3
Consider the amazing love that the Father has lavished on us, so great as for us to be called God’s very+ children! It’s true!+ This is why the world doesn’t know us: Because it hasn’t known him. Dear friends, although,+ at the present time, we are, indeed,+ children of God, the Messiah+ has not yet made his public appearance as what we shall be.+ We know that when he+ appears, we will be like+ him,+ and that we will see him as he is.+ And everyone who has this hope in him keeps himself pure, just as the Messiah+ is himself+ pure. Everyone who refuses to turn from sin is guilty,+ like the wicked one to come,+ of open defiance against God.+ Yes,+ to sin is to defy God!+ You know that the Messiah+ appeared in order to do away+ with sins, and that sin is in him completely+ absent.+ If+ someone is from union with the Messiah+ drawing life in fellowship,+ he will keep on resisting sin.+ If+ a person refuses to turn from sin, however,+ he is still void of the Messiah+ and does not know him. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you!+ Those who live according to the Messiah’s righteous example+ are righteous,+ just as the Messiah+ is himself+ righteous. Those who refuse to turn from sin, however,+ are just+ like their father the devil,+ who+ has been defying God+ from the very+ beginning. This is the purpose for which the Son of Man appeared: To destroy the works of the devil. If+ someone has been conceived anew by God, he does not in sin go on conducting himself,+ because there dwells within him the very+ life and nature of God.+ Indeed, he is unable to continue in sinful defiance of God,+ since God himself is the very+ one whom he, as a newly conceived child, now has living inside of him.++ 10 This is how we discern the children of God from the children of the devil:+ If+ someone’s ways and deeds are evil,+ he doesn’t belong to God—indeed anyone who doesn’t love his brother or sister. 11 For this is the message you have heard from the start: We must love one another. 12 We must not be like Cain,+ who belonged to the evil+ one, and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil,+ whereas those of his brother were righteous. 13 Don’t be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. 14 We, for our part,+ know that we have crossed over from death to life, because we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who does not love remains in a condition+ of death. 15 If+ someone hates his brother or sister, he is nothing short+ of a murderer, and you know that no murderer has the life of the coming age+ dwelling+ within him.
16 This is how we have come to know what it truly means to love:+ The Messiah+ laid down, for our sake,+ his very life. We too, then,+ must lay down, for the sake of our brothers and sisters,+ our own lives. 17 If+ someone who+ has plenty to live on+ sees his brother in need but refuses to show him compassion,+ how in the world+ can it be+ the love of God that is dwelling in him? 18 Dear children, let us love others+ not merely+ with words and talk,+ but with action and in truth! 19 This is how we will know that is it+ the truth to which we belong, and how in the presence of God+ we can assure our consciences,+ 20 in whatever matter+ they+ may condemn us, that God is so much+ more merciful than they+ dare suppose,+ and knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our consciences+ do not condemn+ us, we can approach God+ with great+ courage and confidence, 22 and will receive from him whatever we ask,+ because we are obeying his commandments+ and doing those things that are in his sight so+ pleasing and acceptable. 23 And this is what God+ commands: That we place our faith in the name of his Son, Jesus the Messiah, and show love to one another, in keeping with the commandment he gave us.++ 24 Indeed, if+ someone obeys God’s+ commandments, it is+ God in union with whom he is dwelling in fellowship,+ and God+ with him. And this is how we know that he is dwelling in united fellowship with us:+ By the Spirit whom he has to us so+ generously given.
+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.+1:1IT (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 11). Cf NCV, NLT.+1:1Cf ISV, NLT.+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.+1:3κοινωνίαν ( koinōnian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this element.+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.+1:5φῶς ( phōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:5σκοτία οὐδεμία ( skotia oudemia) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give extra focus and emphasis to this element, which has also been placed in clause-final for extra focus.+1:6κοινωνίαν ( koinōnian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:6Lit walk. ME (see L-N, 41.11). περιπατῶμεν ( peripatōmen) is in a DFE position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:6Lit not doing the truth. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 3:21).+1:7ἐν τῷ φωτὶ ( en tō phōti) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis. δὲ ( de) has also been used as a spacer to the same end.