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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 John 2:12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven through His name.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/2-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/62_1Jn_02_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 2:12 - A New Commandment" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven through His name." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_john/2-11.htm" title="1 John 2:11">◄</a> 1 John 2:12 <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm" title="1 John 2:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_john/2.htm">New International Version</a> I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. <a href="/nlt/1_john/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. <a href="/esv/1_john/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. <a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven through His name. <a href="/blb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I am writing to you, little children, because the sins have been forgiven you for the sake of His name. <a href="/kjv/1_john/2.htm">King James Bible</a> I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. <a href="/nkjv/1_john/2.htm">New King James Version</a> I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. <a href="/nasb_/1_john/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you on account of His name. <a href="/nasb/1_john/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name&#8217s sake. <a href="/nasb77/1_john/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. <a href="/lsb/1_john/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. <a href="/amp/1_john/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I am writing to you, little children (believers, dear ones), because your sins have been forgiven for His name’s sake [you have been pardoned and released from spiritual debt through His name because you have confessed His name, believing in Him as Savior]. <a href="/csb/1_john/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I am writing to you, little children, since your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. <a href="/hcsb/1_john/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven because of Jesus&#8217 name. <a href="/asv/1_john/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. <a href="/cev/1_john/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Children, I am writing you, because your sins have been forgiven in the name of Christ. <a href="/erv/1_john/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. <a href="/gwt/1_john/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I'm writing to you, dear children, because your sins are forgiven through Christ. <a href="/gnt/1_john/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> I write to you, my children, because your sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ. <a href="/isv/1_john/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. <a href="/msb/1_john/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven through His name. <a href="/net/1_john/2.htm">NET Bible</a> I am writing to you, little children, that your sins have been forgiven because of his name. <a href="/nheb/1_john/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. <a href="/wbt/1_john/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. <a href="/wey/1_john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I am writing to you, dear children, because for His sake your sins are forgiven you. <a href="/web/1_john/2.htm">World English Bible</a> I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_john/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I write to you, little children, because sins have been forgiven you through His Name; <a href="/blb/1_john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I am writing to you, little children, because the sins have been forgiven you for the sake of His name. <a href="/ylt/1_john/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I write to you, little children, because the sins have been forgiven you through his name; <a href="/slt/1_john/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I write to you, little children, for your sins are let go for his name.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_john/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. <a href="/cpdv/1_john/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I am writing to you, little sons, because your sins are forgiven for the sake of his name. <a href="/nabre/1_john/2.htm">New American Bible</a> I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake. <a href="/nrsvce/1_john/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_john/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I write to you, children, that your sins have been forgiven you because of his Name.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_john/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I write to you, little children, because your sins are for given for his name's sake. <a href="/godbey/1_john/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven through his name. <a href="/haweis/1_john/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name?s sake. <a href="/mace/1_john/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I write to you, dear children, because your sins are forgiven you upon the account of Christ. <a href="/wey/1_john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I am writing to you, dear children, because for His sake your sins are forgiven you. <a href="/worrell/1_john/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> I write to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake. <a href="/worsley/1_john/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I write unto you, little children, because for his sake your sins are forgiven you: <a href="/parallel/1_john/2-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=214" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_john/2.htm">A New Commandment</a> …11But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 12<a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: Graphō (V-PIA-1S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">I am writing</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/5040.htm" title="5040: teknia (N-VNP) -- A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings.">little children,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartiai (N-NFP) -- From hamartano; a sin.">sins</a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: apheōntai (V-RIM/P-3P) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">have been forgiven</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onoma (N-ANS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">name.</a> 13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a> Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/colossians/1-14.htm">Colossians 1:14</a> in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. <a href="/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/acts/13-38.htm">Acts 13:38-39</a> Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. / Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. <a href="/psalms/103-12.htm">Psalm 103:12</a> As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. <a href="/isaiah/43-25.htm">Isaiah 43:25</a> I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more. <a href="/hebrews/8-12.htm">Hebrews 8:12</a> For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.” <a href="/luke/24-47.htm">Luke 24:47</a> and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. <a href="/romans/4-7.htm">Romans 4:7-8</a> “Blessed are they whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” <a href="/jeremiah/31-34.htm">Jeremiah 31:34</a> No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.” <a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18-19</a> Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea. <a href="/mark/2-5.htm">Mark 2:5</a> When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">2 Corinthians 5:19</a> that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. <a href="/daniel/9-9.htm">Daniel 9:9</a> To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him <a href="/psalms/32-1.htm">Psalm 32:1-2</a> Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.write.<a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">1 John 2:7,13,14,21</a> Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning… <a href="/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4</a> And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.little.<a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">1 John 2:1</a> My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:your.<a href="/1_john/1-7.htm">1 John 1:7,9</a> But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin… <a href="/psalms/32-1.htm">Psalm 32:1,2</a> A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered… <a href="/luke/5-20.htm">Luke 5:20</a> And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.for.<a href="/psalms/25-11.htm">Psalm 25:11</a> For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.<a href="/psalms/106-8.htm">Psalm 106:8</a> Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.<a href="/jeremiah/14-7.htm">Jeremiah 14:7</a> O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">Account</a> <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/james/5-15.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">Little</a> <a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Name's</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/1_john/2-2.