The Meaning of 1 John 5:20 Explained

1 John 5:20

KJV: And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

YLT: and we have known that the Son of God is come, and hath given us a mind, that we may know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ; this one is the true God and the life age-during!

Darby: And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding that we should know him that is true; and we are in him that is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

ASV: And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  we know  that  the Son  of God  is come,  and  hath given  us  an understanding,  that  we may know  him that is true,  and  we are  in  him that is true,  [even] in  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  This  is  the true  God,  and  eternal  life. 

What does 1 John 5:20 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Finally, we have spiritual understanding through our anointing with the Holy Spirit ( 1 John 2:20) whom Jesus Christ sent (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16). Consequently we can come to know God intimately and can abide in God and in His Song of Solomon , Jesus Christ, who is the true God and eternal life (cf. John 14:6). The full title "His Son Jesus Christ" appears only at 1 John 1:3 as well as here in this epistle providing bookends for what John wrote (another inclusio). This verse contains one of the clearest announcements of the deity of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
"Eternal life, for John , is a relationship with the Father and the Son. It begins in the present when a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ, but it continues uninterrupted into the age to come." [1]

Context Summary

1 John 5:13-21 - Ask According To His Will
We know that we have eternal life. The rope is in our hand bearing us onward, but its ends are hidden from view in the past and in the future. We also know that God hears us when we comply with the conditions of true prayer. We know, moreover, that we can become the medium through which the life of God passes to others. Thus the humblest child may have power with God and man.
The Only-Begotten keeps the begotten. Evil can no more touch them than blight could reach the bush in the wilderness that was bathed in the celestial fire. Who would go back to the world? Enumerate and press to heart these four items of positive knowledge; but beware lest what is legitimate and natural in itself may become an idol. Love, knowledge, abiding, conquering-these are the keynotes of this wonderful letter. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 John 5

1  He who loves God loves his children, and keeps his commandments;
3  which to the faithful are not grievous
9  Jesus is the Son of God;
14  and able to hear our prayers