+1:7αὐτός ( autos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an intensive pronoun has been used to give extra focus to this element (warranted also on semantic grounds; see, eg, BDAG, 152, sv).+1:7κοινωνίαν ( koinōnian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction and an adjective (drawn from the lexeme; see L-N, 34.5), have been used to give extra focus to this element.+1:7Or from all sin, or from every kind of sin.+1:8οὐκ ἔχομεν ( ouk echomen) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion has been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note).+1:8Lit If we say that we do not have sin. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 9:41 and 15:22-24).+1:8πλανῶμεν ( planōmen) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion and an adverb (cf NLT) have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:8Cf Jn 3:16-21 and 9:35-41.+1:9The present subjunctive is interpreted as functioning voluntatively here (cf Jn 3:16-21 and 9:35-41; pride is the primary issue here). This is reflected in the translation.+1:9IT. A disjunctive/contrastive relationship with the preceding clause is implied here. Cf NCV, NET, TEV.+1:9Lit he.+1:9πιστός καὶ δίκαιος ( pistos kai dikaios) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this element.+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.+1:9The ἵνα ( hina) clause is interpreted as signaling result. This is reflected in the translation. Cf NET, NIV.+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.+1:10ψεύστην ( pseustēn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:10Here, εἰμί ( eimi) approximates μένω ( menō) (cf Jn 5:38, 15:7; 1 Jn 2:14) and ἐνοικέω ( enoikeō) (cf Col 3:16) in meaning. Cf also ANLEX, 131, sv εἰμί 4.+1:10Cf Jn 5:38, 15:7; Col 3:16; 1 Jn 2:14.+2:1Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 33).+2:1παράκλητον ( paraklēton) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been moved to the end of the clause (out of its default order in English) for extra focus and stress.+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.+2:2ἱλασμός ( hilasmos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give extra focus and emphasis to this element within the ME (see following note).+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.+2:3τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ ( tas entolas autou) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:3Cf 2 Co 13:5-6.+2:4A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+2:4Lit him. Cf NCV, NLT.+2:4Lit his. Cf NCV, NLT.+2:4μὴ τηρῶν ( mē tērōn) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion has been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:4ψεύστης ( pseustēs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:4οὐκ ἔστιν ( ouk estin) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion and an adverb have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:4Lit is not. See note at v 1:10 above.+2:5A condition is implied in the relative clause here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+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.+2:5ἐν αὐτῷ ( en auto) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction and an adverb have been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note).+2:5Lit that we are in him. ME (see translation and note at Jn 10:38). Cf CJB, TEV.+2:6A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+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). μένειν ( menein) is in an embedded DFE position (see BART Display), and therefore inversion has been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME.+2:6καὶ αὐτὸς ( kai autos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a possessive adjective has been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see note at the end of this verse).+2:6“More and more” is drawn from the imperfective aspect of the infinitive in this context. Cf Jn 15:2.+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. ἐκεῖνος ( ekeinos) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an intensive pronoun has been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME.+2:6Cf Jn 13:31-35, 15:8; 1 Co 11:1; 1 Th 1:6.+2:7ἐντολὴν καινὴν ( entolēn kainēn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+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.).+2:7Cf NAB in ESS (1, 2, 3 Jn), 49. As the next sentence indicates, this is referring to the time when the gospel was first heard.+2:7Or word, or message, or teaching. Cf REB in ESS (1, 2, 3 Jn), 50.+2:7Or heard. Cf L-N, 33.12.+2:8ἐντολὴν καινὴν ( entolēn kainēn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+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.+2:9A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+2:9ἐν τῷ φωτὶ ( en tō phōti) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:9τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ ( ton adelphon autou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:9IT. A real versus a claimed state is implied here. Cf 1:5-10.