey, 4 because everyone who has been conceived anew by God prevails victorious over the world. Indeed, this is what gives us victory+ over the world: Our faith.+ 5 What greater victor over the world is there than+ someone who has such faith as to trust+ that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 He is the one who passed through water at his baptism+ and blood at his death,+ Jesus the Messiah. It wasn’t through water only, but through water and blood. And the Spirit is himself a reliable witness on his behalf,+ because the Spirit, as the truth, can speak and act only in accordance with the truth.+ 7 And so there are three witnesses+— 8 the Spirit and the water of baptism and the blood of the cup—and these three are in full and solemn agreement.+ 9 If we are willing to accept even the testimony of mere men, then what about the testimony of God? How much more weighty and worthy of acceptance is the testimony that he himself has borne? It is, after all, his own testimony that God has given on behalf of his Son!+ 10 (If someone is putting his faith in the Son of God, he holds God’s+ testimony in his heart.+ If someone refuses to believe God, however, he has made him out to be a liar, since he has refused to believe and put his faith+ in the testimony that God has given on behalf of his Son.) 11 And this is the testimony: It is the very life of the age to come that God has given to us, and, in regard to this life, it is through union with his Son that it is experienced.+ 12 If someone is in fellowship+ with the Son, he shares+ in this life; if someone isn’t in fellowship with the Son of God, he does not.
“We Are United with the True God, through Union with His Son”
13 All these things I have written to you in order to assure you+ that you do in fact share in the very life of the age to come+—to you who are placing your faith in the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the courage and confidence we have in approaching God: If we request anything at all according to his will, he is attentive to our prayers.+ 15 And if we know that he is attentive to our prayers, whatever we may request, we can also be sure that they are as good as answered.+ 16 If a person sees his brother committing a sin that does not result in death,+ he should pray, and God will give life to him—that is, to those who are guilty of a sin that doesn’t result in death. There is sin that is so abominable that it does result in death.+ It isn’t that kind of sin concerning which I am telling one to pray. 17 Although wrongdoing of any kind is sin, there is sin that does not result in death. 18 We know that if someone has been conceived anew by God, he keeps on resisting sin;+ indeed, the one who was himself born a human by the power of God+ guards this person,+ and so the evil one cannot touch him. 19 We know that God is the one to whom we belong, whereas, in the case of all others in this rebellious world,+ it is the evil one whose power holds sway. 20 We also know that the Son of God has come and given us understanding, so that we may know the true God. Yes, we are united with the true God,+ through union with his Son, Jesus the Messiah. He is the true God and the source+ of the life of the coming age.+ 21 Dear children, keep yourselves away+ from false gods!+
+1:1Or That which was from the outset, or That which was from the beginning. Lit That which was from eternity. For a summary of the interpretation of ἀρχή ( archē) represented in the text, see NAC (1, 2, 3 Jn), 51-2. Cf also TDNT, 1:481; NCV.+1:1Lit That which was from eternity/the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we saw and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life. ME (see ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 11; NAC [1, 2, 3 Jn], 51; UBSHS [1 Jn], 11; TDNT, 1:481). Cf NET, NCV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, TEV. The neuter gender is used in the relative clauses here, but the primary focus is the Word, ie, Christ himself. For other examples of the neuter being used for personal referents in John’s writings, see translation and notes at Jn 4:22, 6:37, and 17:10.