Greek Commentary for 1 John 5:20

Is come [ηκει]
Present active indicative, but the root has a perfect sense, “has come.” See εχηλτον και ηκω — exēlthon kai hēkō in John 8:42. [source]
An understanding [διανοιαν]
Here alone in John‘s writings, but in Paul (Ephesians 4:18) and Peter (1 Peter 1:13). John does not use γνωσις — gnōsis (knowledge) and νους — nous (mind) only in Revelation 13:18; Revelation 17:9.That we know (ινα γινωσκομεν — hina ginōskomen). Result clause with ινα — hina and the present active indicative, as is common with ινα — hina and the future indicative (John 7:3). It is possible that here ο — o was pronounced ω — ō as a subjunctive, but many old MSS. have ινα γινωσκουσιν — hina ginōskousin (plainly indicative) in John 17:3, and in many other places in the N.T. the present indicative with ινα — hina occurs as a variant reading as in John 5:20.Him that is true That is, God. Cf. 1 John 1:8.In him that is true (εν τωι αλητινωι — en tōi alēthinōi). In God in contrast with the world “in the evil one” (1 John 5:19). See John 17:3.Even in his Son Jesus Christ The αυτου — autou refers clearly to εν τωι αλητινωι — en tōi alēthinōi (God). Hence this clause is not in apposition with the preceding, but an explanation as to how we are “in the True One” by being “in his Son Jesus Christ.”This (ουτος — houtos). Grammatically ουτος — houtos may refer to Jesus Christ or to “the True One.” It is a bit tautological to refer it to God, but that is probably correct, God in Christ, at any rate. God is eternal life (John 5:26) and he gives it to us through Christ. [source]
That we know [ινα γινωσκομεν]
Result clause with ινα — hina and the present active indicative, as is common with ινα — hina and the future indicative (John 7:3). It is possible that here ο — o was pronounced ω — ō as a subjunctive, but many old MSS. have ινα γινωσκουσιν — hina ginōskousin (plainly indicative) in John 17:3, and in many other places in the N.T. the present indicative with ινα — hina occurs as a variant reading as in John 5:20. [source]
Him that is true [τον αλητινον]
That is, God. Cf. 1 John 1:8.In him that is true (εν τωι αλητινωι — en tōi alēthinōi). In God in contrast with the world “in the evil one” (1 John 5:19). See John 17:3.Even in his Son Jesus Christ The αυτου — autou refers clearly to εν τωι αλητινωι — en tōi alēthinōi (God). Hence this clause is not in apposition with the preceding, but an explanation as to how we are “in the True One” by being “in his Son Jesus Christ.”This (ουτος — houtos). Grammatically ουτος — houtos may refer to Jesus Christ or to “the True One.” It is a bit tautological to refer it to God, but that is probably correct, God in Christ, at any rate. God is eternal life (John 5:26) and he gives it to us through Christ. [source]
In him that is true [εν τωι αλητινωι]
In God in contrast with the world “in the evil one” (1 John 5:19). See John 17:3. [source]
Even in his Son Jesus Christ [εν τωι υιωι αυτου Ιησου Χριστωι]
The αυτου — autou refers clearly to εν τωι αλητινωι — en tōi alēthinōi (God). Hence this clause is not in apposition with the preceding, but an explanation as to how we are “in the True One” by being “in his Son Jesus Christ.”This (ουτος — houtos). Grammatically ουτος — houtos may refer to Jesus Christ or to “the True One.” It is a bit tautological to refer it to God, but that is probably correct, God in Christ, at any rate. God is eternal life (John 5:26) and he gives it to us through Christ. [source]
This [ουτος]
Grammatically ουτος — houtos may refer to Jesus Christ or to “the True One.” It is a bit tautological to refer it to God, but that is probably correct, God in Christ, at any rate. God is eternal life (John 5:26) and he gives it to us through Christ. [source]
An understanding [διάνοιαν]
Only here in John's writings. The faculty of understanding. See on Luke 1:51. Westcott remarks that nouns which express intellectual powers are rare in the writings of John. [source]
We may know [γινώσκομεν]
Apprehend progressively. Compare John 17:3. [source]
Him that is true [τὸν ἀληθινόν]
Compare Revelation 3:7, Revelation 3:14; Revelation 6:10. On true, see on John 1:9. “God very strangely condescends indeed in making things plain to me, actually assuming for the time the form of a man, that I at my poor level may better see Him. This is my opportunity to know Him. This incarnation is God making Himself accessible to human thought - God opening to man the possibility of correspondence through Jesus Christ. And this correspondence and this environment are those I seek. He Himself assures me, 'This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.' Do I not now discern the deeper meaning in Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent? Do I not better understand with what vision and rapture the profoundest of the disciples exclaims, 'The Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we might know Him that is true?'” (Drummond, “Natural Law in the Spiritual World”). [source]
This []
God the Father. Many, however, refer it to the Son. [source]
Eternal life []
See on 1 John 1:2. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 John 5:20

John 17:3 Might know [γινώσκωσι]
Might recognize or perceive. This is striking, that eternal life consists in knowledge, or rather the pursuit of knowledge, since the present tense marks a continuance, a progressive perception of God in Christ. That they might learn to know. Compare John 17:23; John 10:38; 1 John 5:20; 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:8.“I say, the acknowledgment of God in ChristAccepted by thy reason, solves for thee All questions in the earth and out of it,-DIVIDER-
And has so far advanced thee to be wise. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Wouldst thou improve this to reprove the proved?-DIVIDER-
In life's mere minute, with power to use that proof,-DIVIDER-
Leave knowledge and revert to how it sprung?-DIVIDER-
Thou hast it; use it, and forthwith, or die. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
For this I say is death, and the sole death,-DIVIDER-
When a man's loss comes to him from his gain,-DIVIDER-
Darkness from light, from knowledge ignorance,-DIVIDER-
And lack of love from love made manifest.”Robert Browning, “A Death in the Desert.” The relation of perception of God to character is stated in 1 John 3:2, on which see note. [source]

John 1:4 In Him was life [ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν]
He was the fountain of life - physical, moral, and eternal - its principle and source. Two words for life are employed in the New Testament: βίος and ζωὴ . The primary distinction is that ζωὴ means existence as contrasted with death, and βίος , the period, means, or manner of existence. Hence βίος is originally the higher word, being used of men, while ζωὴ is used of animals ( ζῶα ). We speak therefore of the discussion of the life and habits of animals as zoo logy; and of accounts of men's lives as bio graphy. Animals have the vital principle in common with men, but men lead lives controlled by intellect and will, and directed to moral and intellectual ends. In the New Testament, βίος means either living, i.e., means of subsistence (Mark 12:44; Luke 8:43), or course of life, life regarded as an economy (Luke 8:14; 1 Timothy 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:4). Ζωὴ occurs in the lower sense of life, considered principally or wholly as existence (1 Peter 3:10; Acts 8:33; Acts 17:25; Hebrews 7:3). There seems to be a significance in the use of the word in Luke 16:25: “Thou in thy lifetime ( ἐν τῇ ζωῇ σου ) receivedst thy good things;” the intimation being that the rich man's life had been little better than mere existence, and not life at all in the true sense. But throughout the New Testament ζωὴ is the nobler word, seeming to have changed places with βίος . It expresses the sum of mortal and eternal blessedness (Matthew 25:46; Luke 18:30; John 11:25; Acts 2:28; Romans 5:17; Romans 6:4), and that not only in respect of men, but also of God and Christ. So here. Compare John 5:26; John 14:6; 1 John 1:2. This change is due to the gospel revelation of the essential connection of sin with death, and consequently, of life with holiness. “Whatever truly lives, does so because sin has never found place in it, or, having found place for a time, has since been overcome and expelled” (Trench). Ζωὴ is a favorite word with John. See John 11:25; John 14:6; John 8:12; 1 John 1:2; 1 John 5:20; John 6:35, John 6:48; John 6:63; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:1, Revelation 22:17; Revelation 7:17; John 4:14; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:2, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 22:19; John 12:50; John 17:3; John 20:31; John 5:26; John 6:53, John 6:54; John 5:40; John 3:15, John 3:16, John 3:36; John 10:10; John 5:24; John 12:25; John 6:27; John 4:36; 1 John 5:12, 1 John 5:16; John 6:51.Was the Light of men ( ἦν τὸ φῶς τῶν ἀνθρώπων )Passing from the thought of creation in general to that of mankind, who, in the whole range of created things, had a special capacity for receiving the divine. The Light - the peculiar mode of the divine operation upon men, conformably to their rational and moral nature which alone was fitted to receive the light of divine truth. It is not said that the Word was light, but that the life was the light. The Word becomes light through the medium of life, of spiritual life, just as sight is a function of physical life. Compare John 14:6, where Christ becomes the life through being the truth; and Matthew 5:8, where the pure heart is the medium through which God is beheld. In whatever mode of manifestation the Word is in the world, He is the light of the world; in His works, in the dawn of creation; in the happy conditions of Eden; in the Patriarchs, in the Law and the Prophets, in His incarnation, and in the subsequent history of the Church. Compare John 9:5. Of men, as a class, and not of individuals only. [source]
1 Corinthians 8:3 The same is known of Him [οὗτος ἔγνωσται ὑπ ' αὐτοῦ]
The same, i.e., this same man who loves God. He does not say knows God, but implies this in the larger truth, is known by God. Compare Galatians 4:9; 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:19. Γινώσκω in New-Testament Greek often denotes a personal relation between the knower and the known, so that the knowledge of an object implies the influence of that object upon the knower. So John 2:24, John 2:25; 1 Corinthians 2:8; 1 John 4:8. In John the relation itself is expressed by the verb. John 17:3, John 17:25; 1 John 5:20; 1 John 4:6; 1 John 2:3, 1 John 2:4, 1 John 2:5. [source]
1 Corinthians 4:6 That in us ye may learn [ινα εν ημιν ματητε]
