Devine Scripture

1 John 2:28

What does 1 John 2:28 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 2:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 2:28 means

John returns to the central exhortation: “abide in him.” Persevering fellowship with Christ prepares believers for His manifestation—His return. The aim is confidence, not shrink­ing back in shame “at his coming.” Living near to Jesus now yields boldness then. This hope purifies and steadies. John includes himself—“we may have boldness”—showing pastoral identification with his readers. The verse looks forward to Christ’s second coming, reminding the church that present perseverance has future significance. Continuance in Christ today shapes our posture on that day when He is openly revealed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And now, my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And now, my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And now, my children, keep your hearts in him; so that at his revelation, we may have no fear or shame before him at his coming.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And now, little children, remain in him, that when he may be manifested, we may have boldness, and may not be ashamed before him, in his presence;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear we may have confidence and not be confounded by him at his coming.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And now, children, abide in him, that if he be manifested we may have boldness, and not be put to shame from before him at his coming.

Context

Coming off the assurance of the Spirit’s anointing (verse 27), John exhorts believers to remain in Christ so that His appearing will meet them with boldness (verse 28). This eschatological note ties back to the “last hour” theme (verse 18). The final verse, 29, will add a practical evidence of abiding relationship: those who know the righteous One display righteousness in their lives, introducing the next chapter’s focus on being God’s children.

v.27And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him.

v.28This passage

v.29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one also that doeth righteousness is begotten of him.

Cross references

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

  • 1 John 4:17

    Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world.

  • 1 Peter 1:7

    that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

  • Isaiah 45:17

    But Israel shall be saved by Jehovah with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be put to shame nor confounded world without end.

  • Malachi 3:2

    But who can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:

  • Mark 8:38

    For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come.

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