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1 John 2:21 I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_john/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because any lie is not of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie [nothing false, no deception] is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I did not need to write you about the truth, since you already know it. You also know that liars do not belong to the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I'm writing to you because you know the truth, not because you don't know the truth. You know that no lie ever comes from the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I write you, then, not because you do not know the truth; instead, it is because you do know it, and you also know that no lie ever comes from the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because lies don't come from truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you that you do not know the truth, but that you do know it, and that no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I have not written to you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I have written to you, not because you are ignorant of the truth, but because you know it, and you know that nothing false comes from the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I did not write to you because you have not known the truth, but because you have known it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because any lie is not of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I did not write to you because ye have not known the truth, but because ye have known it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I have not written to you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I have not written to you as to them that know not the truth, but as to them that know it: and that no lie is of the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I have not written to you as to ones who are ignorant of the truth, but as to ones who know the truth. For no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I have written to you not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie comes out of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and that no lie is from the truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />I have not written unto you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and that no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />I have not written to you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />I have not written to you, as to people unacquainted with the truth of the gospel: but as to such who know it, and know that it cannot give rise to any imposture.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I have written to you, not because you are ignorant of the truth, but because you know it, and you know that nothing false comes from the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />I did not write to you because ye know not the truth; but because ye know it, and because no falsehood is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />I have not <i>therefore</i> written to you, because ye know not the truth; but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/2-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=321" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm">Beware of Antichrists</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: egrapsa (V-AIA-1S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">I have not written</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidate (V-RIA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">you lack knowledge</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheian (N-AFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidate (V-RIA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">you have</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēn (PPro-AF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">it,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pan (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole."></a> <a href="/greek/5579.htm" title="5579: pseudos (N-NNS) -- A lie, falsehood, untruth; false religion. From pseudomai; a falsehood.">lie</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">comes</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheias (N-GFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a></span><br />You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:10-12</a></span><br />and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-25.htm">Romans 1:25</a></span><br />They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a></span><br />I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7-8</a></span><br />who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. / Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">1 John 4:6</a></span><br />We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-20.htm">1 John 5:20</a></span><br />And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a></span><br />“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Ephesians 4:21</a></span><br />Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3-6</a></span><br />“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. / “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-4.htm">Isaiah 59:4</a></span><br />No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-142.htm">Psalm 119:142</a></span><br />Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/8-16.htm">Zechariah 8:16</a></span><br />These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I have not written to you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.</p><p class="hdg">because ye know not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a></b></br> A wise <i>man</i> will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8,9</a></b></br> Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Romans 15:14,15</a></b></br> And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Common</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">Ignorant</a> <a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/1_john/2-8.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_john/2-20.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">Write</a> <a href="/1_john/2-14.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Common</a> <a href="/ezra/7-25.htm">Ignorant</a> <a href="/1_john/2-27.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/1_john/2-26.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_john/2-27.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/1_john/2-26.htm">Write</a> <a href="/1_john/2-26.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">He comforts them against the sins of infirmity.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-9.htm">to love our brothers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">and not to love the world.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">We must beware of antichrists;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/2-20.htm">from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_john/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth</b><br>John addresses his audience, affirming their understanding of the truth. This suggests a community well-versed in Christian doctrine, likely familiar with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The early church faced challenges from false teachings, such as Gnosticism, which claimed secret knowledge. John's reassurance indicates that his readers are grounded in the truth of the Gospel, contrasting with those who might be swayed by heretical ideas. This echoes Jesus' words in <a href="/john/8-32.htm">John 8:32</a>, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," emphasizing the liberating power of genuine knowledge of Christ.