+1:2Or it. The direct object is implied here from the context.+1:2Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are the in the second person plural.+1:2Lit and we testify and announce/bring news.+1:2Since Jesus/the Word is the one being referred to here, “life” here is metonymical for the source of life (cf translation and notes at Jn 1:4 and 5:26), referring to “what causes people to live eternally” ( UBSHS [1 Jn], 15). Cf NCV, NLT, and TEV here and at Jn 1:4 and 5:26.+1:2This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+1:3Lit have. ME (see note at Jn 3:15).+1:3Lit may have fellowship with us. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 17; translation and note at Jn 3:15). Cf TEV.+1:3Lit And the fellowship that is ours. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 17). Cf TEV.+1:4Lit so that our joy may be made complete. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 15:11). ἡμῶν ( hēmōn) here is interpreted as an inclusive first person plural. This is reflected in the translation.+1:5Or heard. Cf BSL, 1 Jn 1:5, sv ἀκούω; L-N, 33.212.+1:6Lit not doing the truth. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 3:21).+1:7Or from all sin, or from every kind of sin.+1:8Lit If we say that we do not have sin. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 9:41 and 15:22-24).+1:8Cf Jn 3:16-21 and 9:35-41.+1:9Or trustworthy, or reliable.+1:9Lit and righteous/upright/just. ME(OTB) (see translation and notes at Mt 5:48; UBSHS [1 Jn], 31; v 2:12 below). Cf Ex 34:6-7.+1:9Or from all wickedness. Cf Rm 1; Ga 5:16-26; Eph 4:17-24; Col 3:5-8.+1:10Lit we have not sinned. The perfect tense is used here, and therefore “guilty of sin” has been used in translation to signal the ongoing effects at the time of the speaker. Cf HCSB.+1:10Lit him.+1:10Cf Jn 5:38, 15:7; Col 3:16; 1 Jn 2:14.+2:1Lit an advocate/pleader/encourager/strengthener/one called alongside to help. ME (see note at Jn 14:15). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV. In this context, the advocate/pleading/appealing role is primarily in view. As v 2 indicates (note ἱλασμός [ hilasmos] there; cf Lk 18:9-14), the appeal is primarily for mercy and forgiveness, though help to resist further sin is also probably implied as well. Cf Jb 33:23-24; Lk 18:9-14; Heb 4:16.+2:2Lit He is the propitiation/expiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for [those] of the whole world. ME(OTB)/IT (see translation and notes at Lk 18:13 and Rm 3:25; NET Bible Notes, 1 Jn 2:2).+2:3Or proof.+2:3Lit By this we know. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 37-8). Cf NEB.+2:3Lit him.+2:3Cf 2 Co 13:5-6.+2:4Lit him. Cf NCV, NLT.+2:4Lit his. Cf NCV, NLT.+2:5Or word, or message.+2:5Or reached its goal, or accomplished its goal, or been brought to completion. See translation and notes at Lk 13:32.+2:5Lit that we are in him. ME (see translation and note at Jn 10:38). Cf CJB, TEV.+2:6Lit that he dwells/remains/continues in him. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4).+2:6Lit he must, just as that one walked, also himself to walk. ME (see BDAG, 803, sv περιπατέω 2; L-N, 41.11, 64.14; UBSHS [Jn], 43). Cf CJB, ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:6Cf Jn 13:31-35, 15:8; 1 Co 11:1; 1 Th 1:6.+2:7Cf Lv 19:18; Mt 5:17, 22:20; Rm 13:8-10.+2:7Lit which you have. In this context, ἔχω ( echo) means “a sense of obligation in regard to something” ( BDAG, 421, sv 7.a.δ.).+2:7Or word, or message, or teaching. Cf REB in ESS (1, 2, 3 Jn), 50.+2:7Or heard. Cf L-N, 33.12.+2:8Lit which is true in him and in you. ME (see NAC [Jn], 79; Ibid [1, 2, 3 Jn], 96; FSB, 1 Jn 2:7; Robertson, Word Pictures, 1 Jn 2:8; Vincent, Word Studies, 2:331; UBSHS [1 Jn], 45). Cf Mt 5:17; Jn 13.+2:11Lit walks about [here and there]. ME/IT (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 49; the last clause in this verse).+2:12Or for his name’s sake. Cf Ex 34:6-7; Is 48:9-11; Cf Jr 31:31-34; Ml 3:6.+2:13Cf Jr 31:31-34. Maintaining consistency in translation with 1 Jn 1:1 (see translation and notes there).+2:15Lit the world and the things of the world. ME (see BDAG, 562, sv κόσμος 7.b.; UBSHS [1 Jn], 55). Cf NCV at v 16.