1 John 2:18
What does 1 John 2:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 John 2:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 John 2:18 means
John addresses his readers as “little children” and declares, “it is the last hour.” In biblical perspective, the time from Christ’s first coming until His return is the final phase of God’s redemptive plan. Evidence of this is the rise of “many antichrists”—teachers opposing and replacing Christ—just as they had heard of a coming ultimate opponent. Their presence signals urgency and discernment. False christologies are not minor errors; they mark opposition to God’s Son. John wants believers alert: the age is advanced, the light is shining, and deceptive voices multiply. Cling to what you have heard from the beginning.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Little children, it is the last hour; and as you were given word that the Antichrist would come, so now a number of Antichrists have come to you; and by this we are certain that it is the last hour.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Little youths, it is the last hour; and even as ye heard that the antichrist doth come, even now antichrists have become many--whence we know that it is the last hour;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Little children, it is the last hour: and as you have heard that Antichrist cometh, even now there are become many Antichrists: whereby we know that it is the last hour.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Little children, it is [the] last hour, and, according as ye have heard that antichrist comes, even now there have come many antichrists, whence we know that it is [the] last hour.
Context
Verses 18–19 shift from inner temptations to external deceivers. John situates the church’s struggle in the “last hour,” marked by many antichrists. He will explain in verse 19 how their departure from the fellowship reveals their true nature. Then, in verses 20–21, he will reassure believers that they possess an anointing from the Holy One, enabling them to know and remain in the truth despite such challenges.
v.17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
v.18This passage
v.19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
- Mark 13:21
And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there; believe it not:
- 1 John 2:22
Who is the liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, even he that denieth the Father and the Son.
- Jude 1:18
that they said to you, In the last time there shall be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.
- Hebrews 1:2
hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;
- Acts 20:29
I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;
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