1 John 2:13
What does 1 John 2:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 John 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 John 2:13 means
John acknowledges distinct stages of growth. To “fathers,” he writes because they “know him who is from the beginning”—a deep, seasoned knowledge of the eternal Son. To “young men,” he writes because they “have overcome the evil one”—they are engaged and victorious in spiritual conflict. To “little children,” he writes because they “know the Father”—the simple, vital intimacy of God’s children. These affirmations dignify every stage of the Christian life. Whether mature, battling, or newly assured, all stand in real knowledge of God through Christ, who is eternal and who grants victory over the adversary.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am writing to you, fathers, because you have knowledge of him who was from the first. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the Evil One. I have sent a letter to you, children, because you have knowledge of the Father.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I write to you, fathers, because ye have known him who <FI>is<Fi> from the beginning; I write to you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil. I write to you, little youths, because ye have known the Father:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I write to you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked [one]. I write to you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
Context
This verse begins a poetic triad of affirmations (continued in verse 14), undergirding believers with what God has done in them. John’s aim is to strengthen before warning. The repetition that follows will reinforce the same truths with slight expansion. With identity affirmed, John will exhort them not to misplace their love on the transient world (verses 15–17), a temptation for every stage of growth.
v.12I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
v.13This passage
v.14I 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.
- Psalms 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
- 1 John 2:3
And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
- 1 John 3:12
not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.
- 1 John 2:14
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.
- Joel 2:28
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
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