+2:16According to the UBSHS, “The three following phrases are given not as an exhaustive enumeration but by way of characteristic examples of ‘all that is in the world’” ( UBSHS [1 Jn], 56).+2:16Lit of the flesh. Translating “flesh” according to “Flesh” P (see FBT Chart).+2:16Lit the lusts of the eyes. ME(I/F)/IT (see translation and notes at Mt 6:22-23). Cf 1 Co 5:11, 6:10; Eph 5:5.+2:16Cf Ps 73; Jr 9:22; 1 Ti 6:17.+2:17Or is about to pass away. Not out of existence altogether, but in its present form as tainted by evil and decay. Cf Gn 6:13, 9:11; Ps 72:5, 17, 89:36-37, 102:25-28, 148:6; Is 34:4-5, 65:17-25, 66:22; Jr 31:35-36, 33:20-21; 1 Co 7:31; Heb 1:10-12; Jm 1:10; 1 Pt 1:24; 4:7; 2 Pt 2:6, 3:13;1 Jn 2:17; Re 12:7-10, 21:1-4. Cf also 1 Co 2:6.+2:17Lit and. Cf ESV, NCV, NET.+2:18Or have heard. Cf BSL, 1 Jn 2:18, sv ἀκούω; BDAG, 38, sv ἀκούω 3; TEV.+2:18Lit an anti-Messiah. ME (see ANLEX, 59, sv ἀντίχριστος 2; BDAG, 91, sv ἀντίχριστος; BSL, 1 Jn 2:18, sv ἀντίχριστος; UBSHS [1 Jn], 62; Vincent, Word Studies, 2:337). Here, the “against” idea is signaled in translation by “oppose,” while the “in place of” idea is signaled by “imposter” and “true.” Cf Is 10:12, 30:30-33; Ezk 38:17; Dn 7:7-28, 8:23-25; Jl 3; Zc 12-14; Th 2:1-12; Re 13.+2:18Lit many anti-Messiahs. ME (see ANLEX, 59, sv ἀντίχριστος 1).+2:20Or and all of you know the truth. There is no direct object explicitly stated in the Greek text, and therefore it must be inferred from the context. Since this is most likely an allusion to Jr 31:34 (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Jn 2:20), the “Holy One” is most likely the implied direct object here.+2:22Lit Who is the liar, except...? EFE. For the rhetorical effect intended by the question here, see UBSHS (1 Jn), 68.+2:23Lit he does not have the Father. ME. Cf TEV.+2:23Lit he has the Father. ME (see BDAG, 420, sv ἔχω 2.b.; UBSHS [1 Jn], 70).+2:24Or have heard. Cf BSL, 1 Jn 2:24, sv ἀκούω; BDAG, 38, sv ἀκούω 3.+2:24Cf Jn 5:38, 8:31, 15:7; Col 3:16.+2:24Lit will dwell/remain/abide/continue. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4). Cf CJB.+2:25Lit And this is the promise that he has promised. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NRSV, RSV.+2:25This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+2:26Or are trying to deceive.+2:27Lit from him.+2:27Lit and you do not have need that someone should teach you. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 74). Cf Jn 14:15-17, 26.+2:27Or genuine, or reliable.+2:27Given the prevalence of the anti-Messiah (the ones who are “against/in place of the Anointed One”) theme in this chapter, ψεῦδος ( peudos) (lit false) most likely means “counterfeit” here. Cf CJB, NIV; translation and notes at v 18.+2:27Lit dwell/remain/abide/continue in. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4).+2:27Lit with him. Cf TEV.+2:28Lit dwell/remain/abide/continue in him. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20 and 15:4).+2:28Lit at his coming. The genitive here is subjective, and the Second Coming is meant here. This is reflected in the translation. Cf NET, NLT.+2:29Lit he. Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+2:29Lit you know that also/likewise everyone who is doing the righteousness. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 79).+2:29Lit have been conceived by him, or have been fathered by him. ME (see notes at Jn 1:13, 1 Pt 1:3, and Ga 4:21-30).+3:1Lit and we are. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 81).+3:2Lit he, or it.+3:2Or what we will be has not yet appeared, or …he has not yet appeared. What shall we be?... The same verb was last used in v 2:28 (an aorist passive there as here), with the Messiah as the implied subject (cf NCV, NLT at 1 Jn 2:28). In the original text there were no punctuation marks. If the implied subject here is the Messiah, then “what we shall be” is either a second nominative functioning predicatively (cf, eg, Mt 6:18), or perhaps a rhetorical question. Otherwise, it is the subject of the verb. Cf Rm 8:18-30; Php 3:21; Col 3:4.+3:2Cf Rm 8:16-30; 1 Co 15:23; Php 3:21; Col 3:4.+3:2Or because we will see him as he is.