Final clause with ινα — hina and the second aorist active subjunctive of μαντανω — manthanō to learn. As an object lesson in our cases It is no more true of Paul and Apollos than of other ministers, but the wrangles in Corinth started about them. So Paul boldly puts himself and Apollos to the fore in the discussion of the principles involved. Not to go beyond the things which are written (το Μη υπερ α γεγραπται — to Mē huper ha gegraptai). It is difficult to reproduce the Greek idiom in English. The article το — to is in the accusative case as the object of the verb ματητε — mathēte (learn) and points at the words “Μη υπερ α γεγραπται — Mē huper ha gegraptai apparently a proverb or rule, and elliptical in form with no principal verb expressed with μη — mē whether “think” (Auth.) or “go” (Revised). There was a constant tendency to smooth out Paul‘s ellipses as in 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 1:26, 1 Corinthians 1:31. Lightfoot thinks that Paul may have in mind O.T. passages quoted in 1 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Corinthians 1:31; 1 Corinthians 3:19, 1 Corinthians 3:20. That ye be not puffed up Sub-final use of ινα — hina (second use in this sentence) with notion of result. It is not certain whether πυσιουστε — phusiousthe (late verb form like πυσιαω πυσαω — phusiaōινα — phusaō to blow up, to inflate, to puff up), used only by Paul in the N.T., is present indicative with ζηλουτε — hina like ινα γινωσκομεν — zēloute in Galatians 4:17 (cf. Πυσιοω — hina ginōskomen in 1 John 5:20) or the present subjunctive by irregular contraction (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 203, 342f.), probably the present indicative. πυσις — Phusioō is from πυσαω — phusis (nature) and so meant to make natural, but it is used by Paul just like πυσιαω — phusaō or πυσα — phusiaō (from εις υπερ του ενος κατα του ετερου — phusa a pair of bellows), a vivid picture of self-conceit. One for the one against the other (υπερ — heis huper tou henos kata tou heterou). This is the precise idea of this idiom of partitive apposition. This is the rule with partisans. They are “for” (κατα — huper) the one and “against” (του ετερου — kata down on, the genitive case) the other (ετεροδοχ — tou heterou not merely another or a second, but the different sort, heterodox). [source]
1 Corinthians 4:6 That ye be not puffed up [ινα μη πυσιουστε]
Sub-final use of ινα — hina (second use in this sentence) with notion of result. It is not certain whether πυσιουστε — phusiousthe (late verb form like πυσιαω πυσαω — phusiaōινα — phusaō to blow up, to inflate, to puff up), used only by Paul in the N.T., is present indicative with ζηλουτε — hina like ινα γινωσκομεν — zēloute in Galatians 4:17 (cf. Πυσιοω — hina ginōskomen in 1 John 5:20) or the present subjunctive by irregular contraction (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 203, 342f.), probably the present indicative. πυσις — Phusioō is from πυσαω — phusis (nature) and so meant to make natural, but it is used by Paul just like πυσιαω — phusaō or πυσα — phusiaō (from εις υπερ του ενος κατα του ετερου — phusa a pair of bellows), a vivid picture of self-conceit. One for the one against the other (υπερ — heis huper tou henos kata tou heterou). This is the precise idea of this idiom of partitive apposition. This is the rule with partisans. They are “for” (κατα — huper) the one and “against” (του ετερου — kata down on, the genitive case) the other (ετεροδοχ — tou heterou not merely another or a second, but the different sort, heterodox). [source]
Galatians 4:17 To shut you out [εκκλεισαι υμας]
From Christ as he will show (Galatians 5:4). That ye may seek them (ινα αυτους ζηλουτε — hina autous zēloute). Probably present active indicative with ινα — hina as in πυσιουστε — phusiousthe (1 Corinthians 4:6) and γινωσκομεν — ginōskomen (1 John 5:20). The contraction οητε — ̇oēte would be ωτε — ̇ōte not ουτε — ̇oute (Robertson, Grammar, p. 325). [source]
Galatians 4:17 That ye may seek them [ινα αυτους ζηλουτε]
Probably present active indicative with ινα — hina as in πυσιουστε — phusiousthe (1 Corinthians 4:6) and γινωσκομεν — ginōskomen (1 John 5:20). The contraction οητε — ̇oēte would be ωτε — ̇ōte not ουτε — ̇oute (Robertson, Grammar, p. 325). [source]
1 John 5:18 We know [οἴδαμεν]
John uses this appeal to knowledge in two forms: we know (1 John 3:2, 1 John 3:14; 1 John 5:18, 1 John 5:19, 1 John 5:20); ye know (1 John 2:20; 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:15). [source]
