1 John 2:1
What does 1 John 2:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 John 2:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 John 2:1 means
John addresses his readers tenderly and explains his purpose: to promote a life free from sin. Yet he also recognizes believers still falter. When we do, our hope is not our own defense but a divine Advocate—Jesus Christ the righteous. He stands before the Father on our behalf. His righteousness, not ours, answers the charge of sin. This does not excuse sin; it reassures penitent believers that forgiveness and restoration are available through Christ’s faithful intercession. The verse holds together two truths: a serious call to holiness and a strong comfort for those who stumble and look to Jesus.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
KJV
King James Version · 1611My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may be without sin. And if any man is a sinner, we have a friend and helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, the upright one:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862My little children, these things I write to you, that ye may not sin: and if any one may sin, an advocate we have with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. But if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My children, these things I write to you in order that ye may not sin; and if any one sin, we have a patron with the Father, Jesus Christ [the] righteous;
Context
Coming out of the previous chapter’s call to confess sin and walk in the light, John begins with pastoral assurance and exhortation. He wants Christians to avoid sin, but he grounds their assurance in Jesus’ advocacy. This sets up verse 2, which explains the basis of that advocacy—Christ’s atoning work. From there, John will move to tests of genuine fellowship, showing how knowing Christ expresses itself in obedient living and love, against the backdrop of false claims and deceiving teachers.
v.1This passage
v.2and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 10:22
All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth who the Son is, save the Father; and who the Father is, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him.
- 1 Peter 4:1
Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
- 1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.
- 1 John 1:3
that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ:
- John 5:14
Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee.
- Psalms 4:4
Stand in awe, and sin not: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. [Selah
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