+3:3Lit that one.+3:4Lit he is committing/doing also the lawlessness. ME (see BDAG, 840, sv ποιέω 3.c.; BSL, 1 Jn 3:4, sv ἀνομία; interpretation 2 in ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 102; UBSHS [1 Jn], 86-7). The exegesis of de Jonge and Swellengrebel on this verse is very sound (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 86-7), and is reflected in translation here. Cf 1 Jn 2:18-25; 2 Th 2:1-12.+3:4Lit And sin is the lawlessness. ME (see preceding note).+3:5Lit that one.+3:5Cf 1 Jn 1:5.+3:6Lit him.+3:6Lit dwells/remains/abides/continues in him. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4).+3:6Cf 1 Co 10:13; Ga 5:16-18; Heb 4:14-16.+3:6Lit he has not seen him. ME. In this context, ὁράω ( horaō) means “to experience an event or state” ( L-N, 90.79; cf BSL, 1 Jn 3:6, sv). Here, the thing experienced is the life and power (by which we resist sin) that comes through union with the Messiah (cf, eg, Jn 6:53-56 [note the use of μένω ( menō) in v 56]).+3:7Cf 1 Co 6:9; Eph 5:5-6.+3:7Lit The one who is doing the righteousness. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 79). Maintaining consistency in translation with 2:29 above.+3:7Lit that one.+3:8Lit of/belonging to/has the quality of/produced by the devil. Translating here in a way similar to how I’ve translated at Jn 8:41 and 8:44 (see translation and notes there; see also UBSHS [1 Jn], 90). Cf v 10 below. The preposition used here (ἐκ [ ek]) denotes source and origin, and is the opposite of being conceived/born/produced by God (note ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ [ ek tou theou] in v 9). Cf Jn 8:39-47.+3:8Lit because the devil. Cf NLT.+3:8Lit has been sinning. ME (see translation and note at 3:4 above).+3:9Lit the seed of him. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 90). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+3:9Lit to go on sinning. ME (see translation and notes at 3:4 above).+3:9Lit since he has been conceived/produced by God. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV; translation and note at 2:29 above.+3:9Cf Rm 8:6-8.+3:10Lit This is how the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest. ME. Cf ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV. See also translation and note at 1 Jn 2:3.+3:10Lit Everyone not doing righteousness. Cf Mt 7:16; 1 Jn 3:12, 18.+3:15This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+3:16Lit By this we have come to know love. ME/IT (see ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 120; UBSHS [1 Jn], 99). Cf NIV, TEV; Brown et al in ESS (1, 2, 3 Jn), 120.+3:16Lit that one.+3:16IT. Cf NET, TEV; BDAG, 495, sv καί 1.b.ζ.+3:17Lit has the life/livelihood/property of the world. ME (see L-N, 57.18; UBSHS [1 Jn], 100).+3:17Lit but closes his entrails/inward parts from him. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 25.55).+3:18Lit in word or in tongue. ME (see L-N, 33.74; UBSHS [1 Jn], 102). Cf CJB, ESV, HCSB, NCV, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+3:19Lit of him.+3:19Or hearts. Cf HCSB, UBSHS (1 Jn), 104.+3:20Lit our hearts/consciences.+3:20Lit our hearts/consciences.+3:20Lit is greater than our hearts/consciences. ME (see ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 129; UBSHS [1 Jn], 105). Cf 1 Jn 1:8-10, 2:1-2, 12-14.+3:21Or hearts.+3:23Lit he. Translating the genitive subjectively here. Cf NCV.+3:23Lit just as he gave commandment to us. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 108). Cf NET.+3:23Cf Jn 13.+3:24Lit his.+3:24Lit he dwells/remains/abides/continues in him. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4). Cf TEV.+3:24Lit he.+3:24Lit dwells/remains/abides/continues in us. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4).+4:1Lit that they are from God. Cf 1 Ki 22:22-23; 1 Co 12:10; 2 Co 11:4; 2 Th 2:2.+4:2According to the UBSHS, “the use of the participle characterizes the utterance as a fixed formula” ( UBSHS [Jn], 115). Hence, quotation marks have been used in translation here. Cf 1 Ti 3:16.+4:2Lit Every spirit that acknowledges Jesus the Messiah as having come in flesh. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 1:14, Rm 8:3, Php 2:6-8, and 1 Ti 3:16; FBT Chart, C, F, G, I, M, N; UBSHS [Jn], 21; UBSHS [1 Jn], 115). Cf 1 Ti 3:16.+4:3Lit This is the spirit of the anti-Messiah. ME (see translation and notes at 1 Jn 2:18, 3:4; ANLEX, 59, sv ἀντίχριστος; BSL, 1 Jn 4:3, sv ἀντίχριστος; L-N, 58.68). Cf 2 Th 2, Re 13.+4:3Lit which. The antecedent has been restated in translation for clarity.+4:3Or that you have heard. Cf BSL, 1 Jn 4:3, sv ἀκούω; BDAG, 38, sv ἀκούω 3.+4:3Cf Re 11:7, 13:1-18, 17:6-11.+4:5Lit they speak from the world. To speak “from the world” means that the things spoken have their source in the world, rather than God. Cf 4:1-3 above.+4:7Lit by him.+4:9Lit By this the love of God was displayed among us. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, and TEV.+4:9Or unique, or only, or one-of-a-kind. See translation and note at Jn 1:14.+4:10ME(OTB)/IT (see translation and notes at Jn 17:23, Rm 9:13, and Ga 4:9; NET Bible Notes at Ml 1:2-3).+4:10Lit as the propitiation/expiation for our sins. ME(OTB)/IT (see translation and notes at Lk 18:13, Rm 3:25, and 1 Jn 2:2; NET Bible Notes, 1 Jn 2:2).+4:12Lit dwells/remains/continues in us. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4).+4:12Or reached/accomplished its goal, or been brought to completion. See translation and notes at Lk 13:32.+4:13Lit him.+4:13Lit that we dwell/remain/continue in him. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4).+4:14Lit And we have seen and testify.+4:15Lit dwells/remains/continues in him. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4).+4:16Or on the love that God has for us.+4:16Lit he dwells/remains/continues in God. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 6:56, 10:38, 14:10, 14:20, and 15:4).+4:17Or reached/accomplished its goal, or been brought to completion. See translation and notes at Lk 13:32.+4:17Or with, or among.+4:17Lit that one.+4:17Cf 1 Jn 2:6, 2:29, 3:3.+4:18The context (coming before God at the Day of Judgment) indicates “fear” here is meant to be understood in terms of a source of fear (cf L-N, 25.254). If God’s own love is present in someone’s life, he is obviously isn’t going to rebuke anyone for that, and therefore those who lived their lives according to the way of love have nothing to be afraid of (cf Mt 7:21).+4:18Or For fear involves punishment. Lit because fear has/holds punishment. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 129). Cf Mt 7:21; Re 2-3.+4:20Cf 1 Jn 3:17.+5:1Lit the one who begets/fathers/procreates. ME. Cf HCSB, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+5:1Lit the one that has been begotten by him. ME (see translation and note at 1 Jn 3:9).+5:4Lit And/indeed this is the victory that is/has been victorious. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+5:4Cf 1 Co 10:13; Heb 4:14-16; 1 Jn 2:12-14.+5:5Lit Who is the victor over the world, except...? The same structure is used here as is used at 1 Jn 2:22 (see translation and notes there).+5:5πιστεύω ( pisetuēō) involves both belief/conviction of truth and trust (see, eg, BDAG, 816, sv πιστεύω 1; L-N, 31.35, 31.85; translation and notes at Ga 3:6). Cf CJB at v 4 above.+5:6And/or who came with the water of baptism. Lit who came through/by/with water. ME/IT (see BDAG, 223, sv διά 1.a.; ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 174; FSB, 1 Jn 5:6; NAC [1, 2, 3 Jn], 196; Robertson, Word Pictures, 1 Jn 5:6; UBSHS [1 Jn], 138; Vincent, Word Studies, 2:364). Cf NCV, TEV.+5:6And/or and with the blood of his death. Lit through/by/with blood. ME/IT (see BDAG, 223, sv διά 1.a.; ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 174; FSB, 1 Jn 5:6; NAC [1, 2, 3 Jn], 196; Robertson, Word Pictures, 1 Jn 5:6; UBSHS [1 Jn], 138; Vincent, Word Studies, 2:364). Cf NLT, TEV.+5:6Or witness to these things. There is no direct object explicitly stated in the Greek text, and therefore it must be inferred from the context. Cf vv 5-6a, 9.+5:6Lit because the Spirit is the truth. ME (see ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 176; NAC [1, 2, 3 Jn], 197; UBSHS [1 Jn], 139).