1 John 2:13
New International Version
I 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.

New Living Translation
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one.

English Standard Version
I 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 write to you, children, because you know the Father.

Berean Standard Bible
I 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.

Berean Literal Bible
I am writing to you, fathers because you have known 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, little children, because you know the Father.

King James Bible
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

New King James Version
I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who 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.

New American Standard Bible
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been 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.

NASB 1995
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been 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.

NASB 1977
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been 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.

Legacy Standard Bible
I am writing to you, fathers, because you have known Him who has been 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 have known the Father.

Amplified Bible
I am writing to you, fathers [those believers who are spiritually mature], because you know Him who has existed from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men [those believers who are growing in spiritual maturity], because you have been victorious and have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children [those who are new believers, those spiritually immature], because you have come to know the Father.

Christian Standard Bible
I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know the One who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have had victory over the evil one.

American Standard Version
I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father.

Contemporary English Version
Parents, I am writing you, because you have known the one who was there from the beginning. Young people, I am writing you, because you have defeated the evil one.

English Revised Version
I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him which is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I'm writing to you, fathers, because you know Christ who has existed from the beginning. I'm writing to you, young people, because you have won the victory over the evil one.

Good News Translation
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you have defeated the Evil One.

International Standard Version
I am writing to you, fathers, because you have known the one who has existed from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have overcome the evil one.

Majority Standard Bible
I 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 am writing to you, children, because you know the Father.

NET Bible
I am writing to you, fathers, that you have known him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, that you have conquered the evil one.

New Heart English Bible
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, little children, because you know the Father.

Webster's Bible Translation
I write to you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

Weymouth New Testament
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has existed from the very 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.

World English Bible
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, little children, because you know the Father.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who [is] from the beginning; I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil [one]; I write to you, little youths, because you have known the Father;

Berean Literal Bible
I am writing to you, fathers because you have known 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, little children, because you know the Father.

Young's Literal Translation
I write to you, fathers, because ye have known him who is from the beginning; I write to you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil. I write to you, little youths, because ye have known the Father:

Smith's Literal Translation
I write to you, fathers, for ye have known him from the beginning. I write to you, young men, for ye have conquered the evil. I write to you, young children, for ye have known the Father.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him, who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I am writing to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, adolescents, because you have overcome the evil one.

New American Bible
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one.

New Revised Standard Version
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I write to you, fathers, that you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, that you have conquered The Evil One. I write to you children, that you have known The Father.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
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, my little children, because you have known the Father.

Godbey New Testament
I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have conquered the wicked one. I have written unto you, little children, because you have known the Father.

Haweis New Testament
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

Mace New Testament
I write to you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked spirit. I write to you, little children, because ye have known the father.

Weymouth New Testament
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has existed from the very 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.

Worrell New Testament
I write to you, fathers, because ye have known Him Who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because ye have conquered the evil one. I wrote to you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

Worsley New Testament
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning: and I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. Yea I have written to you, little children, because ye have known the Father:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A New Commandment
12I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven through His name. 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. 14I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.…

Cross References
John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

John 8:44
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.

John 17:14
I have given them Your word and the world has hated them. For they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Colossians 1:12-14
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. / He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, / in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Revelation 12:9-11
And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. / And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God. / They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death.

Matthew 13:38
The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,

2 Corinthians 2:11
in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Hebrews 2:14
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,

Romans 8:15-17
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” / The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. / And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Galatians 4:6
And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Psalm 8:2
From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.

Isaiah 14:12-15
How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. / You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

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.

fathers.

1 John 2:14
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

1 Timothy 5:1
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

because.

1 John 2:3,4
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments…

1 John 5:20
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.

Psalm 91:14
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

him that.

1 John 1:1
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

young.

1 John 2:14
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Psalm 148:12
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

because.

1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 5:4,5
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith…

Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might…

the wicked.

1 John 3:12
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

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1 John 2
1. He comforts them against the sins of infirmity.
3. Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;
9. to love our brothers;
15. and not to love the world.
18. We must beware of antichrists;
20. from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life.














