Devine Scripture

1 John 2:12

What does 1 John 2:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 2:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 2:12 means

John pauses to reassure the whole church—“my little children”—that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s name’s sake. Their standing with God does not depend on fluctuating feelings or performance but on the worth and work of Jesus. This reminder steadies tender consciences after stern tests. Forgiveness is a present reality, grounded in the Savior’s name, which represents His person and saving mission. John writes not to unsettle true believers, but to anchor them afresh in gospel certainty, so they can receive both admonition and warning without despair.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I am writing to you, my children, because you have forgiveness of sins through his name.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I write to you, little children, because the sins have been forgiven you through his name;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I write to you, children, because [your] sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

Context

After warning about hatred and darkness, John turns to pastoral encouragement (verses 12–14). He addresses the church in affectionate terms, then speaks to groups at different maturity levels—fathers, young men, and children—affirming what is true of them in Christ. This reassurance frames the serious exhortation that follows in verses 15–17, where he warns against loving the world. The pattern is intentional: identity in Christ first, then the call to live consistently with that identity.

v.11But he that hateth his brother is in the darkness, and walketh in the darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.

v.12This passage

v.13I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 13:38

    Be it known unto you therefore, brethren, that through this man is proclaimed unto you remission of sins:

  • 1 John 2:7

    Beloved, no new commandment write I unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: the old commandment is the word which ye heard.

  • Colossians 1:14

    in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins:

  • 1 John 2:1

    My 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:

  • Luke 5:20

    And seeing their faith, he said, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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