1 John 5:18 We know [οιδαμεν]
As in 1 John 3:2, 1 John 3:14; 1 John 5:15, 1 John 5:19, 1 John 5:20. He has “ye know” in 1 John 2:20; 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:15. [source]
1 John 3:5 Was manifested []
See on John 21:1. Including Christ's whole life on earth and its consequences. The idea of manifestation here assumes the fact of a previous being. John various terms to describe the incarnation. He conceives it with reference to the Father, as a sending, a mission. Hence ὁ πέμψας με Hethat sent me (John 4:34; John 6:38; John 9:4; John 12:44, etc.): ὁ πέμψας με πατήρ theFather that sent me (John 5:37; John 8:18; John 12:49, etc.): with the verb ἀποστέλλω tosend as an envoy, with a commission; God sent ( ἀπέστειλεν ) His Son (John 3:17; John 10:36; 1 John 4:10; compare John 6:57; John 7:29; John 17:18). With reference to the Son, as a coming, regarded as a historic fact and as an abiding fact. As a historic event, He came ( ἧλθεν , John 1:11); this is He that came ( ὁ ἐλθὼν , 1 John 5:6). Came forth ( ἐξῆλθον ; John 8:42; John 16:27, John 16:28; John 17:8). As something abiding in its effects, am come, hath come, is come, marked by the perfect tense: Light is come ( ἐλήλυθεν , John 3:19). Jesus Christ is come ( ἐληλυθότα , 1 John 4:2). Compare John 5:43; John 12:46; John 18:37). In two instances with ἥκω Iam come, John 8:42; 1 John 5:20. Or with the present tense, as describing a coming realized at the moment: whence I come ( ἔρχομαι , John 8:14); compare John 14:3, John 14:18, John 14:28; also Jesus Christ coming ( ἐρχόμενον , 2 John 1:7). With reference to the form: in flesh ( σάρξ ). See John 1:14; 1 John 4:2; 2 John 1:7. With reference to men, Christ was manifested (1 John 1:2; 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:8; John 1:31; John 21:1, John 21:14).|To take away ( ἵνα ἄρῃ )|See on John 1:29.|Our sins ( τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν )|Omit ἡυῶν ourCompare John 1:29, τὴν ἁμαρτίαν , the sin. The plural here regards all that is contained in the inclusive term the sin: all manifestations or realizations of sin.|In Him is no sin ( ἁμαρτία ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν )|Lit., in Him sin is not. He is essentially and forever without sin. Compare John 7:18.| [source]
1 John 2:29 Is born of Him [ἐξ αὐτοῦ γεγέννηται]
The interpreters differ as to the reference of Him; some referring it to God, and others to Christ. Against the latter is the fact that men are not said to be born of Christ, but of God; and that to be born of God is a characteristic phrase of John, while to be born of Christ is a phrase which occurs nowhere. On the other hand, the undoubted reference to Christ in 1 John 2:28, would seem to demand a similar reference here. Men are said to abide in Christ as well as in God, and to be born of the Spirit. Westcott's remark is pertinent. “When John thinks of God in relation to men, he never thinks of Him apart from Christ (see 1 John 5:20); and again, he never thinks of Christ in His human nature without adding the thought of His divine nature. Thus a rapid transition is possible from the one aspect of the Lord's divine-human person to the other.” [source]
1 John 1:7 Of Jesus Christ His Son []
Omit Christ. The human name, Jesus, shows that His blood is available for man. The divine name, His Son, shows that it is efficacious. I shall be rendering a service to students of John's Epistles by giving, in a condensed form, Canon Westcott's note, classifying the several names of our Lord and their uses in the Epistles. The name in John, as in the Bible elsewhere, has two distinct, but closely connected meanings. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