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/1_john/2-8.htm">Write</a> <a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">Account</a> <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/leviticus/4-20.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/exodus/10-17.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">Little</a> <a href="/3_john/1-7.htm">Name's</a> <a href="/2_john/1-2.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/1_john/3-4.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">Write</a> <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 2</div>1. <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">He comforts them against the sins of infirmity.</a> 3. <a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;</a> 9. <a href="/1_john/2-9.htm">to love our brothers;</a> 15. <a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">and not to love the world.</a> 18. <a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">We must beware of antichrists;</a> 20. <a href="/1_john/2-20.htm">from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>I am writing to you, little children The term "little children" is a term of endearment used by the Apostle John, reflecting his pastoral care and authority. It indicates a close, familial relationship between John and his readers, who are likely a mix of new believers and those who are spiritually immature. This phrase also echoes Jesus' own use of "little children" in passages like <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3</a>, emphasizing humility and dependence on God. The use of "writing" suggests the importance of the written word in preserving apostolic teaching and combating false doctrines, a significant concern in the early church.because your sins have been forgiven The forgiveness of sins is a central tenet of Christian faith, rooted in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This assurance of forgiveness is foundational for believers, providing peace and reconciliation with God. The concept of forgiveness is deeply embedded in the Old Testament, with the sacrificial system pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ (<a href="/hebrews/9-22.htm">Hebrews 9:22</a>). The perfect tense used here indicates a completed action with ongoing effects, underscoring the permanence and sufficiency of Christ's atonement.through His name The phrase "through His name" highlights the authority and power inherent in the name of Jesus. In biblical times, a name was more than a label; it represented the essence and authority of a person. <a href="/acts/4-12.htm">Acts 4:12</a> affirms that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. This underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. The name of Jesus is central to Christian prayer, worship, and identity, reflecting His divine nature and redemptive work.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of the letter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth. 2. <a href="/topical/l/little_children.htm">Little Children</a> A term of endearment used by John to address believers, indicating a familial relationship and spiritual immaturity or dependence. 3. <a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_of_sins.htm">Forgiveness of Sins</a> The central theme of this verse, highlighting the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/h/his_name.htm">His Name</a> Refers to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the authority and power inherent in His name for the forgiveness of sins.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_forgiveness.htm">Understanding Forgiveness</a> Recognize that forgiveness is a gift from God, granted through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is not earned by works but received by faith. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> As "little children," believers are reminded of their identity as part of God's family, emphasizing the intimate relationship with the Father through Jesus. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_jesus'_name.htm">The Power of Jesus' Name</a> Reflect on the authority and power of Jesus' name in granting forgiveness and transforming lives. This should inspire confidence and assurance in our salvation. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_forgiveness.htm">Living in Forgiveness</a> Embrace the freedom that comes from knowing your sins are forgiven. This should lead to a life of gratitude, obedience, and love towards God and others. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_spiritual_growth.htm">Encouragement in Spiritual Growth</a> As spiritual "children," believers are encouraged to grow in their faith, understanding, and relationship with God, moving towards spiritual maturity.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_john/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) THE THINGS THEY MUST NOT LOVE IF THEY WALKED IN THE LIGHT (<a href="/context/1_john/2-12.htm" title="I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.">1John 2:12-17</a>).--The solemnity of the thoughts of <a href="/1_john/2-9.htm" title="He that said he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now.">1John 2:9</a>; <a href="/1_john/2-11.htm" title="But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not where he goes, because that darkness has blinded his eyes.">1John 2:11</a> is too much for the warm heart of the Apostle. He cannot bear even to seem to suggest that his "dear little children" are shrouded in the gloomy horrors of moral darkness, haunted by the faithful memories of their sins, and enticed hither and thither by the malevolent spirits of evil. He will warn them with the most tender and pitiful affection against the wicked one, the world, the flesh, the follies and vanities of the human heart; but first he will show them frankly what he thinks of them, what he hopes of them, the trust he places in them, the grounds which he takes for granted in writing to them.(12) I write unto you, little children.--The arrangement of these triplets should be prefaced by saying that the last "I write," in <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm" title="I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.">1John 2:13</a>, is, according to the best reading, "I wrote," or "I have written;" and that the "little children" of <a href="/1_john/2-12.htm" title="I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.">1John 2:12</a> is the same word as that which he used in <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm" title="My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:">1John 2:1</a> for the whole class of his readers, and is therefore quite general, but that the "little children" of <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm" title="I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.">1John 2:13</a> is a different, word, meaning children in age. So we get:-- . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 12-14. - Before passing on to the second thing which walking in the light excludes, viz. love of the world (verses 15-17), the apostle twice makes a threefold address, first stating why he writes γράφω, and secondly why he wrote ἔγραψα, to the three classes named. This suggests several questions. (1) What is the difference between "I write" (or, "am writing") and "I wrote" (or, "have written;" for this is a case where the English perfect may represent the Greek aorist)? Five answers are given. (a) The change is made for emphasis: "I write; I wrote; there is nothing more to be said." But in this case the past tense should come first: "I wrote; I write it again." Moreover, we should expect the perfect rather than the aorist, as in ο{ γέγραφα γέγραφα. (b) "I write" refers to what follows; "I wrote," to what precedes. And some have even tried to find out the three different portions in each part of the Epistle; e.g., "I write to you, little children" (<a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a>); "to you, fathers" (<a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">1 John 2:18-27</a>); "to you, young men" (<a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">1 John 2:28-3:22</a>): "I wrote to you, children" (<a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5-7</a>); "to you, fathers" (chapter 1:8-2:2); "to you, young men" (<a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3-11</a>). But this is fanciful and very arbitrary; and in this case also the past tense should come first: "I have written thus far to you; again I proceed to write to you." . . . <a href="/commentaries/1_john/2-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I am writing Γράφω (Graphō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. to you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. little children, τεκνία (teknia) Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5040.htm">Strong's 5040: </a> A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [your] αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sins ἁμαρτίαι (hamartiai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. have been forgiven ἀφέωνται (apheōntai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. name. ὄνομα (onoma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_john/2-12.htm">1 John 2:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_john/2-12.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 2:12 I write to you little children because (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/2-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 2:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 2:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/2-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 2:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 2:13" /></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>