I am writing to you
This phrase indicates the apostle John's direct and personal communication with his audience. The Greek verb "grapho" (γράφω) is used here, emphasizing the act of writing as a means of preserving and conveying truth. In the historical context, writing was a primary method for ensuring the teachings of the apostles were accurately transmitted to the early church. This phrase underscores the importance of written Scripture as a foundation for Christian doctrine and life.

fathers
The term "fathers" (Greek: πατέρες, pateres) is used here to denote those who are mature in the faith, likely referring to older, spiritually mature men within the community. This reflects a respect for the wisdom and experience that comes with age and spiritual maturity. In a broader scriptural context, "fathers" can also symbolize those who have a deep, abiding relationship with God, akin to the patriarchs of the Old Testament.

because you know Him who is from the beginning
This phrase highlights the intimate and experiential knowledge ("ginosko" in Greek) that these "fathers" have of God. "Him who is from the beginning" refers to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His eternal nature and pre-existence, as seen in John 1:1. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, rooted in a deep, personal connection with Christ, who is the Alpha and Omega.

young men
The term "young men" (Greek: νεανίσκοι, neaniskoi) refers to those who are in the prime of their spiritual vigor and strength. Historically, this group would have been seen as the defenders and active workers within the church, full of zeal and energy. This demographic is crucial for the growth and dynamism of the Christian community, representing the future of the church.

because you have overcome the evil one
The phrase "you have overcome" (Greek: νενικήκατε, nenikēkate) is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. This victory over "the evil one" (Satan) is achieved through faith in Christ, as seen in 1 John 5:4-5. The historical context of early Christianity involved significant spiritual warfare, and this assurance of victory would have been a powerful encouragement to believers facing persecution and temptation. This overcoming is not by human strength but through the power of Christ, who has already defeated the forces of darkness.

Verse 13. - Because ye know (literally, have come to know, as in verses 3, 4) him that is from the beginning τὸν ἀπ ἀρχῆς. The context respecting Christ's Name and ο{ η΅ν ἀπ ἀρχῆς (1 John 1:1) show that the Word and not the Father is meant. A more perfect knowledge of Jesus as the Eternal Word, and no mere aeon or emanation from the Deity, is the special prerogative of the aged Christian; and such are fit recipients of the ἀγγελία of the apostle. No less fit, but for a different reason, are the younger among his readers. To fight is the lot of the young soldier; and a victorious warfare against Satan is the distinction of youthful Christians. They have got the better of that evil one in whose power the whole world lies (1 John 3:12; 1 John 5:18, 19; John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11). Not that the warfare is over, but that it is henceforth warfare with a defeated enemy. Hence they also have a right to share in the apostolic message. I wrote (or, have written) to you, children, because ye know (or, have come to know) the Father. The reading ἔγραψα must be preferred to γράφω, on overwhelming evidence, both external and internal. The second triplet begins here, and this sentence should have been given to verse 14. It is difficult to determine what is meant by the change from τεκνία to παισία. Τεκνία occurs once with μου (verse 1), and six times without μου in the Epistle, and once in the Gospel (John 13:33), the probable source of this form of address. Παιδία occurs in verse 18 (see note) and John 21:5, and nowhere else in the New Testament as a form of address. Probably both words are applied to the whole of St. John's readers. Some would limit παιδία to actual children; but in that case we should expect a different order - children, young men, fathers; or fathers, young men, children. These "children" know the Father to whom they have been reconciled by forgiveness of sins; they have become his adopted sons through the Name of his own Son (verse 12).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I am writing
Γράφω (Graphō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

to you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

fathers,
πατέρες (pateres)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you know
ἐγνώκατε (egnōkate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

Him who [is]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[the] beginning.
ἀρχῆς (archēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 746: From archomai; a commencement, or chief.

I am writing
Γράφω (Graphō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

to you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

young men,
νεανίσκοι (neaniskoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3495: A young man, youth, an attendant. From the same as neanias; a youth.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you have overcome
νενικήκατε (nenikēkate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3528: To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

evil [one].
πονηρόν (ponēron)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

I have written
Ἔγραψα (Egrapsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

to you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

children,
παιδία (paidia)
Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3813: Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you know
ἐγνώκατε (egnōkate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Father.
Πατέρα (Patera)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.


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NT Letters: 1 John 2:13 I write to you fathers because you (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)
1 John 2:12
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