+2:9ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ( en tē skotia) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:10μένει ( menei) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:10σκάνδαλον ( skandalon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress. The negative particle has also been used to give this element extra focus.+2:10Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:11ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ( en tē skotia) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a spacer (drawn from the context; see v 9) has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:11Lit walks about [here and there]. ME/IT (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 49; the last clause in this verse). περιπατεῖ ( peripatei) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+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).+2:14ἰσχυροί ( ischuroi) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:14μένει ( menei) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+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.+2:16The genitive is interpreted as functioning in the subjective/source/production range. This is reflected in the translation. Cf NET.+2:16Cf Ps 73; Jr 9:22; 1 Ti 6:17.+2:16ἐκ τοῦ πατρὸς ( ek tou patros) is in E-O (see LDGNT), and ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ( ek tou kosmou) in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), as part of a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT), and therefore the negative particle has been placed directly before the counterpoint to give extra focus to these elements (with the verb in the main point left implicit).+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.+2:18ἐσχάτη ὥρα ( eschatē hora) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore Παιδία ( Paidia) has been used as a spacer to give extra focus to this element.+2:18Or have heard. Cf BSL, 1 Jn 2:18, sv ἀκούω; BDAG, 38, sv ἀκούω 3; TEV.+2:18ἀντίχριστος ( antichristos) is in P2 (see BART Display), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress (with the help of a dummy subject).+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.+2:18ἀντίχριστοι πολλοὶ ( antichristoi polloi) is in P2 (see BART Display), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress (with the help of a dummy subject).+2:18Lit many anti-Messiahs. ME (see ANLEX, 59, sv ἀντίχριστος 1).+2:18ἐσχάτη ὥρα ( eschatē hora) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:19ἐξῆλθαν ( exēlthan) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and therefore inversion has been used to give this element extra focus.+2:19Lit From us they departed, but they were not of us. ME (see BDAG, 348, sv ἐξέρχομαι 4; UBSHS [1 Jn], 63). Cf NCV, NIV, NET, NLT, TEV.+2:19ἦσαν ( ēsan) is in an embedded DFE position (see BART Display), and therefore ἐξ ἡμῶν ( ex hēmōn) has been left implicit in translation in order to give this element extra stress.+2:19ME/IT (see BDAG, 631, sv μένω 1.b.).+2:19An ellipsis is present in the Greek text here. The departure mentioned in the first part of verse is what is implied here. Cf ESV, HCSB, NASB, NCV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, TEV.+2:19Cf ISV.+2:20χρῖσμα ἀπὸ τοῦ ἁγίου ( chrisma apo tou hagiou tou hagiou) is in a split focal position (see BART Display; cf LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+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.+2:21Lit I’m not writing that, or I’m not writing because. ὅτι ( hoti) may be functioning here either as a marker of content, or as a marker of cause (the first interpretation is represented in translation here; for a summary of interpretative options here, see ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 77; NET Bible Notes, 1 Jn 2:21; UBSHS [1 Jn], 68). “Writing” connected directly with the marker of content doesn’t transfer well into English, and therefore “to tell” and “to assure” have been used in translation here (cf Brown in ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 77).+2:21πᾶν ψεῦδος ( pan pseudos) is in P2 (see BART Display; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:21Cf TEV.+2:21Cf CJB.+2:22The article here is interpreted as par excellence (cf Bruce, et al, in ESS [1, 2, 3 Jn], 79). This is reflected in the translation.+2:22Lit Who is the liar, except...? EFE. For the rhetorical effect intended by the question here, see UBSHS (1 Jn), 68.+2:23A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+2:23οὐδὲ τὸν πατέρα ( oude ton patera) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore οὐδὲ ( oude) (rendered positively; cf TEV) has been used as a spacer to give extra focus to this element.+2:23Lit he does not have the Father. ME. Cf TEV.+2:23ME/IT (see BDAG, 708, sv ὁμολογέω 4.b.).+2:23καὶ τὸν πατέρα ( kai ton patera) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element. καὶ has also been used to as a spacer to the same end.+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.+2:24μενέτω ( menetō) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:24Cf Jn 5:38, 8:31, 15:7; Col 3:16.+2:24ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς ( ap’ arches) is in an embedded focal positon (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adjective has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:24ἐν τῷ υἱῷ καὶ ἐν τῷ πατρὶ ( en tō huiō kai en tō patri) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+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. The present participle here is functioning either conatively (cf, eg, HCSB, NET) or voluntatively (cf NLT), or both. This is reflected in the translation. Cf most English translations.+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. ἀληθές ( alēthes) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+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.+2:27Following the suggestion of the UBSHS in the structuring of the clause sequence here (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 75).+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.+2:28Drawing from BDAG in translation here (see BDAG, 681, sv νῦν 2.a.).+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.+2:29δίκαιός ( dikaios) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+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). γεγέννηται ( gegennētai) is in a DFE position (see BART Display), and therefore inversion has been used to give extra focus to this element.+3:1τέκνα θεοῦ ( tekna theou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this element.+3:1Lit and we are. ME (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 81).+3:2Koine Greek often uses parataxis in places where some sort of hypotactic relationship is implied, and/or where English may prefer hypotaxis (see BDAG, 494, sv καί 1.b.β-ζ.; BDF, §471; Wallace, Grammar, 19; NET Bible Notes, Mk 10:28). The second part of this verse is in an adversative/contrastive relationship with this clause. Cf ISV, NLT, TEV.+3:2τέκνα θεοῦ ( tekna theou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and therefore a spacer has been used to give extra focus to this element.+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.+3:2Or it.+3:2ὅμοιοι αὐτῷ ( homoioi auto) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+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.+3:3ἐκεῖνος ( ekeinos) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore an intensive pronoun has been used to give extra focus to this element.+3:4Drawing from BDAG in translation here (see BDAG, 840, sv ποιέω 3.c.).+3:4καὶ τὴν ἀνομίαν ( kai tēn anomian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore the implied comparison (see following note) has been used as a spacer to give extra focus to this element.+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.+3:4Cf NCV.+3:4Lit And sin is the lawlessness. ME (see preceding note).+3:5Lit that one.+3:5ἄρῃ ( arē) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+3:5οὐκ ἔστιν ( ouk estin) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb and inversion have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis. The point here is similar to 1 Jn 1:5 (cf UBSHS [1 Jn], 88).+3:5Cf 1 Jn 1:5.+3:6A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+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). μένων ( menōn) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore inversion has been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+3:6Cf 1 Co 10:13; Ga 5:16-18; Heb 4:14-16.+3:6A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+3:6IT. An adversative/contrastive relationship with the preceding clause is implied here. Cf NLT, TEV.+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.+3:7δίκαιός ( dikaios) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+3:7Lit that one.+3:7ἐκεῖνος ( ekeinos) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore an intensive pronoun has been used to give extra focus to this element.+3:8IT. An adversative/contrastive relationship with the preceding clause is implied here. Cf NLT.+3:8ἐκ τοῦ διαβόλου ( ek tou diabolou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb and italics have been used to give extra focus and emphasis to this element within the ME (see following note).+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).+3:8ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς ( ap’ arches) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore an adjective has been used to give extra focus to this element (cf CJB).+3:9A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+3:9ποιεῖ ( poiei) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion has been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+3:9σπέρμα αὐτοῦ ( sperma autou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress (with the help of a dummy subject). An emphatic adjective has also been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note).+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).+3:9ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ( ek tou theou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore the clause has been structured so as to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note). An intensive pronoun and emphatic adjective have also been used to the same end.+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.