<p><b>but because you have it</b><br>John's affirmation that his readers possess the truth highlights the importance of spiritual discernment. This possession of truth is not merely intellectual but experiential, rooted in a relationship with Christ. The truth here is synonymous with the message of Jesus, who declared Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). The early church's emphasis on apostolic teaching ensured that believers were equipped to recognize and reject falsehoods. This phrase underscores the confidence John has in their spiritual maturity and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth (<a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a>).<p><b>and because no lie comes from the truth</b><br>This statement underscores the absolute nature of truth in Christian theology. Truth and falsehood are mutually exclusive; one cannot originate from the other. This dichotomy is central to the biblical worldview, where God is the source of all truth, and Satan is described as the "father of lies" (<a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a>). The early church was vigilant against false teachings that distorted the Gospel. John's assertion serves as a reminder that any teaching contrary to the apostolic message is inherently false. This principle is foundational for maintaining doctrinal purity and is echoed in Paul's exhortation to the Galatians to reject any gospel contrary to what they received (<a href="/galatians/1-8.htm">Galatians 1:8-9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_recipients.htm">The Recipients</a></b><br>Believers in the early Christian community, likely facing challenges from false teachings and needing reassurance in their faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a></b><br>Individuals spreading deceptive doctrines, possibly Gnosticism, which denied fundamental truths about Jesus Christ.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The broader context in which these letters were circulated, a time of growth and doctrinal formation for Christianity.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_truth.htm">The Truth</a></b><br>Central to John's message, representing the authentic teachings of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_knowing_the_truth.htm">The Importance of Knowing the Truth</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to be grounded in the truth of the Gospel. This knowledge protects us from deception and strengthens our faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_incompatibility_of_truth_and_lies.htm">The Incompatibility of Truth and Lies</a></b><br>Truth and falsehood cannot coexist. We must be vigilant in discerning and rejecting any teachings or beliefs that contradict the truth of Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. We should rely on His leading to understand and apply God's Word in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_false_teachings.htm">Guarding Against False Teachings</a></b><br>In a world filled with conflicting messages, we must be diligent in studying Scripture and testing all teachings against the truth of God's Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_truth.htm">Living Out the Truth</a></b><br>Our lives should reflect the truth we profess. This means living with integrity, honesty, and love, as a testimony to the truth of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_brotherhood_of_light.htm">What is the Brotherhood of Light?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_so_many_theological_disagreements.htm">If the Holy Spirit guides believers into truth, why are there so many theological disagreements?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_every_statement_true_or_false.htm">Is every statement either true or false?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_you_honor_god_with_your_body.htm">What do we speak that we know?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - The first <span class="greek">οὐκ</span> belongs to <span class="greek">ὅτι</span>, not to <span class="greek">ἔγραψα</span>: I wrote to you, not because ye know not, etc. It does not mean "I omitted to write to you because ye know not." Whatever meaning we give to the aorists in verses 13, 14 need not be retained here. There is here no abrupt change from present to aorist. Moreover, verse 26 limits this <span class="greek">ἔγραψα</span> to the present section. What in verse 20 is spoken of as "all things" (assuming <span class="greek">πάντα</span> to be right) is here spoken of as "the truth." St. John writes to well-instructed Christians, to adults in the faith. It is precisely because they "know the truth" that he addresses them, especially to warn them against antichrists. We are in doubt whether <span class="greek">καὶ ὅτι</span>, depends upon <span class="greek">ἔγραψα</span> ("and because")or upon <span class="greek">οἴδατε</span> ("and that"). The former is better; it introduces a second reason for his writing. Some take <span class="greek">ὅτι</span>, in all three places as "that" after <span class="greek">ἔγραψα</span>: "I did not write to you and say that ye know not the truth, but that ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth." Every lie is fundamentally and <span class="accented">ab origine</span> <span class="greek">ἐκ</span> separate from the truth; and hence his readers will easily recognize lies and liars, for they know the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/2-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">I have not written</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔγραψα</span> <span class="translit">(egrapsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you lack knowledge</span><br /><span class="grk">οἴδατε</span> <span class="translit">(oidate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">truth,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλήθειαν</span> <span class="translit">(alētheian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> </span><span class="str2">From alethes; truth.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλ’</span> <span class="translit">(all’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have</span><br /><span class="grk">οἴδατε</span> <span class="translit">(oidate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">it,</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτήν</span> <span class="translit">(autēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lie</span><br /><span class="grk">ψεῦδος</span> <span class="translit">(pseudos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5579.htm">Strong's 5579: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lie, falsehood, untruth; false religion. From pseudomai; a falsehood.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">comes</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῆς</span> <span class="translit">(tēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">truth.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀληθείας</span> <span class="translit">(alētheias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> </span><span class="str2">From alethes; truth.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/2-21.htm">1 John 2:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/2-21.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 2:21 I have not written to you because (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/2-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 2:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 2:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/2-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 2:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 2:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>