1 John 2:14
New International Version
I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

New Living Translation
I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.

English Standard Version
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Berean Standard Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Berean Literal Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

King James Bible
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

New King James Version
I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.

New American Standard Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

NASB 1995
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

NASB 1977
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Legacy Standard Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Amplified Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has existed from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the word of God remains [always] in you, and you have been victorious over the evil one [by accepting Jesus as Savior].

Christian Standard Bible
I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, God’s word remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the One who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, God’s word remains in you, and you have had victory over the evil one.

American Standard Version
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the evil one.

Contemporary English Version
Children, I am writing you, because you have known the Father. Parents, I am writing you, because you have known the one who was there from the beginning. Young people, I am writing you, because you are strong. God's message is firm in your hearts, and you have defeated the evil one.

English Revised Version
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him which is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the evil one.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I've written to you, children, because you know the Father. I've written to you, fathers, because you know Christ, who has existed from the beginning. I've written to you, young people, because you are strong and God's word lives in you. You have won the victory over the evil one.

Good News Translation
I write to you, my children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong; the word of God lives in you, and you have defeated the Evil One.

International Standard Version
I have written to you, little children, because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have known the one who has existed from the beginning. I have written to you, young people, because you are strong and because God's word remains in you and you have overcome the evil one.

Majority Standard Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

NET Bible
I have written to you, children, that you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, that you have known him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young people, that you are strong, and the word of God resides in you, and you have conquered the evil one.

New Heart English Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young people, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Webster's Bible Translation
I have written to you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Weymouth New Testament
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has existed from the very beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong and God's Message still has a place in your hearts, and you have overcome the Evil one.

World English Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I wrote to you, fathers, because you have known Him who [is] from the beginning; I wrote to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil [one].

Berean Literal Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Young's Literal Translation
I did write to you, fathers, because ye have known him who is from the beginning; I did write to you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God in you doth remain, and ye have overcome the evil.

Smith's Literal Translation
I wrote to you, fathers, for ye have known him from the beginning. I wrote to you, young men, for ye are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and ye have conquered the evil.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I write unto you, babes, because you have known the Father. I write unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I am writing to you, little children, because you have known the Father. I am writing to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

New American Bible
I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.

New Revised Standard Version
I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I have written to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I have written to you, fathers, that you have known him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, that you are strong, and the word of God dwells in you and you have conquered The Evil One.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I have written to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

Godbey New Testament
I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Haweis New Testament
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him, who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Mace New Testament
I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked spirit.

Weymouth New Testament
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has existed from the very beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong and God's Message still has a place in your hearts, and you have overcome the Evil one.

Worrell New Testament
I wrote to you, fathers, because ye have known Him Who is from the beginning. I wrote to you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and ye have conquered the evil one.

Worsley New Testament
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning: and I have written to you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one---

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A New Commandment
13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. 14I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.…

Cross References
Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...

John 15:7
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Psalm 119:11
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 4:4
he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9
These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. / Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ...

Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Psalm 1:2-3
But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.


Treasury of Scripture

I have written to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God stays in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

fathers.

1 John 2:13
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

because ye are.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

the word.

Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

John 5:38
And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

John 8:31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

ye have overcome.

Revelation 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

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1 John 2
1. He comforts them against the sins of infirmity.
3. Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;
9. to love our brothers;
15. and not to love the world.
18. We must beware of antichrists;
20. from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life.














I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning.
This phrase addresses the mature believers, referred to as "fathers," highlighting their deep, experiential knowledge of God, who is eternal and unchanging. The term "from the beginning" connects to the opening of John's Gospel (John 1:1), emphasizing the eternal nature of Christ. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, reflecting a long-standing faith journey. The "fathers" are likely those who have been in the faith for a significant time, having witnessed the growth and challenges of the early church. Their wisdom and experience are vital for guiding younger believers.

I have written to you, young men, because you are strong,
The "young men" symbolize those who are vigorous and active in their faith. Their strength is not just physical but spiritual, indicating a robust and dynamic relationship with God. This strength is necessary for spiritual warfare, as they face the challenges and temptations of the world. The imagery of strength is reminiscent of passages like Ephesians 6:10-17, where believers are called to put on the full armor of God. This strength is a result of their commitment to living out their faith actively and courageously.

and the word of God abides in you,
The abiding of the word of God signifies a deep internalization of Scripture, which is central to the believer's life. This phrase underscores the importance of Scripture in providing guidance, wisdom, and strength. The concept of "abiding" suggests a continuous, living relationship with God's word, as seen in John 15:7, where Jesus speaks of abiding in Him and His words abiding in believers. This abiding presence empowers believers to discern truth from falsehood and to live in accordance with God's will.

and you have overcome the evil one.
This victory over the evil one, Satan, is a testament to the power of faith and the indwelling word of God. The concept of overcoming is a recurring theme in John's writings, as seen in Revelation 12:11, where believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. This victory is not achieved by human effort alone but through the strength and authority given by Christ. It reflects the triumph of light over darkness, a central theme in the Johannine corpus, and assures believers of their ultimate victory in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Fathers
Refers to mature believers who have a deep, experiential knowledge of God, emphasizing their spiritual maturity and wisdom.

2. Young Men
Symbolizes those who are spiritually strong and vigorous, actively engaged in spiritual warfare and overcoming evil.

3. The Evil One
Represents Satan, the adversary of believers, whom the young men have overcome through their strength in Christ.

4. The Word of God
The divine truth and teachings of Scripture that dwell within believers, empowering them to overcome evil.

5. The Beginning
Refers to the eternal nature of Christ, emphasizing His pre-existence and foundational role in creation and redemption.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Maturity and Knowledge
Mature believers, like the "fathers," are called to deepen their knowledge of God, which comes from a lifelong relationship with Him.

Strength in Youth
Young believers are encouraged to harness their spiritual vigor and strength, using it to stand firm against the adversary.

The Power of God's Word
The indwelling word of God is a powerful tool for overcoming temptation and evil. Believers should immerse themselves in Scripture.

Victory Over Evil
Through Christ, believers have the power to overcome the evil one. This victory is not by human strength but through reliance on God's power.

Intergenerational Encouragement
The church benefits from the wisdom of the mature and the strength of the young. Both are essential for a thriving spiritual community.Verse 14. - The address to the fathers remains unchanged; their claim to Gospel and to Epistle is the same. The address to the young men is enlarged; their claim to the Gospel is that they are strong to fight, have God's revelation of himself as a permanent possession in their hearts, and have won victories over Satan. The context and John 5:38 and John 10:35 utterly forbid us from understanding ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ of the "living Personal Lord" (cf. John 17:6, 14, 17; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 20:4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I have written
Ἔγραψα (Egrapsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

to you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

fathers,
πατέρες (pateres)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you know
ἐγνώκατε (egnōkate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

Him who [is]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[the] beginning.
ἀρχῆς (archēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 746: From archomai; a commencement, or chief.

I have written
Ἔγραψα (Egrapsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

to you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

young men,
νεανίσκοι (neaniskoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3495: A young man, youth, an attendant. From the same as neanias; a youth.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you are
ἐστε (este)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

strong,
ἰσχυροί (ischyroi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2478: Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word
λόγος (logos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

abides
μένει (menei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

you have overcome
νενικήκατε (nenikēkate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3528: To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

evil [one].
πονηρόν (ponēron)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.


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NT Letters: 1 John 2:14 I have written to you fathers because (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)
1 John 2:13
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