1. The Revelation of the Divine Being by a special title. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. The whole sum of the manifold revelations gathered up so as to form one supreme revelation. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The latter sense is illustrated in 3 John 1:7, where “the name” absolutely includes the essential elements of the Christian creed, the complete revelation of Christ's work in relation to God and man. Compare John 20:31; Acts 5:41. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In 1 John 2:12, the term is more limited, referring to Christ as He lived on earth and gave Himself for “the brethren.” In 1 John 3:23; 1 John 5:13, the exact sense is defined by what follows. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Actual Names Used. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(I.) His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 5:20. The divine antecedent is differently described in each case, and the difference colors the phrase. In 1 John 1:2-3, the Father (compare 1John href="/desk/?q=1jo+3:23&sr=1">1 John 3:23, God. In 1 John 5:20, He that is true. Thus the sonship of Christ is regarded in relation to God as Father, as God, and as satisfying the divine ideal which man is able to form. The whole phrase, His Son Jesus Christ, includes the two elements of the confessions which John makes prominent. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
1. Jesus is the Son of God (John 4:15; John 5:5). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. Jesus is the Christ (John 2:22; John 5:1). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The constituents of the compressed phrase are all used separately by John. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(1.) Jesus. 1 John 2:22; 1 John 5:1; 1 John 4:3(where the correct reading omits Christ). The thought is that of the Lord in His perfect historic humanity. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(2.) Christ. 2 John 1:9. Pointing to the preparation made under the old covenant. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(3). Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:1; 1 John 5:6; 2 John 1:7. Combining the ideas of true humanity and messianic position. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In 1 John 4:15, the reading is doubtful: Jesus or Jesus Christ. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
On 1 John 4:2, see note. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(4.) The Son. 1 John 2:22, 1 John 2:23, 1 John 2:24; 1 John 4:14; 1 John 5:12. The absolute relation of Sonship to Fatherhood. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(5.) The Son of God. 1 John 3:8; 1 John 5:10, 1 John 5:12, 1 John 5:13, 1 John 5:20. Compare His Son (1 John 4:10; 1 John 5:9), where the immediate antecedent is ὁ Θεός Godand 1 John 5:18, He that was begotten of God. Combination of the ideas of Christ's divine dignity and divine sonship. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(6.) Jesus His (God's) Son. 1 John 1:7. Two truths. The blood of Christ is available and efficacious. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(7). His (God's) Son, His only Son. 1 John 4:9. The uniqueness of the gift is the manifestation of love. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The Son in various forms is eminently characteristic of the First and Second Epistles, in which it occurs more times than in all Paul's Epistles. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Κύριος Lordis not found in the Epistles (omit from 2 John 1:3), but occurs in the Gospel, and often in Revelation. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The expression, the blood of Jesus His Son, is chosen with a profound insight. Though Ignatius uses the phrase blood of God yet the word blood is inappropriate to the Son conceived in His divine nature. The word Jesus brings out His human nature, in which He assumed a real body of flesh and blood, which blood was shed for us.Cleanseth ( καθαρίζει )See on Mark 7:19. Not only forgives but removes. Compare Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:13sq.; Hebrews 9:22sq.; Ephesians 5:26sq.; Matthew 5:8; 1 John 3:3. Compare also 1 John 1:9, where, forgive ( ἀφῇ ) and cleanse ( καθαρίσῃ ) occur, with an obvious difference of meaning. Note the present tense cleanseth. The cleansing is present and continuous. Alexander (Bishop of Derry) cites a striking passage from Victor Hugo (“Le Parricide”). The usurper Canute, who has had a share in his father's death, expiring after a virtuous and glorious reign, walks towards the light of heaven. But first he cuts with his sword a shroud of snow from the top of Mt. Savo. As he advances towards heaven, a cloud forms, and drop by drop his shroud is soaked with a rain of blood.All sin ( πάσης ἁμαρτίας )The principle of sin in all its forms and manifestations; not the separate manifestations. Compare all joy (James 1:2); all patience (2 Corinthians 7:12); all wisdom (Ephesians 1:8); all diligence (2 Peter 1:5). [source]