+5:7Cf Dt 19:15+5:8Lit And the three are for/at/in the one. ME (see Brown et al in ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 177; UBSHS [1 Jn], 140). Cf ESV, HCSB, LEB, NASB, NET, NCV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV.+5:9Lit ...the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has testified on behalf of his Son. ME/EFE (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 141). The argument is a from-lesser-to-greater argument.+5:10Lit the, or his.+5:10Lit in himself. ME. Cf NLT, TEV.+5:10πιστεύω ( pisetuēō) involves both belief/conviction of truth and trust (see, eg, BDAG, 816, sv πιστεύω 1; L-N, 31.35, 31.85; translation and notes at Ga 3:6).+5:11Or obtained, or accessed, or found (cf ISV). Lit And this life is in his Son. ME/IT (see L-N, 89.119; translation and notes at Jn 3:16, 3:36, 5:40, 6:53, 6:57, 14:19, 15:1-7; 1 Jn 1:2, 2:6, 2:24-25, 3:6, 4:9, 4:12). Cf also Rm 5:2; Eph 2:18, 3:2; Heb 4:16, 6:5.+5:12Lit He who has. ME (see BDAG, 420, sv ἔχω 2.b.; UBSHS [1 Jn], 70). The meaning here is the same as at 1 Jn 2:23.+5:12Lit he has. ME (see note at Jn 3:15).+5:13Lit so that you may know/be sure. ME. Cf REB in ESS (1, 2, 3 Jn), 184.+5:13This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+5:14Lit he hears us. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 9:31; UBSHS [1 Jn], 147). Cf 1 Th 4:1-8; Heb 4:15-16.+5:15Lit we know that we have the requests that we have requested of him. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 9:31). The present indicative is used here to give assurance that the prayers will be answered.+5:16Cf Lv 4:2-27, 5:15-18; Nu 15:27–31; Dt 17:12; 1 Sm 2:25; Mt 7:21-23, 10:32-33, 12:32; Mk 3:29; 1 Jn 2:22-25, 5:12; 2 Ti 2:12; Heb 6:4-6, 10:26-27; 2 Pt 2:20-22; Re 2:11, 20:6, 20:14, 21:18.+5:16Cf Lv 4:2, Dt 17:12; 1 Co 6:9-10; Eph 5:5; Jm 5:19-20; 2 Pt 2:10; Re 14:9-12, 21:8.+5:18Or does not go on living in sin, or keeps turning from sin. Cf Mt 6:13, 26:41; 1 Co 10:13; Heb 2. See the following note.+5:18Lit the one begotten by God. This is an obscure expression, but not totally incomprehensible. ὁ γεννηθεὶς ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ( ho gennētheis ek tou theou) is a topical frame (see BART Display and LDGNT), and not a left-dislocated element (ie, it isn’t a “pendant nominative,” as is claimed in the NET Bible Notes [see NET Bible Notes, 1 Jn 5:18]). The “Jesus interpretation” is most likely correct here (see, eg, NAC [1, 2, 3 Jn], 211; UBSHS [1 Jn], 151; cf also ESV, NASB, NCV, NLT, REV, NRSV, RSV, TEV, TNT), and, as the UBSHS asserts, the obscure form is best explained as either (1) a play on words; or (2) a means by which “to emphasize that the Son identifies himself with his followers” (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 151). The strong statement made in v 4:2 in refutation of the docetic teachings of the false prophets inclines me toward the second of these two options. If this is correct, then the expression, together with what follows it, is making a point similar to what is taught in Heb 2:14-18. On this interpretation, the Son of God “guarding” would mean the Messiah coming to the aid of his people as one who understands their mortal weakness, to help them resist the temptations of the devil. This interpretation is reflected in the translation. Cf Mt 6:13, 26:4; Lk 1:35; 1 Co 10:13; Heb 2.+5:18Lit guards him.+5:19Lit the whole world. ME/IT (see BDAG, 562, sv κόσμος 7.b; UBSHS [1 Jn], 152).+5:20Lit we are in the true [God/one]. ME (see translation and note at Jn 10:38). Cf CJB, TEV.+5:20Lit and the life of the coming age. Since Jesus is the one being referred to here (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 153; NET Bible Notes, 1 Jn 5:20; cf 1 Jn 1:2, where “eternal life” is clearly used of the Son), “life” here is metonymical for the source of life (see translation and notes at Jn 1:4, Jn 5:26, and 1 Jn 1:2; see also UBSHS [1 Jn], 154). Cf NLT and TEV at Jn 1:4 and 5:26.+5:20This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴ αἰώνιος ( zōē aiōnios), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+5:21Or guard yourselves from.+5:21Or from idols.
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