+3:10A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+3:10Lit Everyone not doing righteousness. Cf Mt 7:16; 1 Jn 3:12, 18.+3:12Cf NLT, TEV.+3:12ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ ( ek tou ponērou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), therefore italics and a comma have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+3:12πονηρὰ ( ponēra) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+3:14Cf CJB.+3:14IT (see BDAG, 327, sv ἐν 2.b.; BSL, 1 Jn 3:14, sv μένω).+3:15A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+3:15ἀνθρωποκτόνος ( anthrōpoktonos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb and adjective have been used to give extra focus to this element.+3:15This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+3:15μένουσαν ( menousan) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+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.+3:16ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ( huper hēmōn) and τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ( tēn psuchēn autou) are in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore commas have been used to give extra focus to ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, which has itself been used as a spacer to give extra focus to τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ. An emphatic adjective has also been used to give extra focus to τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ.+3:16IT. Cf NET, TEV; BDAG, 495, sv καί 1.b.ζ.+3:16ὑπὲρ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ( huper tōn adelphōn) and τὰς ψυχὰς ( tas psuchas) are in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore commas have been used to give extra focus to ὑπὲρ τῶν ἀδελφῶν, which has itself been used as a spacer to give extra focus to τὰς ψυχὰς. A possessive adjective has also been used to give extra focus to τὰς ψυχὰς.+3:17A condition is implied in the relative clause here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+3:17Lit He who has…and sees. Koine Greek often uses parataxis in places where some sort of hypotactic relationship is implied, and/or where English may prefer hypotaxis (see BDAG, 494, sv καί 1.b.β-ζ.; BDF, §471; Wallace, Grammar, 19; NET Bible Notes, Mk 10:28). Cf TEV.+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).+3:17EFE. For the rhetorical force of πῶς ( pōs) in this type of context, see BDAG, 901, sv 1.a.α-δ.+3:17ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ θεοῦ ( hē agape tou theou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to his element.+3:18IT. Cf NCV.+3:18λόγῳ ( lōgō), τῇ γλώσσῃ ( tē glōssē), ἐν ἔργῳ ( en ergō), and ἀληθείᾳ ( alētheia) are in E-O, and constitute a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT), and therefore the negative particle has been placed directly before the counterpoint in order to give extra focus to these elements. A downtoner (derived from the context; cf NLT, TEV) has also been used to the same end.+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.+3:19ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας ( ek tēs alētheias) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+3:19Lit of him.+3:19Or hearts. Cf HCSB, UBSHS (1 Jn), 104.+3:20Here, the Greek is interpreted as ὅ τι ἐὰν ( ho ti ean) (cf NASB, ESV, NIV, NRSV, RSV) rather than as ὅτι ἐὰν ( ho ti ean) (cf HCSB, ISV, NET, NLT, TEV). The gloss used in translation here is drawn from the UBSHS (see UBSHS [1 Jn], 104).+3:20Lit our hearts/consciences.+3:20μείζων ( meizōn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore adverbs have been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see note at “suppose” below).+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.+3:21μὴ καταγινώσκῃ ( mē kataginōskē) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+3:21Cf NLT.+3:21παρρησίαν ( parrēsian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adjective and repetition have been used to give extra focus to this element, which has also been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+3:22ὃ ἐὰν αἰτῶμεν ( ho ean aitōmen) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+3:22τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ ( tas entolas autou) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+3:22τὰ ἀρεστὰ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ( ta aresta enōpion autou) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore a demonstrative pronoun (in Greek, the article is a weak demonstrative), an adverb, inversion, and repetition have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+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.+3:24A condition is implied in the participle here. For more on implicit conditions in Greek, see Wallace, Grammar, 687-9.+3:24Lit his.+3:24ἐν αὐτῷ ( en autō huiō) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note).+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).+3:24ἔδωκεν ( edōken) is in an embedded DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore adverbs (cf BDAG, 242, sv δίδωμι 1) and inversion has been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.