2 John 1:7 This [ουτος]
See 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22; 1 John 5:6, 1 John 5:20. [source]
2 John 1:7 Are gone forth [εχηλταν]
Second aorist active indicative of εχερχομαι — exerchomai perhaps an allusion to the crisis when they left the churches (1 John 2:19, same form).Even they that confess not (οι μη ομολογουντες — hoi mē homologountes). “The ones not confessing” (μη — mē regular negative with the participle). The articular participle describes the deceivers (πλανοι — planoi).That Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh “Jesus Christ coming in the flesh.” Present middle participle of ερχομαι — erchomai treating the Incarnation as a continuing fact which the Docetic Gnostics flatly denied. In 1 John 4:2 we have εληλυτοτα — elēluthota (perfect active participle) in this same construction with ομολογεω — homologeō because there the reference is to the definite historical fact of the Incarnation. There is no allusion here to the second coming of Christ.This (ουτος — houtos). See 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22; 1 John 5:6, 1 John 5:20.The deceiver and the antichrist Article with each word, as in Revelation 1:17, to bring out sharply each separate phrase, though one individual is referred to. The one par excellence in popular expectation (1 John 2:22), though many in reality (1 John 2:18; 3 John 1:7). [source]
2 John 1:7 That Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh [Ιησουν Χριστον ερχομενον εν σαρκι]
“Jesus Christ coming in the flesh.” Present middle participle of ερχομαι — erchomai treating the Incarnation as a continuing fact which the Docetic Gnostics flatly denied. In 1 John 4:2 we have εληλυτοτα — elēluthota (perfect active participle) in this same construction with ομολογεω — homologeō because there the reference is to the definite historical fact of the Incarnation. There is no allusion here to the second coming of Christ.This (ουτος — houtos). See 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22; 1 John 5:6, 1 John 5:20.The deceiver and the antichrist Article with each word, as in Revelation 1:17, to bring out sharply each separate phrase, though one individual is referred to. The one par excellence in popular expectation (1 John 2:22), though many in reality (1 John 2:18; 3 John 1:7). [source]
Revelation 12:6 That there they may nourish her [ινα]
Purpose clause with τρεπουσιν — hina and the present for continued action: active subjunctive according to A P though C reads τρεπεται — trephousin present active indicative, as is possible also in Revelation 13:17 and certainly so in 1 John 5:20 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 984), a solecism in late vernacular Greek. The plural is indefinite “they” as in Revelation 10:11; Revelation 11:9. One MSS. has trephetai (is nourished). The stereotyped phrase occurs here, as in Revelation 11:2., for the length of the dragon‘s power, repeated in Revelation 12:14 in more general terms and again in Revelation 13:5. [source]
Revelation 12:6 Where [οπουεκει]
Hebrew redundancy (where - there) as in Revelation 3:8; Revelation 8:9, Revelation 8:9; Revelation 13:8, Revelation 13:12; Revelation 17:9; Revelation 20:8.Prepared (ετοιμαζω — hētoimasmenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of τοπος — hetoimazō for which verb see Matthew 20:23; Revelation 8:6; Revelation 9:7, Revelation 9:15; Revelation 16:12; Revelation 19:7; Revelation 21:2, and for its use with απο του τεου — topos John 14:2. and for the kind of fellowship meant by it (Psalm 31:21; 2 Corinthians 13:13; Colossians 3:3; 1 John 1:3).Of God “From (by) God,” marking the source as God (Revelation 9:18; James 1:13). This anticipatory symbolism is repeated in Revelation 12:13.That there they may nourish her (ινα — hina ekei trephōsin autēn). Purpose clause with τρεπουσιν — hina and the present for continued action: active subjunctive according to A P though C reads τρεπεται — trephousin present active indicative, as is possible also in Revelation 13:17 and certainly so in 1 John 5:20 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 984), a solecism in late vernacular Greek. The plural is indefinite “they” as in Revelation 10:11; Revelation 11:9. One MSS. has trephetai (is nourished). The stereotyped phrase occurs here, as in Revelation 11:2., for the length of the dragon‘s power, repeated in Revelation 12:14 in more general terms and again in Revelation 13:5. [source]
Revelation 12:6 Of God [ινα εκει τρεπωσιν αυτην]
“From (by) God,” marking the source as God (Revelation 9:18; James 1:13). This anticipatory symbolism is repeated in Revelation 12:13.That there they may nourish her (ινα — hina ekei trephōsin autēn). Purpose clause with τρεπουσιν — hina and the present for continued action: active subjunctive according to A P though C reads τρεπεται — trephousin present active indicative, as is possible also in Revelation 13:17 and certainly so in 1 John 5:20 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 984), a solecism in late vernacular Greek. The plural is indefinite “they” as in Revelation 10:11; Revelation 11:9. One MSS. has trephetai (is nourished). The stereotyped phrase occurs here, as in Revelation 11:2., for the length of the dragon‘s power, repeated in Revelation 12:14 in more general terms and again in Revelation 13:5. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 John 5:20 mean?

