2 John 1:9
What does 2 John 1:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 John 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 John 1:9 means
John sets a clear test: anyone who runs ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ “has not God.” Progress that abandons the apostolic doctrine is no progress at all. To remain in Christ’s teaching is to hold fast to the truth about His person and work—fully the Son, come in the flesh—and to live accordingly. The one who abides has communion with both the Father and the Son, showing their inseparable unity. Fellowship with God is bound to fidelity to Christ’s teaching. This guards the church from spiritual-sounding innovations that actually sever people from God by leaving behind what He has revealed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Anyone who goes on and does not keep to the teaching of Christ, has not God: he who keeps to the teaching has the Father and the Son.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862every one who is transgressing, and is not remaining in the teaching of the Christ, hath not God; he who is remaining in the teaching of the Christ, this one hath both the Father and the Son;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whosoever revolteth and continueth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. He that continueth in the doctrine, the same hath both the Father and the Son.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Whosoever goes forward and abides not in the doctrine of the Christ has notGod. He that abides in the doctrine, he has both the Father and the Son.
Context
This verse supplies the theological core of the warning section (vv. 7–11). After calling for vigilance (v. 8), John names the criterion of true fellowship with God—abiding in Christ’s teaching. It lays the groundwork for the next practical directive (v. 10): how to respond to those who do not bring this teaching. The flow is logical: identify error, be watchful, define true doctrine, then set relational boundaries to protect the flock and honor God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.
- Titus 2:10
not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
- John 7:16
Jesus therefore answered them, and said, My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me.
- Matthew 11:27
All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him.
- John 15:6
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
- Hebrews 3:14
for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end: