1 John 2:14
What does 1 John 2:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 John 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 John 2:14 means
John repeats and expands his encouragement. “Fathers” again are commended for knowing “him who is from the beginning,” stressing the enduring, unchanging Christ at the center of mature faith. “Young men” are praised for being strong, not in themselves but because “the word of God abideth in you,” and thus they “have overcome the evil one.” Strength for victory comes from Scripture dwelling within. This internalized word equips them to resist lies and temptations. The repetition strengthens assurance: whatever their stage, they are anchored in the eternal Christ and supplied with the abiding word for ongoing spiritual battle.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have sent a letter to you, fathers, because you have knowledge of him who was from the first. I have sent a letter to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God is in you, and because you have overcome the Evil One.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I did write to you, fathers, because ye have known him who <FI>is<Fi> 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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I 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 ofGod abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked [one].
Context
With the community’s identity and resources affirmed, John is ready to address a competing love. Verses 15–17 will command believers not to love the world’s system and desires. The contrast is sharp: those who know the eternal One and have His word abiding must not be captured by what is passing away. This warning flows naturally from the praise of spiritual strength—true strength expresses itself in rightly ordered love.
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.
v.14This passage
v.15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
- Hebrews 8:10
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, And on their heart also will I write them: And I will be to them a God, And they shall be to me a people:
- Revelation 2:3
and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name’s sake, and hast not grown weary.
- Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
- John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
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