We know now that the Son - of God is come and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who [is] TRUE we are in Him who [is] TRUE the Son of Him Jesus Christ He is TRUE God life eternal
οἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ἥκει καὶ δέδωκεν ἡμῖν διάνοιαν ἵνα γινώσκωμεν τὸν ἀληθινόν ἐσμὲν ἐν τῷ ἀληθινῷ τῷ Υἱῷ αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ οὗτός ἐστιν ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς ζωὴ αἰώνιος

οἴδαμεν  We  know 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: οἶδα  
Sense: to see.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
Υἱὸς  Son 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: υἱός  
Sense: a son.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἥκει  is  come 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἥκω  
Sense: to have come, have arrived, be present.
δέδωκεν  has  given 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: διδῶ 
Sense: to give.
ἡμῖν  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
διάνοιαν  understanding 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: διάνοια  
Sense: the mind as a faculty of understanding, feeling, desiring.
ἵνα  so  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
γινώσκωμεν  we  may  know 
Parse: Verb, Present Subjunctive Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: γινώσκω  
Sense: to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel.
τὸν  Him  who  [is] 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀληθινόν  TRUE 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀληθινός  
Sense: that which has not only the name and resemblance, but the real nature corresponding to the name, in every respect corresponding to the idea signified by the name, real, true genuine.
ἐσμὲν  we  are 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
τῷ  Him  who  [is] 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀληθινῷ  TRUE 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀληθινός  
Sense: that which has not only the name and resemblance, but the real nature corresponding to the name, in every respect corresponding to the idea signified by the name, real, true genuine.
Υἱῷ  Son 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: υἱός  
Sense: a son.
αὐτοῦ  of  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
Ἰησοῦ  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
Χριστῷ  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
ἀληθινὸς  TRUE 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀληθινός  
Sense: that which has not only the name and resemblance, but the real nature corresponding to the name, in every respect corresponding to the idea signified by the name, real, true genuine.
Θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ζωὴ  life 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ζωή  
Sense: life.
αἰώνιος  eternal 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: αἰώνιος  
Sense: without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be.